The Failure to Make Reasonable Accommodations May Violate the Americans With Disabilities Act

An Atlanta judge is facing charges of disability discrimination from several current and former employees.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the American with Disability Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) make it illegal to discriminate in terms of employment against qualified individuals with a disability.”  Further, the ADA also prohibits disability harassment and retaliation against workers for complaining about disability discrimination or for participating in someone else’s disability discrimination case.

One of the ways the ADA protects disabled individuals is by requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations that enable workers to continue to do their job.  In the recent matter, numerous employees assert that the judge either did not believe that they were disabled, or failed provide reasonable accommodations.  For example, one employee underwent hip surgeries and required the use of a cane for walking.  Despite receiving doctors’ notes detailing the injuries and the need for doctors visits, the judge allegedly yelled at the employee and harassed her for taking time for medical care. Another employee asserted that when she requested a reasonable accommodation for her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she was fired.  Both allegations, if true may be violations of federal anti-discrimination law.

This case remains under investigation.

If you believe that you may have suffered any form of disability discrimination, it is important to discuss your case an experienced disability attorney.  For more information, please contact our dedicated Atlanta employment discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.