Beyond the Myths about Disabilities and Risks

This booklet presents risk management strategies for organizations employing people with disabilities. First, the booklet contrasts common beliefs (such as that disabilities are obvious) with actual facts and their implications for risk management. It then discusses several risk management-related exceptions in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such as the permitted exclusion of an individual if the placement would create a "direct threat" to health or safety, and it reviews the ADA's relationship to public health and safety laws. General risk management strategies are identified, including the importance of careful job analysis and position descriptions prior to selecting an individual, provision of necessary training to reduce hazards, emergency preparedness, and community relations. Suggestions are offered for the following specific disabilities: mobility and other physical impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive impairments, and psychiatric impairments. A brief list of disability organizations is attached as is a list of risk management publications for community-serving organizations.