If you are like most people, you spend up to 40 hours a week at work. Having a job means you can pay your bills, have fun and take care of your family.
While work can be stressful and challenging, there is a difference between a difficult workplace and unlawful activity. Today, federal and state laws protect against hostile work environments, discrimination and harassment.
While there are laws in place, some employers and co-workers discriminate against people because of a disability. In California, employees with disabilities are a protected class. If you are discriminated against because of this, it may give you the ability to take legal action. Learn what disability discrimination looks like here:
Making your job more challenging
All employees are required to make reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. There are several forms of accommodations, including making the workspace wheelchair accessible. If your employer refuses to make these accommodations or tries to make your life at work more challenging, it may be considered disability discrimination.
Not getting the same opportunities as others
Your employer cannot refuse to hire you or deny an in-house promotion based on a disability. The only factors that can be considered when making these decisions include relevant experience, education and skills. Your disability is not a factor. Workers with disabilities must be judged on job performance and skills, not physical abilities.
Your right to take action if you are discriminated against due to a disability
You have a right to work in an environment free of discrimination. If your rights have been violated in any way, you have the right to take legal action. Knowing what these rights are will help you protect them.