How Does the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Affect My Job and My Employer’s Obligations?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that, among other things, prohibits employers from discriminating against disabled job applicants and employees. If you or your loved one is a worker with a disability in Pennsylvania, it is crucial that you know your rights under the law. Here, our Hershey employee rights attorney provides a guide to the ADA, explains how it impacts your job, and describes your employer’s obligations.
The ADA Applies to Employers in Pennsylvania With 15 or More Employees
The ADA is a federal law that protects employees against disability discrimination. It applies to all businesses and organizations with 15 or more employees, including part-time workers and seasonal workers. If you work for or are applying to such an employer, you are protected under the ADA’s provisions against disability-based discrimination.
Note: Pennsylvania Commonwealth law also protects workers against disability discrimination. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) applies to employers with four or more workers.
Key Rights of Workers Under the ADA
Are you a disabled worker in Hershey or elsewhere in Central Pennsylvania? Here are two of the key things you need to know about your rights under the ADA:
- Protection Against Discrimination: The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified people with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, job assignments, training, and benefits. Disabled employees who can perform the essential functions of the job are qualified and deserve equitable opportunities. If you have any questions about discrimination claims, our Pennsylvania attorney can help.
- Right to Seek a Reasonable Accommodation: Employees with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodation. An accommodation may include modifications to the work environment, adjustments to work schedules, provision of assistive technologies, or other changes, so long as they do not impose an undue hardship on the employer. If you have any questions about reasonable accommodations, a lawyer can help.
Understanding Employer Obligations Under the ADA
Employers covered by the ADA are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities. They must engage in an interactive process with the employee to identify an appropriate adjustment to the workplace. However, employers are not required to provide any specific accommodation that would pose an undue hardship on them. Beyond that, employers must ensure that their facilities are accessible and that employees with disabilities have equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. Notably, the ADA protects workers against retaliation. Employers are also prohibited from taking adverse action against employees who assert their rights under the ADA.
Contact Our Hershey ADA Lawyer for Employees Today
At Morcom Law, our Hershey employment lawyer for employees has the knowledge, skills, and experience that you can trust. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the ADA, please call us at 717-921-1422 or contact us online for a fully confidential initial consultation. Our firm handles ADA cases in Hershey and throughout the surrounding area in Central Pennsylvania.
