Disability Discrimination

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal statute which protects the employment rights of disabled men and women. Enacted in 1990, the ADA prohibits job discrimination against disabled people who are otherwise qualified for the position that they hold or wish to hold. Austin disability discrimination lawyers Melton & Kumler, LLP are committed to helping disabled workers protect the rights given to them by the ADA.

Understanding Disability

As used by the ADA, the term “disability” is fairly broad, encompassing a wide variety of physical or mental impairments. An impairment qualifies as a disability under the ADA if it substantially interferes with one or more “major life activities.” Austin employment lawyers Melton & Kumler, LLP can help you determine whether your physical or mental impairment qualifies for protection under the ADA.

Prohibited Austin Employment Practices

Like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against disabled employees or prospective employees in any area of the employer-employee relationship, including: hiring, firing, layoffs, promotions, or benefits. Employers who engage in interstate commerce and who have more than 15 employees are generally subject to the ADA.

Ensuring ADA Compliance

During the application process, employers are obligated to ensure that disabled applicants are treated in the same way as physically and mentally whole applicants. Though simple, this provision may be easily overlooked – whether intentionally or unintentionally – by many employers. If you feel that a company’s hiring policy discriminates against you due to your disability, contact Austin disability discrimination attorneys Melton & Kumler, LLP for more information.

The ADA also states that employers are also required to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled or impaired workers. These accommodations may take varying forms depending on the type of disability involved. Ramps or elevators may be required for workers in wheelchairs, while signs with Braille may be necessary for blind employees.

Contact Us

If you have been illegally discriminated against due to your disability, Austin disability discrimination lawyers Melton & Kumler, LLP are here to help. With years of experience in employment law, they can handle your case efficiently and compassionately. Call 512-330-0017 today.