Disability Discrimination
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from
discriminating against an employee or applicant on the basis of his or
her disability in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing,
pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, benefits, leave,
and any other term or condition of employment. Most notably, disability
discrimination occurs when an employer treats a disabled employee or
applicant unfavorably because he or she:
- Has a disability;
- Has a history of disability;
- Is
believed to have a physical or mental impairment that is not transitory
or minor, even if he or she does not have such an impairment; or
- Has a relationship with a person with a disability.
The ADA also requires covered employers to:
- Provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees and job applicants;
- Prevent workplace harassment against disabled employees; and
- Post a notice.
Continue reading for more information on these requirements.