Disability discrimination has a complex and troubling history, stretching back to times when individuals with disabilities were marginalized, misunderstood, and, in some cases, exploited for entertainment. A vivid example is the 19th-century entertainment world, particularly through P.T. Barnum’s American Museum. This museum, depicted in the film The Greatest Showman, showcased people with disabilities in “freak shows,” where individuals with conditions like dwarfism, gigantism, and unique physical traits were displayed as curiosities. Performers, such as “General Tom Thumb,” were marketed as wonders, reinforcing a societal view of people with disabilities as “other” rather than as human beings with talents and dignity.
Barnum’s museum eventually succumbed to two fires, one in 1865 and another in 1868, marking the end of this form of spectacle-focused entertainment. However, the underlying issues of discrimination and misunderstanding did not disappear. In fact, they continue to influence societal views on disability today. Last year, disability discrimination claims accounted for 36% of all complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), making it the second most frequently filed claim. This persistent statistic reflects an ongoing struggle for individuals with disabilities in the workplace, despite progress in civil rights and disability inclusion.
Drawing from my own experience, I had the privilege of working with approximately 400 individuals with disabilities over a span of nearly 14 years. This firsthand experience deeply shaped my passion for disability rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Witnessing the resilience and talent of people with both mental and physical disabilities was profoundly rewarding, fueling my commitment to promoting equal access and advocacy. This work highlighted the importance of challenging lingering biases and advocating for inclusive practices in today’s workplaces.
Disability discrimination has a complex and troubling history, stretching back to times when individuals with disabilities were marginalized, misunderstood, and, in some cases, exploited for entertainment. A vivid example is the 19th-century entertainment world, particularly through P.T. Barnum’s American Museum. This museum, depicted in the film The Greatest Showman, showcased people with disabilities in “freak shows,” where individuals with conditions like dwarfism, gigantism, and unique physical traits were displayed as curiosities. Performers, such as “General Tom Thumb,” were marketed as wonders, reinforcing a societal view of people with disabilities as “other” rather than as human beings with talents and dignity.
Barnum’s museum eventually succumbed to two fires, one in 1865 and another in 1868, marking the end of this form of spectacle-focused entertainment. However, the underlying issues of discrimination and misunderstanding did not disappear. In fact, they continue to influence societal views on disability today. Last year, disability discrimination claims accounted for 36% of all complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), making it the second most frequently filed claim. This persistent statistic reflects an ongoing struggle for individuals with disabilities in the workplace, despite progress in civil rights and disability inclusion.
Drawing from my own experience, I had the privilege of working with approximately 400 individuals with disabilities over a span of nearly 14 years. This firsthand experience deeply shaped my passion for disability rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Witnessing the resilience and talent of people with both mental and physical disabilities was profoundly rewarding, fueling my commitment to promoting equal access and advocacy. This work highlighted the importance of challenging lingering biases and advocating for inclusive practices in today’s workplaces.
If you’re looking to develop the same passion for ADA that drives me, I invite you to join my FMLA/ADA/PDA/PWFA 2-Day Certificate Program! Together, we’ll dive deep into these essential areas of compliance, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact.
Elga Lejarza
Founder/CEO
HRDevelop.com
