Many workers in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area may have disabilities that make life a bit different for them. Sometimes, individuals with disabilities can find ways to adjust and live much like the average-bodied person, but they may need certain equipment, like a wheelchair, or another accommodation, like a seat near a restroom. While such adjustments may be necessary to ensure that they can perform everyday tasks as well as possible, not all employers are willing to make those adjustments.
When a worker is qualified for a position and simply needs a reasonable accommodation in the workplace to perform the job-related duties like the average worker, most employers are required by law to provide the accommodation. If an employer does not, it is possible that a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act or the state and local disabilities laws has occurred. In some cases, the issue may be addressed easily, but in others, more drastic action may be necessary.
Workers who believe that their rights are not being upheld in the workplace may want to consider the following actions:
- Contacting the human resources department to report a possible violation of the ADA
- Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or state and local anti-discrimination agencies, if the employer cannot remedy the issue or refuses to do so
- Filing a lawsuit against the employer if the EEOC provides a notice of right to sue
In a world where people with disabilities are often overlooked or dismissed, many individuals have to look out for themselves. In some cases, this can mean holding an employer accountable for not providing a reasonable accommodation or for violating the ADA in other ways. Of course, it can be difficult to know whether an employer is violating the law, so if Washington, D.C. area workers have concerns about their rights, they may want to speak with employment law attorneys.