About one billion individuals in the world have been diagnosed with some type of disability, and almost 200 million people in the world suffer from a significant, chronic condition that requires special aid and support. Just because someone has a medical condition does not mean that they are not able to work and that they should be prevented from seeking a career. If you are one of the millions of people who are struggling with an illness, but can complete work tasks, you should know that you are protected by the law in case you want to seek employment and if you want to build a career.
More often than not, people don’t know their legal rights, and they believe that they have to keep up with the discrimination and unfair conditions when they get a job. In this article, we are going to tell you more about the legal rights of disabled employees and what their prerogatives are. Continue reading if you want to find out how to deal with discrimination and what to do if you feel that you are working in an unsafe environment where your rights are being broken or ignored.
1. You don’t have to disclose details about your condition
Many people believe that they are required by law to disclose details about their medical condition. In some cases, you will need to give your employer information about your condition, and they should be aware if you require any special aid or equipment to do your tasks properly, but you don’t have to disclose details.
You are not required to share private information or anything that you don’t want to disclose with the person hiring you. On the same note, it is advised to share some things with your employer if you want them to treat you fairly and if you want to get any aid or support.
2. You should be allowed to work part-time or with a modified schedule
Source: getsling.com
Some workers may need to have a modified schedule that will allow them to get proper therapy for their condition. Your employer should be able to provide you the option to work part-time or to have a specific schedule depending on your condition.
On the same note, depending on your treatment course, you should be allowed to take private days so you don’t miss out on the possible aid for your illness. Remember that if you work part-time, or if you work less than the other employees that will reflect on your paycheck, and the employer has the right to modify your payment depending on the weekly hours you work.
3. You have the right to stay employed despite your disability
Sometimes when we don’t disclose our condition, we do that because of fear that we will not get hired or that we will be let go if we disclose our disability. You should know that it is your prerogative to stay employed no matter how or when you disclose details about your condition and that you are protected by law to keep your job as long as you can do your tasks.
On websites like www.disabilitylawyertoronto.ca, you can see that in case of denial to get hired, or unfair termination you are free to get legal help and to seek a lawyer that will help you get compensated or rehired.
Your employer cannot fire you just because you disclosed that you are suffering from a chronic condition, and you are always going to be protected against that type of discrimination.
4. You should be protected against discrimination
Source: euneighbours.eu
In some environments, people may not understand your needs or your condition. Not all disabilities are visible, and sometimes your coworkers or your bosses may not understand the severity of your condition. There are so many invisible illnesses including migraines, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia where those around you cannot see your pain and suffering.
If you feel that you are in an environment where you feel unsafe, discriminated against, or that you are not treated fairly, the company has to protect you against these things. In case they don’t do everything in their power to make you feel safe, you have the prerogative to seek legal counsel.
5. The company has to provide safety equipment
Some employees may need additional tools and gadgets to be able to do their job properly. As long as you can finish all the things with some type of equipment, the company you work for should provide that.
There are a lot of different types of disabilities, and some of the people in the company may need items like safety goggles, earplugs, or protective clothing to make sure they are safe while finishing their tasks. You should not be discriminated against if you require these items, and it is your prerogative to get these things if you ask for them.
6. You have the right to a promotion
Source: businessfirstfamily.com
People who suffer from a specific condition have the right to get hired to any job in their field, as long as they are competent to do their tasks. As long as you can do your job properly, and as long as you have the needed qualification, managers cannot deny you work only because of your condition. On the same note, every employee who is capable to finish their tasks should have the right to get promoted, get a salary increment, and additional benefits.
If your employer does not want to provide these things, and if they refuse to give you a job, or choose to demote you just because of your medical condition, you are free to ask for legal aid to get the things you deserve.
These are just a few of your prerogatives as disabled employees, and you are protected by the law for all of them. If you feel that you are mistreated, discriminated against, or that you don’t receive the same entitlements as other employees, you should ask for aid from a legal representative. Remember that all of these things may vary depending on your location, so you should do proper research depending on the place where you live and work. Consult with an attorney if you feel your rights are broken or taken away from you, and if you feel that you are not properly treated in your job.
