THE PICTURE PEOPLE SUED FOR HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION BASED ON DISABILITY.
The Picture People, Inc., a chain of photography stores, was recently sued for discriminating and harassing a deaf individual. The deaf employee was hired to fill a photographer position. Not only was the employee denied her request to be provided with an American Sign Language interpreter for mandatory training and staff meetings, but she was also isolated from the public. Eventually, her hours were eliminated entirely.
If you are a disabled individual, you are protected under both California and federal law. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act applies to employers with 5 or more employees and forbids disability discrimination. In addition, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to employers with 15 or more employees. The ADA prohibits disability discrimination against a “qualified individual” with a disability. A qualified individual is a person who is able to perform the essential tasks of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Under the ADA, a person is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having such an impairment.
If you are a disabled individual, you should know that you are protected by the law. Don’t stand for discrimination at your workplace. Contact the skilled team of lawyers at Greenberg & Rudman LLP. You can reach us at 1-800-ALAWPRO or 1-800-252-9776 for a free consultation. You can also visit us at www.discriminationattorney.com to learn more. We can help you stand up for your rights.
