Disability Discrimination Under the ADA

The Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits workplace discrimination against employees with disabilities. This federal law requires employers to reasonably accommodate an employee's disability if the accommodation won't cause undue hardship to the employer.

Job applicants, current employees, and former employees are covered by the ADA, but independent contractors are not covered. To receive ADA protections, you must be a "qualified individual," which means you must 1) possess the skills, experience, education, etc. required for the job and 2) be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation for your disability.

Furthermore, the ADA defines disability as 1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities, 2) a record of you having this kind of impairment, or 3) you being regarded as having this kind of impairment. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) and later regulations broadened the definition of disability in various ways.

Thickstun Luo LLC may be able to help you pursue a legal claim in Illinois or Indiana if your employer discriminated against you based on your disability, in violation of the ADA. Contact us today for a consultation.

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