How can I help managers understand the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Q: I am the only HR person in a small business. How can I help our managers understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Small business is an important driver in our economy and a very attractive option for job seekers, including people with disabilities. However, because a small business typically has less support from human resource professionals, it may have fewer supports to help it understand how best to include people with disabilities in its workforce.

A recent study by the Northeast ADA Center at Cornell University found that small businesses need support to understand the cost of accommodation and how best to provide appropriate accommodations, how to talk about disability, and how to communicate company policies that support employees with disabilities.

The Small Business at Work Toolkit was designed by the Northeast ADA Center to break down key components of the ADA into an easy-to-use resource for small businesses. With the toolkit, you can learn more about the benefits of a business that includes people with disabilities, understand what constitutes a disability, and consider some of the myths about disability that can make including people with disabilities in a small business difficult. The Toolkit also explains some ADA requirements in simple language. Share the link with business owners, managers, and employees so that they can understand how and why to include people with disabilities in your small business.