Disabilities misconceptions and employment: Integrating advocacy perspective and rehabilitation

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on misconceptions held by employers and businesses about people with disabilities, which constitutes barriers to their full workplace participation. Designed to provide for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) more significantly provided for improving their employment opportunities. Enacted a decade ago in 1990, the ADA, however, has not moved fast enough in increasing employment opportunities for many of its intended populations. This article discusses demography of people with disabilities, employment issues, and misconceptions associated with disabilities. It discusses integrating an advocacy perspective in rehabilitation counseling.