What rights do I have as a disabled employee or candidate?

As an individual with a disability in the United States, you have a number of rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here are some of the key rights that you have under the ADA:

  1. Protection from Discrimination: The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, job assignments, training, and termination.
  2. Reasonable Accommodations: Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the work environment, changes to work schedules, or the provision of assistive technology or equipment.
  3. Job Application and Hiring: Employers are not allowed to ask job applicants about their disability during the hiring process. However, they are allowed to ask if the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
  4. Accessibility: Public accommodations, such as stores, restaurants, and transportation systems, are required to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes features such as wheelchair ramps, accessible parking, and braille signage.
  5. Retaliation: The ADA prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who assert their rights under the law or participate in the complaint process.

If you believe that your rights under the ADA have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC investigates complaints of discrimination and, if necessary, may take legal action against the employer.