If you have a disability that still allows you to work, then you should be able to apply for a job without being discriminated against. Unfortunately, some employers will hire other applicants without disabilities and find reasons to disguise their discrimination. Identifying discrimination in the hiring process can be difficult, but knowing your rights can help you fight back.
At Snider & Associates, LLC, we’re familiar with antidiscrimination laws that protect disabled individuals. We can assess your situation with a specific employer and use evidence to help you file a claim. A Maryland employment lawyer from our team can help you speak up for your rights so you can have a better chance of obtaining a job and reaching your goals.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against employees and job applicants who have physical or mental impairments that limit major life activities, such as walking, sitting, reading, seeing, and communicating. A disabled job applicant must be qualified for the job they’re applying for if the employer is to accept them for the position.
The state of Maryland’s antidiscrimination law also makes it illegal to discriminate in the workplace based on disabilities.
Disability discrimination can present itself in various ways throughout the hiring process. Under the ADA, employers must provide reasonable accommodation for job applicants with disabilities. An employer can’t refuse to hire you because you asked for reasonable accommodation during your interview.
An employer can, however, refuse to provide reasonable accommodation if doing so would cause an undue hardship, such as a large financial cost to the employer. If you live in Maryland and you believe an employer denied you a job because you asked for a reasonable accommodation for your disability, you can hold them accountable by filing an official complaint.
Because both Maryland law and federal law protect you from disability discrimination at work, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR). Regardless of where you file your complaint, it will likely be cross-filed with both agencies. If you file with the MCCR, you can initiate an inquiry online.
Once you initiate an inquiry online, the intake unit will schedule an interview with you. Once you complete the interview and return all necessary documents, the agency will file your complaint and assign it for investigation. An investigator will then look into your case and decide whether discrimination has occurred.
Possible next steps in the process may include conciliation, legal action, dismissal, or a request for reconsideration.
Speaking to an experienced attorney about your case can make the complaint process less daunting. If you’re ready to take on disability discrimination once and for all, reach out to a Maryland employment lawyer from Snider & Associates, LLC. Call 410-653-9060 to schedule a consultation, or visit our website for more information.
