Workplace discrimination can lead to toxic, unhealthy environments for workers. However, employees are protected from many forms of discrimination. These laws can help ensure people are given fair treatment at workplaces no matter their unique characteristics. Employees also have the right to report workplace discrimination with protection from retaliation.
Despite federal laws protecting employees, however, many people still face disability discrimination in their places of employment. Disability discrimination is the prejudice toward people who may have a physical or cognitive medical condition. People who have physical or cognitive medical conditions may face unfair treatment in the workplace. Here are a few ways people with disabilities may face workplace discrimination:
Refusing to hire based on someone’s disability
An employee may be fully qualified for a job, but they were turned down during the interview and recruitment stage. An employer may have refused to hire someone once they found that they have a physical or cognitive medical condition.
Slurs or inappropriate language about someone with a disability
An employee becomes the target of aggression at their workplace because of their disability. Employers or co-workers may verbally harass an employee with a disability with the use of slurs or aggressive comments.
Failing to accommodate someone’s disability
Employers are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. These accommodations could, for example, include adding a ramp for a wheelchair user. Failing to provide these accommodations could be a form of discrimination.
Discrimination for past medical history
While a person may not have an active disability, they may have had a past physical or cognitive limitation. An employer may discriminate against an employee if an employee’s past disability is discovered.
Employees who are facing disability discrimination at their workplace can seek legal guidance to learn how to protect their rights.