Entering the workforce is an exciting rite of passage for most young people but the ability to work a job isn’t always cut and dry. For example, you may have physical or mental limitations that impede your ability to perform certain tasks. It’s crucial to note that disabilities aren’t always visible, and mental health disorders …
Though the number of people with disabilities in the workforce is still lower than the number of those without, things are changing. There are now more good job opportunities for people with disabilities than ever before. As the Brookings Institute notes, “the number of people who cite disability as a reason for not working has …
How People with Disabilities Can Find the Best Job Opportunities Out There Read More »
The many myths and stigmas surrounding mental illness create barriers in the workplace. Employees with mental disabilities may be hesitant to disclose their struggles or ask for accommodations, and for good reason. Employers often refuse “special treatment” or even retaliate against the person. If you are a federal employee with a mental or intellectual disability, …
Mental disabilities merit reasonable accommodation Read More »
Many people with disabilities face barriers before they even get their foot in the door. But the hiring process is only one form of disability discrimination. Employers — including federal agencies and government contractors — are legally obligated to accommodate disabilities. But what is considered a “reasonable” accommodation? What if the employer says no? What …
Failure to Accommodate is Disability Discrimination Read More »
Twenty-six years ago, Joseph Garrison, the senior partner at the law firm where I worked in New Haven, CT, asked me to speak to a potential client who claimed he was being discriminated against in his job because of his multiple sclerosis. As a new associate and a relatively recent law school graduate, I had …
A U.S. District Court in Texas ruled that a Houston P.F.Chang’s restaurant may have violated the Americans with Disability Act when it fired one of its restaurant managers three days after he disclosed that he had a brain tumor. On June 8, 2009 Jason Meinelt was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He told his boss, …
Cancer Victim Fired For Disclosing Brain Tumor Has Claim For Disability Discrimination Read More »
New ADA Regulations Will Bring Necessary Change I received a call from a reporter from MSNBC a few days ago. She indicated that she wanted to ask me some questions about the new Americans with Disabilities Act regulations recently put out by the EEOC. The interview caused me to reflect on just how important the …
Employee With MS Wins Appeal In Seventh Circuit “Regarded As” Disability Decision A case was decided by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals last week that was an important victory for the employee as well as his lawyers. In Brunker v. Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. the Court reversed judgment in favor of Schwan’s on Brunker’s …
Great Disability Rights Opinion From Seventh Circuit For Employees And Their Lawyers Read More »
Madeline Messa is a 3L at Syracuse University College of Law. She graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism. With her legal research and writing for Workplace Fairness, she strives to equip people with the information they need to be their own best advocate.
