Ted Kennedy, Jr., Member of the Firm in the Health Care & Life Sciences practice, in the firm’s Stamford office, was featured in Forbes, in “It’s Time to Advance Disability Inclusion in the Legal Profession,” by Jennifer Jay Palumbo.
Following is an excerpt:
The legal profession has long been recognized for its rigorous standards and competitive environment. However, these attributes often perpetuate barriers that exclude talented individuals, particularly those with disabilities. …
Understanding the Landscape
Autistic adults generally experience the lowest overall employment rates among all disabled populations. This trend is reflective of broader workplace barriers and stigmas.
Ted Kennedy, Jr., an attorney at Epstein Becker Green, and a prominent disability rights activist and amputee, emphasizes that despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being over 30 years old, workforce participation for people with disabilities remains stagnant.
“People with disabilities who are able and willing to work still have trouble finding a job,” Kennedy notes. “Young people with disabilities often don’t envision themselves in the legal profession because they don’t see people like them represented.”
Representation—or the lack thereof—plays a significant role in perpetuating exclusion. Kennedy likens this issue to the challenges women faced entering finance decades ago: “There were no prominent women in finance, and the assumption was that women didn’t know anything about money. Similarly, young people with disabilities need mentors and role models in the legal profession to envision what their lives could be like.” …
Strategies for Change
The Disability Equality Index (DEI), developed by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, is a benchmarking tool for companies to evaluate their disability inclusion efforts. According to Kennedy, only seven of the top 200 law firms in the U.S. are currently engaged with the DEI.
“We need to encourage law firms to participate in initiatives like the DEI,” Kennedy says. “By identifying best practices and showcasing successful firms, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others to follow suit.” …
