ADA and Fostering an Inclusive Work Culture for Employees with Psychiatric Disabilities: 4th Thursday ADA Talks 2025

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 23% of American adults experience some form of mental illness (or psychiatric disability) on a yearly basis. And across the population, almost 6% of American adults live with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or long-term recurring major depression. For many individuals with psychiatric disabilities, work is key to their health and contributes to a sense of purpose and wellbeing. Thus, it is important that employers understand how to foster a mental health-friendly work culture.

During this presentation, the presenter will use her own story to discuss how to disclose a disability, the pros and cons of disclosing a disability, how to request reasonable accommodations on the job, and steps we can take to create an inclusive work culture.

Presenter

• Pam Williamson, Assistant Director – Southeast ADA Center

Hosts

University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI), Southeast ADA Center, Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University.