Examples of Unfair Treatment at Work Because of a Disability
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Examples of Unfair Treatment at Work Because of a Disability
These days, more people who have disabilities are working than ever before. In 2022, about 21% of adults with disabilities in the United States were employed.
However, as more and more people with disabilities start to find work, there are also more people experiencing unfair treatment at work. Sometimes, people with disabilities don't know how to respond when they don't receive proper treatment at work. In other cases, people don't even realize that they should be able to enjoy better treatment in the workplace.
So what are some of the top examples of unfair treatment at work? Read on to learn all about the top signs of improper workplace treatment due to a disability!
Being Excluded From Employment Rights
Of course, one of the most basic disability rights is the right to be fairly considered for a job position. It is not legal for employers to refuse to hire disabled job candidates on the basis of their disability. Instead, employers are supposed to consider things like qualifications and personability.
Of course, this applies as much to firing employees as it does to hiring them. If you have been fired due to your disability, that is one of the strongest ways you might have received unfair treatment at work.
Of course, it is worth noting that employers do have the right to fire employees who have disabilities if they do not perform well at work. It is only if they fire an employee for no other reason than that they have a disability that it violates that employee's rights.
Refusing to Accommodate Disabilities
On the other hand, if you are hired for a position, then you must not be receiving unfair treatment at work, right? The bad news is that there are still other ways you might be encountering unfair treatment due to your disability. For one thing, the law states that employers are required to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities.
For example, if you are in a wheelchair, your employer may need to install ramps so that you can get around more easily. However, if an employer refuses to make reasonable accommodations for a disabled employee, that is a violation of the law and of the rights of that disabled person.
In some cases, employers can even face fines and other penalties for refusing to accommodate the needs of an employee with a disability.
Failing to Support Disabled Employees
On top of this accommodation, employers have to support disabled employees as they go about their work. That kind of support can include things like allowing disabled workers to take time off when they need it to recover from a serious condition. If an employer fails to provide reasonable support for a disabled employee, that employee has the right to insist on better treatment.
Harassing Those With a Disability Status
Unfortunately, some employees with disabilities even face harassment in the workplace due to their disability. This harassment does not need to come from an employer to be considered a form of discrimination. If anyone is harassing you in your workplace, you have the right to demand civil treatment.
You may be able to go to your employer to resolve such issues. However, if your employer is involved in this kind of harassment, you might want to find legal help to ensure that your rights are respected.
One of the difficult things about identifying harassment is that it can come in so many different forms. In some cases, harassment takes the form of jokes or offensive comments. In more intense cases, harassment can include things like threats.
Everyone has the right to work without facing this kind of hostile work environment.
Requiring a Medical Exam Before Hiring Someone
What happens if an employer says they're willing to hire you but only after you receive a medical examination? This might seem reasonable at first, but it is a violation of the law. Although there are cases in which employers can request that employees receive medical exams, they may not require an exam before hiring someone.
The only exception is if the employer requires all potential hires to take medical exams. If this requirement has nothing to do with your disability, then it may not be a sign of improper treatment.
Displaying Disability Discrimination During Promotions
People with disabilities should be as eligible for promotion as everyone else. Do you do great work and deserve a promotion? Refusing to even consider you because of your disability is another form of unfair treatment at work.
The same applies if an employer refuses to promote someone because of a disabled dependent. If an employer refuses to promote someone because they have a child or spouse who is disabled, that is another kind of discrimination.
Causes of Being Treated Unfairly at Work
Unfortunately, many people do not understand the disabilities that so many people face. This misunderstanding often leads to stigmas as well. These stigmas lie at the root of many kinds of unfair treatment that people with disabilities face.
Understand Examples of Unfair Treatment at Work
Not every person with a disability knows how to recognize the signs of unfair treatment at work. We hope that this article has given you a deeper understanding of your rights and what kind of treatment you should be able to expect in the workplace. The more you understand about proper treatment at work, the better the chance you can make sure you get it.
To learn more about how you can find work as a person with a disability, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!