Affiliations: Program in Patient Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA | Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
VCU Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA | Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Brian T. McMahon, Ph.D., Department
of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box
980330, Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. Tel.: +1 804 827 0917; Fax: +1 804 828
1321; E-mail: bmcbull@vcu.edu
Abstract: Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the employment discrimination experience of Americans
with disfigurement is documented. Key dimensions of workplace discrimination
involving Americans with disfigurement and persons with missing limbs are
compared and contrasted. Specifically, the researchers examine demographic
characteristics of Charging Parties; the industry designation, location and
size of Respondents/employers; the discrimination Issue (i.e., type of adverse
action) alleged to occur; and the legal outcome or Resolution of these
allegations. Charging Parties with disfigurement who are female or between 30
and 39 years of age are more likely to encounter employment discrimination than
their counterparts with missing limbs. Harassment and Non-wage Benefits are the
Issues that emerge in higher proportion. Allegations derived from persons with
disfigurement are more common in among mid-size employers, those located in the
South, or those in Retail or Service industries. Following investigation,
allegations derived from persons with disfigurement are less likely to have
Merit Resolutions than those brought by Charging Parties with missing
limbs.
