Disability management and the Disability Discrimination Act

This article examines the implications that the Disability Discrimination Act is likely to have for existing organisational practices relating to the treatment of employees who acquire a disability during the course of their employment. Drawing on claims experience under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the authors conclude that if employers are to minimise their legal difficulties they need to adopt a proactive approach to disability management, encompassing both preventive and remedial strategies. They further suggest that the HR function is the best place to locate responsibility for ensuring that such an approach is adopted and effectively implemented.