Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work

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Welcome to Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work, a podcast dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, their families, coworkers, and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate a world where disability bias—both conscious and unconscious—persists. Our mission is to shed light on the challenges faced in the workplace and beyond, offering practical advice, sharing real stories, and providing resources to help you understand your rights and advocate effectively. Workplace inclusion and diversity are often celebrated as core values, yet for many, the reality falls short.

Episodes

  1. From Accommodation to ‘Not Meeting Expectations’: The Setup Pattern

    FEB 7

    From Accommodation to ‘Not Meeting Expectations’: The Setup Pattern

    In Episode 6 of Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work, we follow Johnny’s timeline from a formally approved disability accommodation to a sudden workload shift he warned would damage his performance. What comes next is a sequence that many employees recognize but rarely hear explained clearly: delayed training, manufactured “performance friction,” contradictory verbal praise versus harsh written documentation, and a manager’s chilling admission that the mismatch is “just write-up language.” Then the story escalates: a promotion denial justified with claims about “acclimating” to remote work, followed by remarks explicitly tying disability and family life to credibility and advancement. We break down why these moments raise serious red flags under ADA best practices and EEOC retaliation frameworks, how “neutral” processes can be used to build pretext, and what a compliant employer should have done instead. This episode ends where the stakes get even higher: the complaint is filed, and the investigation begins. Next episode, we go inside the investigation phase and how scope, credibility, and documentation can shape outcomes long before any “finding” is announced.

    12 min
  2. Confronting Overt Bias: Battling Discrimination in the Workplace

    07/14/2025

    Confronting Overt Bias: Battling Discrimination in the Workplace

    In this gripping episode of our podcast, we dive deeper into a harrowing workplace saga following an employee’s autism disclosure and remote work disability accommodation. From a shocking admission of sabotage by a manager to a promotion denial laced with blatantly discriminatory remarks about disability and family life, we unpack the red flags under ADA and EEOC guidelines. Join us as we explore how overt prejudices perpetuate trauma and what it means for employees facing similar battles—stay tuned for more updates on this journey toward justice.

    27 min
  3. The Fabricated Write Up: The Manager's Calculated Lie

    06/20/2025

    The Fabricated Write Up: The Manager's Calculated Lie

    The walls are closing in on Johnny. Despite consistent positive feedback and undeniable progress in his one-on-one meetings, he's blindsided by a formal Performance Advisory (PA) citing costly mistakes and underperformance. But Johnny's got receipts, and he's ready to challenge the narrative. What happens next is a jaw-dropping admission from his manager that reveals the cynical reality behind "Performance Advisory language" and confirms Johnny's worst fears: he's not just failing to meet expectations, he's being set up. Why is Johnny's manager lying to him and the company in this official record? Tune in as Johnny uncovers the deliberate misrepresentation of his work and the chilling implications for his career.

    26 min
  4. Thrown Under the Bus: The Setup Behind the "Reasonable Accomodation"

    06/19/2025

    Thrown Under the Bus: The Setup Behind the "Reasonable Accomodation"

    On this episode we continue Johnny’s story—an autistic high performer whose career took a dangerous turn shortly after disclosing his disability and receiving a remote work accommodation. What looked like operational restructuring turned out to be something else entirely: a deliberate setup. Johnny was reassigned to a high-volume, high-risk process he hadn’t touched in years—without notice, without training, and without support. He immediately raised red flags. He documented his need for guidance. He stayed professional. But the silence from leadership was deafening. Then came the line no one forgets: “Yeah, I know. Sorry—I threw you under the bus. But I had to do it.” From that moment on, Johnny’s requests were ignored, his learning curve weaponized, and mistakes that could’ve been avoided became ammunition for write-ups filled with loaded, accusatory language. All this while teammates in similar roles weren’t held to the same standard. This episode exposes how plausible deniability becomes a shield for managerial sabotage—and how "support" can quickly become a smokescreen for retaliation.

    20 min
  5. The Cost of Disability Disclosure: When Support Turns Into Set-Up

    06/17/2025

    The Cost of Disability Disclosure: When Support Turns Into Set-Up

    The provided text describes Johnny’s experience as an autistic individual seeking a reasonable accommodation for remote work. It highlights his sensory sensitivities to the office environment and the daily exhaustion of masking his true self to meet neurotypical expectations. With a neuropsychologist’s formal recommendation, a history of stellar performance, and a role fully suited for remote work, Johnny finally feels empowered to make his needs known. HR approves the accommodation. Leadership seems supportive. But just three weeks later, that trust is shattered. Johnny is abruptly reassigned to a high-pressure, unfamiliar process during a peak workload period—without training, support, or even a heads-up. The move not only threatens his performance but raises critical questions: Was this retaliation in disguise? A setup masked as opportunity? This episode exposes the cracks in corporate accommodation systems—where approval on paper doesn’t always translate to real-world support. ⚠️ The betrayal begins here. And Johnny saw it coming...

    11 min
  6. Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work - Intro & Johnny Story

    06/16/2025

    Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work - Intro & Johnny Story

    In the premiere episode of Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work, we introduce the podcast’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities, their families, coworkers, and caregivers with the knowledge needed to navigate conscious and unconscious disability bias in the workplace. Through the compelling story of Johnny, a successful autistic professional in his forties, we explore the harsh realities that can emerge when requesting workplace accommodations. Despite years of top performance reviews, Johnny faces a dramatic shift in his work environment after disclosure, marked by micromanagement, undermined trust, and unsubstantiated disciplinary actions. His journey highlights the subtle yet damaging effects of bias, even in organizations professing inclusion. This episode sets the stage for a deeper examination of workplace challenges, federal and state protections like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the importance of understanding one’s rights. We also address the broader context of bias against other groups—pregnant women, older workers, and more—emphasizing intersectionality in advocacy. Listeners will gain practical insights into navigating accommodations and knowing when to seek support from a disability employee attorney. Join us as we unmask these issues, offering resources and strategies to foster a more inclusive workplace. Subscribe to Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work to stay informed and empowered. Recorded on June 15, 2025.

    9 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to Unmasked: Disability Rights at Work, a podcast dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, their families, coworkers, and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate a world where disability bias—both conscious and unconscious—persists. Our mission is to shed light on the challenges faced in the workplace and beyond, offering practical advice, sharing real stories, and providing resources to help you understand your rights and advocate effectively. Workplace inclusion and diversity are often celebrated as core values, yet for many, the reality falls short.

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