issues

Disability Rights & Discrimination

If you're facing workplace harassment, losing out on job opportunities, or being refused reasonable accommodations, we work to get you the support and protections you deserve under the law.

More than 40 million Americans have a disability, and a staggering 34% of them have experienced some form of workplace discrimination.

 

Unemployment rates are also twice as high for people with a disability, and those who are working report making 42% less, on average, than their colleagues.

From the hiring process and opportunities for advancement, to workplace accommodations and how you’re treated, discrimination can take many forms, and all of them can hurt your career path, economic outlook, and mental health.

As a public interest law firm, we work hard to secure reasonable accommodations and fair treatment for workers with mental and physical disabilities. Through counseling, negotiation and litigation, we’ve successfully advocated for thousands of employees with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, mobility issues, COVID-related conditions, neurodivergent conditions, and many other disabilities.

We also approach every situation with compassion – guiding, listening, educating, and advising you on the best possible path forward, given your unique goals.

Framing the Issue

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
  • Changing attitudes, especially among Gen Z, have reduced stigma around mental health. Yet discrimination cases are rising, fueled by openness about stress, depression, and neurodivergence such as ADHD and autism.
  • 25% of disabled workers report that discrimination begins as early as the job interview. It often includes biases about what a candidate’s capabilities or a prejudice against providing basic workplace accommodations.
  • Employers are required to offer reasonable accommodations. Possibilities include modifying a work space, restructuring duties, offering remote or flexible work options, giving time off for medical appointments.
  • Being put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) does not prevent you from seeking a reasonable accommodation, and it does not allow your employer to discipline or treat you differently because of your disability.

Notable Matters

  • Represented an employee with severe and chronic anxiety, who was constantly taunted and harassed by their manager.
  • Represented an employee with a mobility disability who was denied a reasonable remote work accommodation.
  • Secured a $1 million settlement for a woman who spent 25 years at her company, and was fired shortly after disclosing a disability.
  • Represented a transgender woman of color who was terminated by her employer, shortly after disclosing a disability.
  • Represented an employee with chronic autoimmune disease, who was denied a reasonable remote work request.
  • Secured a favorable settlement for an employee of one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, who was fired shortly before the birth of their child.
  • Secured a favorable settlement for an employee who was unfairly fired and had to seek significant medical attention as a result.

Working with a disability?

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Were you turned down for a job or promotion, or demoted, after disclosing a disability?

If you think you’ve experienced illegal discrimination because of a protected disability, we’re ready to fight for your rights.

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