disability discrimination

If you are disabled, you should have the same chances as others to access public services and work with ease. You should not have to face discrimination because of your disability – whether the discrimination is blatant or subtle, in person or online. Discrimination can happen in any part of the public sector, including government agencies and local businesses. The good news is that you have legal protections under federal and New York City law against disability discrimination.

Discrimination based on disability can occur if an employer or other entity assumes that you have a disability when you do not. For example, an employer may consider an employee or job applicant to have a disability because of a limp or other physical issue that is not obvious. The employer may think that the limp will distract from the quality of your work, so it refuses to hire you. This is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

disability discrimination can also occur when an employer or other entity makes assumptions about your disability, which leads to negative actions against you. For example, an employer may decide to pass over you for a promotion because it believes that your disability will hinder your performance. This is also a violation of the ADA.

Can disability discrimination occur in the public sector?

Under the Equality Act 2010, public bodies and service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access their services. This might include things like installing ramps or providing information in large print. The term ‘reasonable adjustment’ is defined broadly, and it covers a wide range of impairments.

However, there are limits to how far an employer must go when making reasonable adjustments. An employer can claim that an accommodation causes undue hardship on the business if it is too costly or disruptive. In these cases, it is advisable to seek the help of a disability claim lawyer.

Discrimination can also happen in the form of harassment. Harassment is a pattern of unwanted behaviour that is not based on your disability but which makes you feel humiliated or offended. For example, if someone regularly swears at you or calls you names at work, this is harassment and it might be discrimination based on your disability.

The Equality Act and ADA prohibit discrimination in many areas, including housing and public accommodations. Discrimination based on disability can happen if a landlord does not allow a disabled tenant to rent an apartment, for example. It can also happen if a public authority refuses to allow a disabled passenger to travel on public transport, for example. Discrimination can also occur if a company or other organisation refuses to allow an animal that is used to assist a disabled person. Discrimination can even happen if you are victimised for complaining about disability claim lawyer or standing up for your rights. In these cases, you might be entitled to compensation. You can apply to the Department of Justice or your state anti-discrimination agency for compensation.