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Disability awareness training for disability professionals
1The Virginia School of the Deaf and the Blind, Hampton 23661, USA. pollypeterson@compuserve.com
Disability and Rehabilitation
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Professionals working with disabled individuals may lose sensitivity due to prolonged exposure. Continuous disability awareness training is crucial for maintaining workplace empathy and effective accommodations.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Workplace Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1992 mandated hiring and accommodations for disabled individuals in the US.
- Disability sensitivity training is increasingly important for businesses and government organizations.
- Awareness gaps persist, even within organizations serving the disabled.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ongoing need for disability sensitivity training.
- To address the potential for "inurement" among professionals working with disabled populations.
- To underscore the importance of attitude changes and ongoing training.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of workplace dynamics.
- Case study of the Virginia School of the Deaf and Blind.
- Review of the impact of the Americans with Disability Act.
Main Results:
- Professionals can become desensitized to the challenges faced by disabled individuals.
- Lack of sensitivity can be a problem even in specialized organizations.
- Verbal and non-verbal sensitivity in the workplace remains a critical issue.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged exposure can lead to a diminished sense of empathy among professionals.
- Regular disability awareness training is essential to counteract desensitization.
- Maintaining sensitivity is vital for fostering inclusive and supportive work environments.