Perceived discrimination occurs in all aspects of work for individuals with visual impairments as evidenced by charges filed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Before this study, there had not been an examination of discrimination charges filed from individuals with visual impairments following the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Therefore, the impact of the new legislature, intended to better protect against workplace discrimination, on this population was unknown.
The purpose of this study was to identify specific aspects of work to focus education and resources regarding perceived discrimination from individuals with visual impairments. Grouping the EEOC’s recognized employment rights violations into four themes target specific demands and skills needed for success in the workplace. This includes job acquisition, job satisfaction, job retention, and ‘other discrimination’ issues. The research question that guided this study was ‘Are there differences between discrimination charges filed with the EEOC before and after the enactment of the ADAAA regarding a visual impairment?’
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