Both federal and state laws make it illegal to discriminate in the workplace on the basis of an employee’s disability. People living with a physical or mental impairment have the right to have reasonable accommodations that make it easier for them to carry out the essential functions of their job. Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the manner or circumstances under which a job is customarily performed that enable a person with a disability to perform the core elements of the job.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers with physical or mental limitations. If these workers are qualified for their jobs, their employers are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for a disability of which they are aware.
Beyond the right to receive reasonable accommodations, employees with disabilities have the right to be free from discriminatory actions in the workplace. Employees cannot be treated differently because of their disabilities.
If you have been denied a reasonable accommodation, or were targeted, mistreated in the workplace or terminated from employment due to a disability, you have rights that can be enforced under the law, and we may be able to help you file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), if you haven’t already done so, or help you figure out next steps, if you have already filed a complaint.
