Disability Discrimination
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and the state Fair Employment Practices Act (G.L. c. 151B) protect disabled employees from discrimination because of their disability, and requires that employers provide disabled employees with reasonable accommodations that will let them perform the essential functions of their jobs.
Enforcement of the disability laws can be quite complex. In order to be protected, you must establish that you have a legally protected disability. Several conditions must be met to establish that a disability exists. Under the ADA and other disability laws, a disability is a physical or mental condition which substantially impairs a major life activity. Major life activities are such core activities of your life such as walking, hearing, seeing, breathing, and working. Many conditions, however, do not meet the definition of a legally protected disability. We can help you sort out these distinctions.
State and federal law also protects other categories of individuals: those who have a history of having a disability, and those who are perceived to have a disability that substantially impairs a major life activity, even if the perceived disability does not, in fact, meet the legal definition of a disability.
Our experience in advocating for disabled individuals is extensive. Whether you need assistance in negotiating reasonable accommodations for working conditions or your situation requires litigation, we can help you preserve your rights. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.