Your disability might make it more difficult for you to perform otherwise easy tasks, but you have learned to adapt, jump hurdles and move forward with your personal development. Being employed in Wisconsin provides a person with a sense of dignity and purpose — especially those with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act protects handicapped individuals from discrimination in the workplace. Title I of this act outlines requirements for employers with greater than 15 employers to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. These accommodations include adjustments or modifications that make it possible for the person to adequately perform their responsibilities. This might mean taking off for appointments, making necessary changes in scheduling, providing wheelchair access, modifying the job description or simply educating other employees.
Speak with your employer about your disability and necessary accommodations that should be made immediately upon employment. If your disability is not obvious, your employer is permitted to request supporting documentation that establishes the existence of the disability and the need for accommodation. If an employer denies a request for reasonable accommodations, you may file a discrimination complaint with the EEOC.
There are some circumstances in which an employer can deny a request for accommodations, such as undue hardship, though some cases may be motivated by discrimination. Because of this, knowing whether you have a right to take legal action may not be immediately clear. If you feel that you have been the victim of discrimination and have been denied reasonable accommodation so that you may work despite your disability, speaking with an experienced attorney may be beneficial.
