Although we are moving in an ultra-modern digital era since we have come so far as human beings, there are a few things that our society is still plagued with, such as discrimination. When we talk about discrimination, we cannot help but notice how many people face discrimination due to their disabilities.
The widespread discrimination against disabled people causes them to feel excluded, segregated, and essentially discriminated against. However, unbeknownst to many, certain federal laws exist that safeguard and protect disabled people from discrimination. If you or your loved ones are physically or mentally challenged, they ought to know about disability insurance lawyers and what their potential rights are at work and also generally.
Disability & Work Rights
If you have a disability and are an employee at an organization, you ought to know about your work rights. You can face discrimination at work due to degrading comments passed on to you by your boss, colleagues, and even potential clients. You might face discrimination if your boss refuses to promote you or give you equal pay as your colleagues.
You might be fully capable of doing a job, but your potential boss might refuse to hire you, which is just another example of workplace rights. Your potential employer might refuse to make suitable accommodations for you which can prevent you from accessing equal chances to progress and succeed.
You might also be forced by your employers, colleagues, and clients to talk about your disability, although you might not have asked for accommodation.
What are your work rights?
According to federal law, all people with disabilities are protected from workplace discrimination, which includes the fact that you are not obliged to inform your employer and colleagues about your disability at the time of your hiring and afterward.
If you are perfectly capable of performing a job, your employer cannot refuse hiring and promotion as well as berate, harass, and belittle you because of your disability. You are not liable to show up to any medical inquiries about your workplace. You have the right to request any types of reasonable accommodations that you might need for an equal chance to progress like your colleagues.
If you are disabled and need suitable accommodation to progress and succeed equally as your colleagues, let your employer know about the disability. You might also be required to provide your employer with your medical history and a doctor’s note.
If your potential employer refuses to grant you suitable accommodation, try to ask your employer how the change can help you and the company in the bigger picture. You could also tell the employer about your right to receive suitable accommodation.
Important Note: while the laws differ from one region to another, it is essential to know that private employers and private companies with less than fifteen employees are typically not covered by the federal laws dealing with disability discrimination.
Final Thoughts
If you feel like your basic disability rights have been violated, we recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as you can and filing a discrimination charge with the American EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). You can also file a complaint at your state’s agency of fair employment practices.
We also recommend you stay calm in the face of discrimination and allow your lawyer to take over and help you deal with the situation in the best possible manner. The mere fact that you are disabled shouldn’t become a hurdle in your way to success and progress. Keep calm, allow only happy thoughts to enter your mind, and practice positive affirmations every day.
