What anyone should know about disability rights
The American Civil Liberties Union notes that individuals with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation and exclusion. Federal laws protect people with disabilities from being discriminated against in the workplace.
The following are some examples of disability discrimination in the workplace:
A refusal on the part of an employer to hire, promote or equally pay a person because of a disability when that person is capable of doing the job.
An employer refuses to make reasonable accommodations to ensure a person with a disability has an equal chance to succeed at work.
An employer demands that a disability be disclosed or discussed when you have not requested an accommodation.
A person is the target of derogatory comments, jokes or gestures related to a disability from a boss, coworkers or customers
What should I do if I believe my rights have been violated?
The ACLU recommends individuals with disabilities who believe their rights have been violated take various steps in response to such violations. In addition to contacting a lawyer, the ACLU recommends filing a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a state fair employment practices agency. The ACLU notes that deadlines to submit such filings may be as short as 180 days, so it’s vital that individuals move quickly in response to any violations. The ACLU urges federal employees to contact their EEO counselor within 45 days.
Disability rights are in place to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace. Lawyers who specialize in this area of the law can advocate for people with disabilities and ensure they are treated fairly and equitably.