In all American states, including California, it is illegal to engage in disability discrimination in the work environment. Unfortunately, this type of behavior still exists in many workplaces. It might sound strange, but victims of workplace disability discrimination may not always recognize these behaviors, especially if they are subtle instead of overt.
Learning about the ways disability discrimination can occur helps disabled residents recognize mistreatment. In turn, these victims can use the law to find a remedy for workplace discrimination. This protects the employee experiencing discrimination and may help protect other disabled citizens as well.
To improve your understanding of workplace disability discrimination, take a look at the following examples.
- If you are qualified for a job but the employer refuses to hire because you are disabled, it is an act of discrimination.
- Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must make reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. Examples include providing wheelchair access, modifying the work environment and restructuring the disabled citizen’s job.
- If a potential employer asks you to take a medical examination before he or she will offer you a job, this is an act of disability discrimination.
- Potential employers are also prohibited from asking medical questions on job applications or during job interviews.
- If your employers or your coworkers routinely harass you about your disability, this is also a form of discrimination in many cases.
Even after reading the information in this post, some disabled workers may still be unsure whether discrimination is occurring. For these individuals, the wisest solution may involve talking with an employment law attorney about the specific details of their work situation.
