Taking action against disability discrimination

Living with a disability can be challenging enough without facing discrimination from your employer.

In California, both state and federal laws protect employees with disabilities from discrimination by their employers. If you believe that your employer is discriminating against you because of your disability, it is important to know what steps to take.

Know your rights

Both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibit disability discrimination by employers. These laws require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities and to treat them equally in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion and termination. Understanding your rights under these laws can help you identify when discrimination is occurring and what actions you can take.

Gather evidence

If you believe that your employer is discriminating against you because of your disability, it is essential to gather evidence that supports your claim. This evidence can include emails, witness statements and performance reviews. Documenting any incidents where you believe discrimination has occurred is also important.

File a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing

You can also file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The DFEH investigates claims of discrimination and can help you recover lost wages if they find that your employer discriminated against you. To file a complaint with the DFEH, you must do so within one year of the alleged discrimination.

Facing discrimination can be difficult, but taking proactive steps to protect your rights can help you seek justice and ensure that your employer treats you fairly and equally.