08/28/2014 (press release: EbersteinWitherite) // Carson Croft
Many workers know that the Americans with Disabilities Act protects them from job discrimination if they are currently or become disabled. However, the types of protections afforded to them and what constitutes employment discrimination based on a disability is unclear for some. According to information outlined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the law covers workers who have a physical or mental impairment that places significant limitations on a major aspect of their lives, but are still qualified to perform fundamental job functions, even if they require reasonable accommodations to do so.
Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission “The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability”
“To be protected under the ADA, you must have, have a record of, or be regarded as having a substantial, as opposed to a minor, impairment. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, learning or working.
If you have a disability, you must also be qualified to perform the essential functions or duties of a job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in order to be protected from job discrimination by the ADA.”
To read further, visit http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html.
According to Eberstein & Witherite discrimination lawyers, discrimination against disabled persons in employment is a very important civil rights matter that like any other should in every case be addressed. Not only does it affect individuals on a personal level, but it also does a disservice to society economically and socially. Legislation like the American Disabilities Act has been instrumental in breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities that not only ensures they are given equal treatment in employment, but also allow society to benefit from the talents, skills, and productivity of everyone.
Source: U.S. EEOC “Americans with Disabilities Act Questions and Answers”
“The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.”
To read further, visit http://www.ada.gov/qandaeng.htm.
Individuals in Texas who have faced discrimination on the job or while seeking employment due to their disability can review what protections may be afforded to them under the American Disabilities Act or other state or federal laws with an attorney. Eberstein & Witherite’s Texas based discrimination lawyers provide free case evaluations for those who have faced these challenges and need help assessing their legal options.
