There are plenty of people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who can function fairly well in the workplace -- although some need reasonable accommodations to better manage their neurodivergent condition at work.If you have an ASD, you should understand your...
Disability Discrimination
You don’t have to tolerate ableism at work
When you have a disability -- whether visible or not -- you become consciously aware of just how much "ableism" there is around you.What's ableism? It's a form of prejudice against people with disabilities. In many ways, ableism is ingrained in American culture in...
Know your rights regarding work and mental health issues
Mental health issues are very common. However, many people still don't realize that their mental health conditions are entitled to the same workplace protections that physical disabilities are accorded through the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The...
What is “ableism” in the workplace?
"Ableism" is a form of disability discrimination -- but it's so culturally ingrained that it's often hard to combat. Ableism is anything that devalues someone based on their disability -- whether that disability is visible or not.Here are some examples of ableism in...
Take action against disability discrimination
A disability can strike anyone, at any age. In fact, it's estimated that around 40 million Americans struggle with some form of mental or physical disability. Many of those people are working despite their impairments -- but they don't always have an easy time finding...
When is obesity a disability?
People with disabilities enjoy certain workplace protections -- but is obesity really a disability in California?Actually, it depends. An appellate court's ruling on a recent case laid out the conditions under which obesity can be considered a disability. Employers...
How do you tell your employer about your psychiatric disability?
Some disabilities are obvious to the world -- while others are very much "hidden" conditions that observers can't automatically discern just by looking at someone.Psychiatric disabilities often fall into that category of "hidden" conditions. Consequently, the people...
Can you be fired while out on sick leave?
Is it illegal for an employer to fire you while you're sidelined from the job due to an illness or injury?Unfortunately, no. At least, not exactly. Your disability doesn't protect you against all causes for termination. Generally speaking, your employer can let you go...
Workers with learning difficulties and discrimination
Many people with learning disabilities are able to find meaningful work and contribute to society and to the workplace. The opportunities that those with learning disabilities are able to receive are in part due to legal protections and support that comes with laws...
California diabetic sues food chain for disability discrimination
A diabetic man who previously worked as an assistant manager in a large foodservice chain has accused his former employer of disability discrimination based on his chronic condition. His lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that his employer refused to...