If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, you have rights to reasonable accommodations and fair treatment in your workplace. However, sometimes you may feel unsure if actions taken by your employer are discriminatory.
Understanding your rights and when they are not upheld is important for allowing you to feel safe and included in your workplace.
Understanding your rights as a disabled employee
The ADA as well as Indiana law protects disabled individuals’ right to seek out employment and work free from discrimination. This means employers must not refuse to hire someone or fire an existing employee based on a mental or physical disability when the employee is otherwise qualified for the job. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations where necessary.
Recognizing discrimination in the workplace
Some forms of discrimination, such as harassment or teasing may seem apparent, but others can be more subtle. Watch out for the following types of discrimination:
- Failure to make accommodations: An employer refuses to make reasonable accommodations as required by the ADA.
- Direct discrimination: You receive worse treatment than others directly due to your disability.
- Indirect discrimination: Your employer uses a policy, system or practice that negatively impacts disabled employees.
- Discrimination arising from disability: Your employer mistreats you due to something connected or arising from your disability, such as needing a service animal or taking time off for appointments.
You deserve the ability to work free from discrimination. If you feel an employer has mistreated you due to your disability it is important to act quickly. In Indiana, you must file your discrimination complaint within 180 days.
