A disabled individual can face many challenges on a daily basis. Simply getting from place to place can be difficult, and they may have to do things differently to do their jobs. A disability doesn’t mean that a person cannot hold a job or earn a living, but it may mean he or she needs reasonable accommodations while at work. Unfortunately, they may not always get the help and support they need.
Disability discrimination is one of the many challenges a disabled individual may experience while at work. Those who do experience this type of mistreatment may be unsure of what they can do to defend themselves due to fears over retaliation or additional mistreatment. It is helpful for any employee who has a disability to know what counts as discrimination and what they should do if they experienced this type of unacceptable treatment.
What counts as discrimination?
Disability discrimination can come in many forms. Often, it happens when an employer refuses to provide reasonable accommodations to an individual who needs it. The Americans with Disabilities Act provides protections for those with disabilities in the workplace, including the provision of accommodations. Refusing to comply is not only unreasonable and unfair, it is illegal.
This type of discrimination can take place at any point in the employment process. An employee may not get a deserved promotion, or a disability could factor into decisions regarding hiring, firing, training or downsizing.
Harassment at work
Disabled individuals may also experience harassment in their workplace. Some may subject them to inappropriate comments and jokes, while others may be more aggressive in their harassment. There is a fine line between when an offhand comment is just inappropriate and when it’s considered harassment. It may count as harassment if it leads to the creation of a hostile work environment.
What can you do?
If you are a victim of harassment, you do not have to stay silent. While you may feel intimidated by the thought of speaking out, you do not have to walk through this process alone. With the help of an experienced Florida legal ally, you can hold liable parties accountable for any mistreatment you experienced at work.
Disability discrimination is unacceptable in any form. Victims may have grounds to pursue claims against their employers for violations of the ADA and other employment laws. It is in your interests to take quick action to learn about your options and move forward with the appropriate course of action.