10 Things You May Not Know About Disability Discrimination

1. The law that governs disability discrimination for federal workers is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.   
   

2. Under the EEO law, a disabled person is an individual:

• With physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity. 

• Who has a record of physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity. 

• Who is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. 
  

1. Under ADA, an employer is required to provide an employee with a disability a reasonable accommodation unless the requested accommodation places an undue hardship on the employer. 
   

2. Your employer must be aware of your disability. 
   

3. Read your agency’s reasonable accommodation policy. 
   

4. Always request a note from your doctor explaining why you need a reasonable accommodation. 
   

5. If you believe you’ve been passed over for a promotion or received a harsh disciplinary action because of your disability, make sure you consider other factors that could lead to the outcome. 
   

6. When requesting telework as a reasonable accommodation, be as specific as possible. 
   

7. The agency is required to engage in an interactive process with you about your RA request. 
   

8. Visit the Jobs Accommodation Network (JAN) website for reasonable accommodation ideas. 

Source: AFGE

This guidance is not legal advice, nor does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it an agreement to act as an employee’s representative in any specific case. It does not address specific case facts nor is it intended to be a substitute for individualized legal advice. AFGE is also not responsible for any errors or omissions in this guidance or any accompanying materials, as controlling law is always subject to interpretation and/or change.