October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. During this month we celebrate the workers who have disabilities along with the inclusive employment laws and policies that benefit both employees and employers. The contributions of workers with disabilities are invaluable in the workplace.
Overview of NDEAM
National Disability Employment Awareness Month was created to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote further diversity and inclusion in the workplace while raising awareness of the needs of disabled workers. Even though workplace fair practices and accommodations for workers that need them have come a long way, there is still a long way to go before all workers are given the respect, dignity, and tools they need to make their best contributions at work. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a fantastic time for employers to educate their employees about workplace rights and promote more inclusive policies in the workplace.
Policies in Place
There are laws that protect workers with disabilities and require that employees make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Many states have state discrimination laws that forbid employers from discriminating against an employee or applicant based on their disability. And there are national laws like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act that protect the rights of disabled workers.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t just protect the rights of employees with disabilities in the workplace. It also guarantees that all employees, regardless of their disability, must have equal access to the workplace. That means it’s the responsibility of an employer to ensure that no matter what their disability is disabled workers are able to easily access the building where the business is located and can navigate easily to the floor where the business is. It also means that employers must provide any equipment that a disabled worker might need to do their job.
Discrimination
Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities. If you have been wrongfully terminated because of a disability or if you have been discriminated against because of a disability, you can file a claim against your employer for violating your rights and violating several laws.
Some of the ways that disabled workers may experience discrimination by an employer include:
- Harassment Or Bullying
- Not Providing Reasonable Accommodations
- Lack Of Accessibility
- Insisting On Medical Exams
If you’re discriminated against by an employer because you have a disability, you can file a claim against that employer with the EEOC. You may be entitled to money for damages or for bullying or harassment if you are discriminated against at work because of your disability. It’s a good idea to speak with an employment attorney to find out more about how to file a claim against an employer because of discrimination.
Talk with an Employment Law Attorney
If you need legal advice because you have been discriminated against by an employer fill out a Free Case Evaluation now with the details of your situation. You will be connected with an experienced employment attorney that can give you personalized advice based on your situation.
