What is the Definition of Disability Under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

At Romero Law, APC, our experienced Pasadena disability discrimination attorneys know that workplace inequities come in many forms, which is why multiple state and federal statutes exist to protect employees throughout California.

Our Los Angeles County employment law attorneys are here to help enforce those laws when employers are not doing their part to ensure workers are safe from discrimination.

When an employer or other entity covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Rehabilitation Act treats a qualified individual who is an employee or applicant unfavorably because of a disability, that is discrimination.

Here is what California workers need to know about how a disability is defined, and what we can do to help when they have been treated unfairly because of their impairment.

What is the ADA Definition of a Disabled Person?

The ADA defines an individual with a disability as a person who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities
• Is regarded as having such an impairment
• Has a record of such an impairment

When applicants or employees with disabilities have the necessary experience, skills, and certifications for a job, and can perform its essential functions, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations, if they do not cause undue hardship.

What are Considered “Reasonable Accommodations” for Disabled Employees?

California employer accommodations may include restructuring the position around the employee’s disability by:

• Transferring an employee to the same job or similar job at a different location
• Making changes to existing equipment and facilities to help disabled workers
• Modifying an employee’s hours and days to allow time for required medical treatment
• Allowing for a reasonable amount of unpaid medical leave

ADA compliance is not simply an accommodation, it is the law.

Contact Our Skilled Disability Discrimination Attorneys in Pasadena, California Today

If you are suffering from disability discrimination in the workplace, or are being denied reasonable accommodations for your disability, contact our experienced Los Angeles County employment law attorneys to discuss your unique workplace circumstances today.

Our employment law firm and bilingual staff offer services in both English and Spanish and are available now to discuss your case during a free consultation by calling 626-396-9900 or contacting us online.