Your workplace should be a safe place. However, this is not always the case. Unfortunately, employees with disabilities do not always get the resources they need and may experience discrimination in their place of work. If this occurs, it is important to reach out to an experienced employment law attorney, as you may be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read on to learn more about disability discrimination in the Georgia workplace.

Who is covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act?

Employees who have physical or mental disabilities are protected from discrimination in companies with at least 15 employees under Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act. In order to qualify for protection, you must fall into one of the following categories:

• Employees who are regarded as having a physical or mental impairment
• Employees who have a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits at least one major part of their life
• Employees who have formally documented disabilities

What accommodations should be provided?

Employees who are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act can request that reasonable accommodations are made by their employer to assist them in completing their job. Some of the accommodations that individuals can request include:

• Making the workplace wheelchair accessible
• Helping a person apply for a job
• Providing an interpreter for someone who is blind or hearing impaired
• Ability to attend doctors appointments or treatments, such as a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy

What do I do if I am discriminated against?

If you believe you have been discriminated against due to a disability, it is important that you report the incident to your employer. If your employer is the individual discriminating against you, you should report it to HR. It is important to document the incidents of discrimination. For example, if your job is not wheelchair accessible, you should take photos that show this. You should also keep records of all relevant communications, such as requests for accommodations, etc.

What is the statute of limitations?

If you are the victim of discrimination, you should work with an experienced employment law attorney. You and your attorney will file your charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This must be completed within 180 days of the incident of discrimination. If you are a federal employee, you must speak with an EEO counselor within 45 days of the incident.

Contact our firm today to discuss your case.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA FIRM

To discuss your employment law case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.