Disability Law Services: Fighting for the Protection You Deserve

While many people go about their day, not giving a second thought to the ubiquity of stairs and heavy, high-handled doors and the lack of braille, ramps or acceptance of service dogs in many establishments. From office buildings to restaurants and from schools to shopping malls, there are many public and private areas in society that do not cater to the needs of the disabled. Unfortunately, these conditions can often exist for years, as those without the perspective of a disadvantaged individual often fail to see just how inconvenient, or in some cases, dangerous, these conditions can be. Thankfully, there is an expanding career area of litigation and legislation - a career as disability lawyer - which strives to ensure protection and access for all, regardless of chronic or temporary physical or mental conditions. Of course, there is far more to disability law than simply following requirements for the amount of access ramps that must be in place on a property or keeping doors within the proscribed weight limits so that someone in a wheelchair can enter without straining. One of the major areas of disability law - and one in which many lawsuits arise - is that of employment. Although some people with disabilities may have limited mobility, sight or other conditions, this does not mean they are unable to perform the same duties that their non-disabled peers can. Unfortunately, doubts about the skills of disabled people, ignorance from a lack of experience working with a disabled person, and even just societal stigmas can make employers scrutinize a disabled person more closely when hiring than someone else. For this reason, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses employment and requires that employers with at least 15 employees are legally bound to offer equal opportunities for disabled individuals. This means that discrimination in salary, training, hiring, recruitment, participation in social activities, promotions and other aspects of employment, based on a person's disability, is outlawed. Additionally, the area of disability law features federal regulations that bar discrimination based on disability status in state and local government activities. This means that all types of programs sponsored by state or local governments - from public schools and parks to health care, transportation, and voting - need to provide equal opportunities and services for those who are disabled. These regulations mean that state and local government buildings must be constructed with adequate disability access and also mandates that hearings, meetings and other events held in inaccessible areas must be moved at the timely request of a disabled individual. All government services must also make accommodations to ensure equal treatment, including providing aid for the hearing or visual impaired. Finally, another primary area where the law provides protection for those with disabilities is in housing. The Fair Housing Act is a broad statute that covers not just state, local, and federal governmental housing but private housing as well. The act protects individuals based on race, gender, national origin, disability and many other factors to ensure fairness in housing opportunities, payments and conditions. If you feel you are not receiving equal treatment, consult a disability lawyer today and get the protection you deserve.