It doesn’t matter if you work in Florida or another state, you should become familiar with the finer details of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This may not sound like something you need to worry about, especially if you are not in a position of authority, but you never know when the information could come in handy.
Here is a basic definition of the Americans with Disability Act, as outlined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
“Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.”
This passage should give you a basic overview of what the act covers. However, there are some facts that people are unaware of. Here are three:
— The Americans with Disabilities Act only covers companies with 15 or more employees.
— A company does not have to lower production standards or quality to accommodate a disabled worker.
— There are multiple federal tax incentives to encourage employers to hire people with disabilities.
Everybody should have knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but this is particularly true among company owners and those who work in a human resources department.
Employees should also become familiar with what is covered by this act, as well as state-level laws. This will allow them to speak up and defend themselves should they or a loved one become a victim of workplace discrimination.
Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act” accessed Mar. 24, 2015
