What is US disability law?

by | Oct 15, 2013 | Lawyers

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In the United States there are laws that have been established to protect the rights of those with a mental or physical disability from discrimination. Disability law in Altoona PA is often called upon when an employer does not treat an employee fairly simply because the person has a disability. Discrimination is not just an issue in the workplace, it can happen when people with disabilities are denied admission to public places, public transportation or housing and education. There are a host of laws that are intended to prohibit these and any other form of discrimination against the disabled or anyone who has a relationship with a disabled person.

The primary law in the US is the Americans with Disabilities Act. To qualify for protection under this set of laws, the person must be afflicted with a disability. The law basically defines a disability as any condition, physical or mental, that limits one of life’s major activities. A major activity is classified as speech, hearing, seeing, learning, walking, etc.

The ADA, the act governing disability law in Altoona, PA makes it illegal for any employer with more than 15 employees or any branch of government to discriminate against a disabled person. The law states that as long as an individual is capable of performing the job and has all the requisite qualifications, that he or she cannot be denied employment. The law also demands that the company takes the disability into account and that it must take reasonable steps to see that the disabled person can perform as expected. Examples of what is expected are to make modifications to the work schedule as well as the equipment required to do the job.

The act makes every effort to resolve any problems associated with accessibility by demanding that private business make their place of business accessible to all. Any business which is open to the general public and all government facilities cannot, by law, deny access to disabled people. These facilities must be free from barriers limiting access, ramps and elevators must be provided so anyone can enter and exit with ease.

The disability law in Altoona PA is complex; anyone with a disability that feels their rights have been denied should make arrangements to discuss this with an attorney.

If you feel that you were subjected to a breach in disability law in Altoona PA, it is suggested that you contact an attorney.