WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Adequate standards of living and employment are associated with better clinical outcomes and quality of life [for people living with a mental illness] (Cohen, 1993; Bell & Lysaker, 1997). In a randomized trial of consumers assigned to paid versus unpaid work, paid employment was found to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia (Bell et al., 1996). Moreover, employer accommodations for those with psychiatric disabilities appear to be inexpensive. The most frequently requested accommodations focus on orientation and training of supervisors, provision of onsite support, and adaptive work schedules. Such accommodations rarely result in significant cost to the employer (Mancuso, 1990; Fabian et al., 1993).

From Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, Chapter 4
References

Discriminatory practices under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) also include (1) harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age; (2) retaliation against an individual for filing a charge of discrimination, participating in an investigation, or opposing discriminatory practices; (3) employment decisions based on stereotypes or assumptions about the abilities, traits, or performance of individuals of a certain sex, race, age, religion, or ethnic group, or individuals with disabilities; and (4) denying employment opportunities to a person because of marriage to, or association with, an individual of a particular race, religion, national origin, or an individual with a disability. Title VII also prohibits discrimination because of participation in schools or places of worship associated with a particular racial, ethnic, or religious group. Title VII prohibits not only intentional discrimination, but also practices that have the effect of discriminating against individuals because of their race, color, national origin, religion, or sex.

Fair Employment Law (from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development)

A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment (Americans with Disabilities Act Resource)

Entering the World of Work: What Youth With Mental Health Needs Should Know About Accommodations (US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy)