California is known for its unique worker-friendly employment laws. Robust legal protections exist for numerous protected classes of employees, including those with a disability. This helps ensure they are treated fairly and equitably in the workplace.
Both state and federal laws prohibit disability discrimination. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to help employees with disabilities perform their jobs effectively. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights.
Key legal protections for disabled workers
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. It applies to employers with five or more employees, prohibiting discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions or perceived impairments. It also mandates reasonable accommodations and prohibits retaliation against workers who assert their rights.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides federal protections. Together, the ADA and FEHA help ensure disabled workers have equal access to job opportunities, training, promotions and workplace benefits.
Employers must engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations, such as modified work schedules, assistive technologies or job restructuring.
What is considered disability discrimination?
Disability discrimination can take many forms, including failure to accommodate, harassment, exclusion from hiring or promotion and termination based on disability status. California law defines disability broadly, covering conditions that limit major life activities, such as mobility, cognition or chronic illness.
Taking action when rights are violated
If you believe you’ve experienced disability discrimination at work, document the incidents and request accommodations in writing. If that doesn’t produce results, you may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or pursue legal action for your mistreatment. Getting experienced legal guidance can help you seek justice.