July is Disability Pride Month!

Celebrating Disability Pride Month and Protecting Your Rights

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the history, achievements, and rights of the disabled community. It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law signed on July 26, 1990, that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.

However, despite these protections, many individuals still face discrimination and hostile work environments. At Filippatos PLLC, we believe everyone deserves a workplace free from discrimination and are committed to helping you understand and protect your rights.

What is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that:

• Celebrates disability identity and community.
• Recognizes disability culture and leadership.
• Marks the ADA anniversary and the ongoing work to make civil rights real in daily life.

It challenges ableism and promotes the idea that disability is a natural part of human diversity, not something to hide or fix. The Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill originally in 2019, represents this struggle and pride, with its charcoal gray background symbolizing those who have passed due to violence, neglect, suicide, and illness, and its colored stripes representing different aspects of the disability experience.

Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is crucial for protecting workers’ rights. It ensures that employees with disabilities have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination. Under the ADA, employers are prohibited from treating qualified applicants and employees unfairly because of a physical or mental disability.

Reasonable Accommodations

A key component of the ADA is the requirement for employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an “undue hardship” to the business. Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enable an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.

Examples of reasonable accommodations might include:

• Modifying work schedules.
• Providing specialized equipment or software.
• Allowing remote work arrangements.
• Making the physical workplace accessible.

If an employer ignores a request, refuses to discuss options, or denies a reasonable accommodation without demonstrating undue hardship, they would be considered to be violating the ADA.

Can I Sue for Discrimination Because of a Disability?

Yes, if you have faced discrimination at work due to a disability, you can take legal action. Disability discrimination can take many forms, from obvious actions like refusing to hire someone due to their disability, to more subtle forms like unequal treatment, denied opportunities, or creating a hostile work environment.

If you believe your rights have been violated, consider these steps:

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any discriminatory behavior, including dates, times, locations, witnesses, and any communications related to the incidents or your requests for accommodations.
• Report the Issue: Follow your company’s internal procedures to report the discrimination to HR or management. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
• Consult an ADA Lawyer: Because disability discrimination cases involve complex legal standards, consulting with an experienced disability discrimination lawyer is crucial. They can help you evaluate your case, preserve evidence, and navigate the legal process.

Employees who successfully prove disability discrimination may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which can include:

• Back pay and front pay.
• Lost benefits.
• Reinstatement to a former position.
• Attorney’s fees.

How Filippatos PLLC Can Help

At Filippatos PLLC, our team of experienced NYC discrimination lawyers is dedicated to advocating for workers facing disability discrimination. We understand the challenges you face when denied reasonable accommodations or subjected to workplace harassment.

We offer compassionate and experienced representation, tailoring our legal strategy to every aspect of your case. Whether through negotiation, administrative proceedings with the EEOC, or litigation, our goal is to hold employers accountable and secure the justice you deserve.

Contact Us

Supporting people with disabilities means ensuring they have equal access to employment opportunities and a safe, respectful work environment. If you are experiencing discrimination, don’t face it alone. If you believe you have been the victim of disability discrimination, contact Filippatos PLLC today for a free consultation.

Call us at 888-9-JOBLAW or visit our offices in New York, NY, or White Plains, NY.

Call a New York Employment Law Attorney Now

We at Filippatos PLLC stand in proud solidarity with any and all workers facing discrimination in the workplace, including the LGBTQIA+ community and diverse communities. We believe that all people deserve the right to exist freely, no matter who they love, how they express their gender, practice their religion, or celebrate their heritage. If you are experiencing discrimination at work, please give us a call at 888-9-JOBLAW for a free consultation. We will do our utmost to help secure you the justice you deserve.