There are several forms of disability discrimination. These are some of the ways that it might occur:
Direct Discrimination
This is when you are treated less favorably than your coworkers due to your disability. For example, you are not given the same choices as your coworkers. This would be a direct form of disability discrimination.
Indirect Discrimination
This form of disability discrimination occurs when there is a policy that impacts people with disabilities. You may notice them if you are disabled, but a coworker may not. It is important to bring these situations up with employers if you would like to see changes being made.
For example, your employer makes it harder for people with learning disabilities to access certain information. This is illegal unless the employer can state a significant reason for the decision.
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if you are a victim of indirect discrimination. We recommend that you talk with our disability discrimination experts. They can determine right away what happened if you recount all of the details to them.
Your employer should be able to make reasonable adjustments and accommodations for you. For instance, a disabled person may need to have a parking spot closer to the building. These sorts of accommodations should be handled by your supervisors after you ask. We recommend you ask politely in writing and save a copy for your own records.
Harassment
Harassment can occur in a number of ways. If your employer and coworkers know about your disability and taunt you over it, that would be disability discrimination. Additionally, they may make you feel uncomfortable while at work. If this is happening, then you can make a disability discrimination claim.