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Supporting Co-Workers with Disabilities

Name: Supporting Co-Workers with Disabilities
Rating: 4.3 (149 reviews)

This course is for leaders, managers, and anyone who wants to be an ally to employees with disabilities.

Created byAlex Genadinik, Rob Wechsler, SHRM-CP

Last updated 9/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

How to support colleagues with disabilities in the workplace
Make your workplace more inclusive and welcoming! Create a better team!
Understand the explicit difference(s) between 'disabled' and 'disability'
The ADA and its role in workplace accommodations and discrimination prevention
Self Advocacy in the workplace
Disclosing an exceptionality/disability in the Workplace
PERSONALIZED HELP from the instructor: Join OFFICE HOURS Zoom call with the instructor and students to ask questions directly
WORLD-CLASS student support: I answer 99% of student questions within 24 hours

Course content

6 sections • 15 lectures • 47m total length

Introduction and welcome1:57
Foster inclusive workplaces by mastering disability etiquette, communicating respectfully, supporting coworkers with disabilities, and applying the ADA to requests for accommodations.
Inclusion and why it matters in workplaces4:39
Foster disability inclusion in the workplace by addressing unconscious bias, providing accommodations, and implementing HR-led training. Explore accessible hiring, DEI strategies, EEOC audits, and the importance of documentation.
Visible vs. non-apparent disabilities0:58
Learn the differences between visible and non-apparent disabilities and why terms like invisible disability are being phased out, to foster inclusive workplaces through current terminology.
Disability etiquette3:56
Apply disability etiquette by using person-first language, respecting privacy around disability disclosure, and seeking consent before helping others. Focus on transferable skills and appropriate accommodations to build an inclusive workplace.

Accommodations3:48
Understand how to provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, navigate cost considerations and retaliation protections, and apply compliant outreach and accessibility practices guided by the Job Advocacy Network.
Citing the ADA when requesting accommodations5:27
Cite the ADA requirements when requesting accommodations and document each step to prevent discrimination. Follow EEOC guidelines and use the five-step accommodation guide, keeping records and assessing safety or reassignment.
Dealing with organizational pushback in response to your request2:33
Learn how to handle organizational pushback to accommodations by citing the ADA, reviewing the accommodation request form, documenting every step, and considering options including changing roles or pursuing legal action.
Who to talk with if you believe your ADA request was wrongfully denied2:19
Learn who to talk to when an ada accommodation is denied, starting with your manager, then HR, and a designated third party per policy; legal action isn't the only recourse.

Creating DEI Initiatives that include those with disabilities3:23
Explore creating dei initiatives that include people with disabilities, address barriers, reduce stigma, and secure top-down leadership buy-in. Highlight employment gaps and foster inclusive leadership.
Why workplace buy-in is important for DEI initiatives to succeed2:23
Drive dei initiatives from the top down by securing executive buy-in, modeling inclusive behavior, and boosting inclusion for people with disabilities while reducing turnover and replacement costs.
Increasing workplace buy-in on DEI initiatives4:08
Raise DEI buy-in for disabilities through immersive training, panels, and diverse speakers to model inclusive conduct, build empathy, and implement proactive, actionable DEI plans with cross-functional collaboration.

Why you cannot ask an employee if they have a condition/disability1:48
Avoid asking about disability disclosures in applications; respect each employee's choice to disclose, and center on transferable skills to foster inclusion.
The proper way to disclose/self-identify your disability/exceptionality2:42
Learn how to disclose your disability in the workplace, including which disclosures relate to accommodation requests. Access English and Spanish eeoc forms and resources, and consult equip for equality.

Requirements

There are no prerequisites in this course - just an open mind and a love for learning.

Description

NOTE: The laws and regulations mentioned in this course are for United States.

In an inclusive and diverse workplace, it is crucial to provide support and accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure equal opportunities and a thriving work environment. This course is designed to empower employers, managers, and coworkers with the knowledge and skills needed to create an inclusive workplace where all employees can excel.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Understanding Disabilities

Gain a deep understanding of various disabilities, including physical, sensory, cognitive, and invisible disabilities. We will explore the unique challenges and strengths that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace.

Legal Framework and Regulations

We will also discuss some of the important laws that affect workers with disabilities and workers with disability rights and workplace accommodations. Participants will become familiar with national laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. We will discuss the responsibilities of employers in providing reasonable accommodations and ensuring non-discrimination.

Creating an Inclusive Workplace

Discover how to cultivate an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities. Topics include:

Fostering a culture of respect and empathy.
Effective communication strategies.
Promoting accessibility and universal design principles.
Building diverse and inclusive teams.

Reasonable Accommodations

Understanding and implementing reasonable accommodations is essential for supporting employees with disabilities. This module covers:

Identifying reasonable accommodations based on individual needs.
Providing assistive technologies and adaptive tools.
Modifying job tasks and roles.
Handling requests for accommodations professionally and promptly.

Building Inclusive Teams

Diversity and inclusion go hand in hand, and this module focuses on strategies for building diverse and inclusive teams. Participants will learn how to:

Attract and retain diverse talent.
Leverage the unique perspectives of each team member.
Create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Course Benefits

Upon completing this course, participants will:

Gain a deep understanding of various disabilities and their impact on individuals in the workplace.
Comprehend the legal framework and regulations governing disability rights and workplace accommodations.
Possess the knowledge and tools to create an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and promotes equality.
Be equipped to identify and implement reasonable accommodations effectively.
Learn strategies to support mental health and well-being in the workplace.
Acquire skills to build diverse and inclusive teams that drive innovation and productivity.
Access a network of professionals committed to workplace inclusion.

Join us in creating workplaces where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential. Enroll in the course and be a catalyst for positive change in your organization and community. Together, we can make inclusivity the norm, not the exception.

Who this course is for:

Those wishing to advocate for themselves and other colleagues with exceptionalities in the workplace

Supporting Co-Workers with Disabilities

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction and welcome4 lectures • 12min

Accommodations4 lectures • 14min

Employee Engagement and Empowerment3 lectures • 10min

Self-Identification of Disabilities2 lectures • 5min

Examples and case studies1 lecture • 5min

Conclusion1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: