Deaf and Hard of Hearing - How to Deal with Discrimination on the Job

The biggest struggle in overcoming workplace discrimination is often merely getting a job. But unfortunately, for some it doesn’t end there. Even though they’re obviously capable enough to get and keep a job, they are still discriminated against in the workplace because of their nationality, their ancestry, their sex or even because they have a physical handicap. While it might seem unbelievable to some of us that anyone would be discriminated against or mistreated because they having hearing loss or are deaf, it does occur.

If it happens to you, you should take it seriously. Discrimination sometimes evolves to the point that a person can lose his or her job because of it. But what do you do if you’re the victim of workplace discrimination because of your hearing?

Steps to Take

If you feel that your job is threatened, contact a lawyer right away to discuss your case. But even if you don’t feel that your job is in danger, you can contact a lawyer at any time for advice. The most important thing is to stop discrimination as soon as possible. It’s illegal as well as grounds for a civil suit.

Write down each incident of discrimination. Document everything—every single comment. Record the date, the time, where in the workplace it occurred, who was present and may have witnessed it, and every single detail you can remember. If you file a discrimination suit at any time, keeping this detailed record is one of the most important things you can do. Documented evidence of discrimination bears more weight than vague memories.

Larger companies probably have an Equal Employment Opportunity office. Contact them and explain the situation. They should be able to offer some immediate assistance. Also contact your Human Resources office and let them know that you’re faced with discrimination in the workplace. Smaller companies probably won’t have an Equal Employment Opportunity office, but the Human Resources office may be able to help you. Contact your union representative, if you have one.

Don’t forget to document the dates and times you speak to anyone about these matters. Record whom you spoke to, what you both said and any action that resulted. Each time they contact you about the matter, write it down.

Beyond the Workplace

You should contact the appropriate people within your workplace first. But unfortunately, contacting those agencies doesn’t always remedy the situation. There are steps you can take outside of your workplace to fix the situation. Be sure and document every detail of what you do with these agencies, too, so you’ll have an accurate record of all your efforts should you choose to file a discrimination suit.

The United States Equal employment Opportunity Commission is the body with which to file charges of workplace discrimination. You can do so through their website. They have a special area for discrimination of the disabled, and a page just for the hearing impaired. You can also contact your state labor department.

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