Rosenberger, M. G. (2001). Absenteeism and the ADA: The Limits and the Loopholes. Catholic University Law Review, 50(4), 957–975. 

University of Notre Dame

While there are disability policies put in place to accommodate for disabilities in the workplace, many people with disabilities are still experiencing challenges in their occupational opportunities due to others' misconceptions. 

Disability in the Workplace

Bonaccio, S., Connelly, C. E., Gellatly, I. R., Jetha, A., &amp; Martin Ginis, K. A. (2019). The participation of people with disabilities in the workplace across the employment cycle: Employer concerns and research evidence. Journal of Business and Psychology, 35(2), 135–158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-018-9602-5 

The Participation of People with Disabilities in the Workplace Across the Employment Cycle: Employer Concerns and Research Evidence

- In the U.S., 34.9% of individuals with disabilities are employed compared to 76% of those without disabilities.
- In Canada, 49% of individuals with disabilities are employed compared to 79% of those without disabilities.
- In the EU, 47.3% of individuals with disabilities are employed compared to 66.9% of those without disabilities.
- The WHO Shows varying numbers across different countries but an overall lower employment for those with disabilities.

Statistics on Workers with Disabilities

Employees with disabilities are more likely to be subject to "underemployment, involuntary part-time or contingent employment, and lower than average salaries" (Bonaccio, et al.).  Even with legislation put in place to protect disability rights and opportunities, people with disabilities still experience lower employment participation than those without disabilities. This trend can be attributed to employers' pessimistic views concerning said employees' abilities.

Employment Participation for Workers With Disabilities 

While the ADA has instituted protections toward the job security of people with disabilities, courts’ differing interpretations of the act’s protections against those needing and seeking accommodations, especially those with chronic or unpredictable disabilities. 

ADA Loopholes and Limitations

Absenteeism and the ADA: The Limits and the Loopholes 

Vuong, T. D., Wei, F., &amp; Beverly, C. J. (2015). Absenteeism due to functional limitations caused by seven common chronic diseases in US workers. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 57(7), 779–784. https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0000000000000452 

Absenteeism Due to Functional Limitations Caused by Seven Common Chronic Diseases in US Workers

According to the Milken Institute (using 2003 NCS-R data), Americans took roughly 3.6 billion days off within a two-year span due to health-related reasons, leading to an estimated \$127 billion loss. Vuong, Wei, and Beverly (2015) focus on how functional limitations due to chronic diseases relate to the loss of workdays and economic income. Notably, many people with chronic illnesses do not experience impediments to their daily activities; such functional limitations vary based on the type and severity of the condition, along with other personal factors.

Absenteeism Due to Chronic Disease Functional Limitations

Early- and late-onset disabilities have significantly different impacts on employment outcomes. Research indicates that disability onset also affects secondary educational attainment, which in turn influences an individual's long-term work capacity and eligibility for disability benefits (Loprest & Maag, 2007).

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