What Is Covered Under the Americans With Disabilities Act?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services accessibility, transportation, and other areas of life. The ADA applies to private businesses with 15 or more employees, state and local governments, and educational institutions.

The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and requires businesses to make reasonable accommodations for all their disabled employees.

What Disabilities Are Covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act?

The ADA covers a wide range of disabilities, including physical disabilities, mental disabilities, and cognitive disabilities. It also covers all medical impairments and conditions.

The act promotes the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.

What Are an Employer’s Responsibilities?

ADA compliance puts some responsibility on employers. They must provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the company. These accommodations can include changes to the work environment, modified job duties, or special equipment that allows employees with disabilities to function effectively in the workplace.

They must also ensure that their workplace is accessible to employees with disabilities, and they must not discriminate against employees with disabilities in any way.

The role of employers is listed below:

1. Services Accessibility

Businesses are required to make “reasonable modifications” to their policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy their goods and services. This requirement extends to all aspects of the business, from the initial interactions with customers to the way the business is run internally. It also extends to cover both disabled staff, and/or disabled customers.

For example, a business might need to make changes to its website so that it is accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision.

2. Transportation

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that businesses provide accessible parking for people with disabilities. This includes designated parking spots that are close to the entrance of the business, as well as wheelchair-accessible parking spaces. The ADA also requires that businesses provide accessible entrances, restrooms, and other facilities for people with disabilities.

3. Staff Hiring

While the ADA does not require employers to hire employees with disabilities who are not qualified for the position, it does require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants during the hiring process, such as allowing them to take tests or submit applications in a different format.

How Can You Tell if You Are Being Discriminated Against?

1. As a Customer

There are many ways that you can tell if you are being discriminated against as a customer. Some signs may be obvious, such as being treated rudely or unfairly or being refused service.

However, other forms of discrimination may be more subtle, such as frowning or making assumptions about what a customer might want or need.

2. As a Prospective Employee

There are many ways to tell if you are being discriminated against as a prospective employee. One sign may be that you are not being interviewed for a position even though you meet the qualifications listed in the job posting. Another sign may be that you are not being offered the same salary and benefits as other employees with similar experience and qualifications.

Additionally, if you experience negative comments or treatment from your potential employer or coworkers, this could also be a sign of discrimination.

3. As an Existing Employee

There are many ways to tell if you are being discriminated against as an existing employee. One sign may be that you are not being given the same opportunities as other employees, or that you are being passed over for promotions.

Additionally, if you are being harassed at work, this is also a form of discrimination.

How Do People File Complaints if They Feel They Have Been Discriminated Against?

When people feel that they have been discriminated against, they may file a complaint with a state administrative agency or the federal administrative agency.

In Illinois, the state agency is the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). The IDHR will investigate the complaint and determine if there is enough evidence to support a case. If there is, the IDHR will work to resolve the issue through mediation or through a hearing before an administrative law judge.

The federal agency responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC will investigate the complaint and determine if there is enough evidence to support a case. If there is, the EEOC will work to resolve the issue through mediation or through a hearing before an administrative law judge.

In either case, having a skilled Chicago disability discrimination attorney help you throughout the process will prove extremely useful.

FAQ: Can an Employer Ask About Your Disability Before Offering You Employment?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an employer may not ask about an applicant’s disability before offering employment. This is to prevent employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities. However, once an individual is employed, or during the employment process, the employer can also ask if the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

So, yes, an employer cannot require an applicant to disclose their disability, but they can ask if the applicant needs any reasonable accommodations to do the job. The onus now lies on the employee to explain to the prospective employer the “accommodations” they need to effectively carry out their duties.

These reasonable accommodations can include changes or adjustments to the work environment or to the way a job is performed that will enable a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to apply for and perform the job.

What Should You Do if You Are a Victim of Disability Discrimination in Chicago, IL?

If you feel as though you have been discriminated against because of your disability, it is important to speak with a Chicago disability discrimination lawyer at North Suburban Legal Services, LLC to discuss your legal options. You can call 312-909-6089 to schedule a free consultation.

North Suburban Legal Services, LLC, specializes in helping victims of disability discrimination and can provide you with the legal assistance you need to protect your rights. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.

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