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Protecting and Advocating for the Rights of Texans with Disabilities Since 1977

October 2021 Newsletter: Inclusive Workplaces

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time for our country to recognize the value that people with disabilities bring to their employers and to commit to creating inclusive workplaces every day of the year.

Inclusive Workplaces: Good for Business According to a study by a division of the National Institutes of Health, workplaces that include people with disabilities have improved profits, less turnover, and competitive advantages. Also, people with disabilities who are employed by companies with inclusive work cultures experience improved income and quality of life, increased self-confidence, and a sense of community. Want to help your workplace become more inclusive? Learn how with this Employer Toolkit developed by the Job Accommodations Network (JAN)

Your Rights at Work Our Employment Discrimination handout answers the following questions you may have about your rights at work: What are the laws that protect people with disabilities in the workplace, and how do those laws define disability? Can a potential or current employer ask me about my disability? Should I tell my employer that I have a disability? What actions by an employer might be considered discriminatory? What can I do if I think my employer has discriminated against me? Understanding your rights at work will help you advocate for what you need so you can be successful on the job.

Asking Your Employer for Accommodations One section of our Employment Discrimination handout answers questions about how to ask for an accommodation at work including: What is a reasonable accommodation? Do I have to ask for one and if so, how do I go about it? Can my employer make me provide medical documentation if I ask for an accommodation? To learn more, you can also participate in our Workplace Accommodations Legal Clinic on October 29 which includes an online presentation by one of our employment rights lawyers followed by an opportunity to meet privately with an attorney by Zoom to discuss disability employment issues. Registration is required for the webinar, and a separate form must be completed to schedule the attorney meeting. Don't miss this rare opportunity to meet with one of attorneys without having to go through our usual intake process. Visit our website to find out how to sign up for the webinar and an appointment.

Providing Documentation for Work Accommodations Medical professionals play an important role in helping their patients receive the workplace accommodations they need. Our new video for healthcare providers addresses four main things to know when providing medical documentation for an accommodation request. We will be working in the weeks to come to distribute the video to medical staff throughout Texas. We also have added to our website sample letters medical professionals can use.

Your recurring donation to DRTx helps create an inclusive society for children and adults with disabilities who deserve the same opportunities in life as everyone.

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Take a few minutes to complete our community survey to let us know what issues you are current facing because of your disability. Your answers help us plan our work for the next few years and allow us to focus on what is most important to you. Those who complete the survey can enter for the chance to win a $25 gift card in our monthly drawing! Statewide Intake Line: 1.800.252.9108 Sign Language Video Intake Line: 1.866.362.2851 Purple Video Intake Line: 1-512-271-9391 If you can't call during our regular intake hours which are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. or can't get through due to high call volume, you can complete our online intake form available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DRTX Quick Links: Donate  Volunteer Disability Rights Self-Advocacy Resources Our Website:  www.DRTx.org

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Disability Rights Texas (previously named Advocacy Inc.) is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Visit www.DRTx.org for more information.