As a disabled person working in the public sector, you are protected from discrimination by a number of different federal laws. Federal law prohibits discrimination in the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA protects all individuals that qualify based on their disability from discrimination, both in the public and private sectors.
Protection from discrimination means a lot of things when it comes to discrimination in the workplace. It essentially empowers you as an employee to be free from any unfair treatment that you might receive because of your disability. As a disabled person working in Maryland, it is important that you familiarize yourself with federal laws so that you know how to act in the event of any discriminatory treatment.
My employer says that I can’t have a situation adjusted because of an “undue hardship.” What does this mean?
Disabled employees have the legal right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace. This could be making the workplace floor more wheelchair accessible, or a slight change to the job description or working hours. However, it is possible for an employer to argue that a certain accommodation is not reasonable because it would cause undue hardship to the company.
My employer has made inappropriate comments about my disability that make me feel uncomfortable at work. What can I do?
Your employer should never ask questions about your disability that are not directly related to work. If you believe that you have been harassed or discriminated against because of your disability, it is important that you equip yourself with information so that you can take action.
Source: EEOC, “Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination Questions And Answers,” accessed June 15, 2018
