Hidden Disabilities with EEOC District Director Jamie Williamson

In the inaugural episode of the Duane Morris Institute’s Business and Employment Law Podcast, Jonathan Segal, founder of the Duane Morris Institute, speaks with Jamie Williamson, Director of the Philadelphia District Office of the U.S. EEOC, about hidden disabilities and their impact on the workplace.

Drawing on her own experience with ADHD, Williamson discusses the challenges employees with hidden disabilities may face, including stigma, masking and concerns about disclosure. The conversation explores the broad range of conditions that may not be immediately apparent—including ADHD, autism and certain chronic illnesses—and how misunderstandings about behavior can affect workplace relationships and employment decisions.

Segal and Williamson also examine the Americans with Disabilities Act, including an employee’s right to request reasonable accommodations and an employer’s obligation to engage in an interactive dialogue. They discuss practical examples of accommodations and the importance of documenting the accommodation process.

The discussion also addresses retaliation, workplace performance, confidentiality and the role of frontline supervisors. Williamson emphasizes the importance of creating an environment in which employees feel comfortable raising concerns or requesting assistance, while Segal highlights the importance of training front line supervisor leaders on what to say (and not say) in response to accommodation requests and when and how to report such requests to the HR function.

Please join us for this fast-moving, friendly conversation about the human side of hidden disabilities and the related legal considerations.