| Disability Law |
| Americans With Disabilities Act |
| Disability Related Legal Problems |
| Rights and Conditions for Disabled |
Disability - Rights and Conditions
During the last few decades, a number of federal and state disability legislations have improved the daily quality of life of persons with disabilities. The provisions of these laws have permeated through all the various aspects of living, from civil and human rights to economic self-sufficiency, and have developed several rights of persons with disabilities.
Employment
Individuals with disabilities have the right to be treated in the workplace like anybody else. These include having access to comparable salary, and other work-related privileges. When applying for the job, the employer may inquire about your ability to perform a job, but you have the right not to be asked about your disability. Medical tests that would screen out individuals with disabilities are also prohibited.
Access
Persons with either physical or mental disabilities have the right to equal access to all types of places that are open to the general public. This would include business establishments, transportation carriers, recreation facilities, and so forth. They also have the right to be accompanied by a guide or service dog while staying in any public accommodations, or using a public conveyance.
Housing
Persons with disabilities have the following rights in private or public housing:
- Right against owner's refusal to rent or buy the property for the sole reason of having a disability;
- Right to have access to reasonable accommodations in a dwelling; and
- Right to be allowed to make reasonable structural modifications to enhance their enjoyment of the facilities offered in the housing project.
Education
Regardless of the conditions that lead to the disability of a child, he or she has the right to receive a free public education which is appropriate to his or her needs. Children with disabilities are also entitled to an education which is free from discrimination based on disabilities.
In addition to the child's rights to education, parents have the right to participate in all decisions that pertain to the child's education. For this reason, school districts have the obligation to notify the parents regarding deliberations about the possibility of providing special education for the child. In case the parents are not satisfied with the decision of the school district, they have the right to ask the court for review of such decision.
If your rights are violated by any person or entity, make sure to seek an advice of a legal counsel who is expert in disability laws.