While some companies may try to provide employees with a safe work environment free of unjust treatment, this seldom happens. Discrimination remains a common concern in many workplaces. Discriminatory treatment continues to affect the lives of many workers in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Being able to recognize some examples of disability discrimination could help those who encounter this unlawful behavior better protect their rights, because discriminatory behavior can come in numerous forms.
The examples
Even though laws exist to protect disabled workers against workplace discrimination, disability discrimination still occurs. Discrimination may occur during any stage of the employment process, even as early as the hiring stages, if the decision to hire or deny employment is based on or influenced by one’s disability status. Disabled workers may also encounter unlawful behavior if they are denied access to necessary resources, including reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties, are overlooked for promotions, or encounter unequal treatment based on similar factors.
Discriminatory treatment might not always be direct and may stem from workplace policies and requirements that harm disabled workers. Discrimination may also come in the form of inappropriate conduct and harassment – being subjected to such treatment can be an unbearable experience. Those who step forward and complain about unjust behavior may also face the possibility of retaliation. Sometimes the fear of retaliation may cause workers to be hesitant to address the situation.
Where to turn
Individuals who encounter disability discrimination may experience challenges in life and may not know where to turn for guidance on their legal rights and options. Fortunately, there are attorneys who understand what is at stake and can provide a worker with much-needed guidance on how best to approach the situation. An attorney in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area can help prepare to protect a worker’s legal rights and assist in resolving their workplace situation.
