How to Handle Disability Discrimination in the Workplace

One of the most important civil rights in America is the right to find, choose, and hold employment without discrimination against one’s nationality, race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, marital status, age, and disability. Despite the laws that were created to protect people from such discrimination, many are still being discriminated especially in the workplace. On top of this is the discrimination against people with disabilities. If you have experienced disability discrimination in the workplace, here are some pieces of important information you need to know in order for you to handle it effectively.

Identification of Disability Discrimination

To identify this type of discrimination, there must be proof of exhibition of certain circumstances. One of which is an employer’s adverse action due to the person’s disability. This may include firing, hiring, or demoting an employee based on the disability even though the person is able to perform the assigned tasks fully. Also, if you notice that significant projects are not assigned to you without proper reason or your job profile is changed without warning, these can also be signs of disability discrimination. You can also consider unrealistic tasks and deadlines, salary cut, reduction of incentives, and exemption in promotion or increments without justifiable reasons as discrimination against your disabilities. Moreover, if your employer or co-worker make verbal comments against you and your disability, this also means that you have been a victim of such discrimination.

American with Disabilities Act

The United States government recognizes the significance of protecting disable people from unfair treatment and thus, created a law known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibit companies including employers and other employees from discriminating people due to their disabilities whether physical or mental. It is important to note however that certain personality disorders and addiction to substances are not covered by this law. Apart from employment, ADA also forbids discrimination against disable people in terms of public service, telecommunication services, transportation, and public accommodations.

Getting Legal Help

It is important to take the necessary defensive stance against disability discrimination in the workplace. Your best move would be to call up a Disability Discrimination Attorney to help determine if the discriminatory circumstances warrant a legal action. Your attorney will assert your legal rights and help you gain the justice that you deserve. Take immediate action to be able to build a strong case and present evidence and witnesses.