When Looks Deceive: Detecting and Accommodating Invisible Disabilities
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five American adults has a disability. Employees may appear completely healthy, but in reality may be dealing with invisible afflictions (e.g., debilitating pain, cognitive challenges, learning differences, mental health disorders, or other conditions). Those with no visible impairment or assistive devices may still present accommodation needs. This session will explore best practices for detecting and accommodating invisible disabilities, including strategies for educating co-workers and addressing attendance or other issues.
Learning Objectives:
- Legal protections for individuals suffering from disabilities in the workplace.
- Available resources and means for working through these issues, including manager/co-worker communications and analysis of reasonable accommodations.
- Real-world scenarios to help develop practical skills in addressing workplace issues involving mental health and other latent medical conditions.
Lara de Leon, Esq.
Lara is an experienced trial lawyer and client advocate. Her extensive career has involved representing companies of all sizes, across many industries, in all aspects of employment law. Lara has successfully defended clients in the courtroom, before administrative agencies, and on appeal.
In addition to litigation, Lara has spent her two-plus decades of experience partnering with clients to counsel them through complex issues involving discrimination, retaliation, accommodation, and wage and hour compliance. Lara has also developed a passion for guiding clients through high-stakes matters involving pay equity, harassment, leave of absence and accommodations. Lara has had the distinct experience of working as in-house counsel for two large, multi-national corporations, which gives her a unique perspective on how to address the intricate issues facing organizations and their employees.
Lara is an accomplished speaker and presenter, having presented on cutting edge employment law topics at local and national events, as well as many online forums. Lara is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.