Silver Spring, MD Disability Rights Lawyers

Supportive Disability Rights Attorneys for Clients Needing Reasonable Accommodations in Silver Spring, Maryland

Living with a physical or mental disability can be a challenge, especially when employers engage in discriminatory tactics to stifle disabled employees. If your employer has discriminated against you for your disability or refused to provide you with reasonable accommodation, you can take legal action to stand up for your rights. A Silver Spring disability rights lawyer can help you document workplace discrimination and pursue an appropriate remedy on your behalf.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can provide you with counsel and representation to petition for disability accommodations at your place of employment. Our attorneys have decades of shared experience, so you can take heart knowing that your case will be handled by a team of qualified professionals.

Protections for Disabled Workers

Established in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was originally written to protect disabled workers from discrimination, and since then, it has added more safeguards. Under the ADA, employers must provide disabled employees with "reasonable accommodations" in policies, practices, and procedures. Examples of reasonable accommodations may include:

• Installing a ramp and/or elevators for employees in wheelchairs
• Providing screen readers for employees with impaired vision
• Permitting service animals in the building
• Giving physically disabled employees reserved parking spaces
• Allowing a disabled employee to work remotely

An employee can receive reasonable accommodations if they are qualified for the role. Reasonable accommodations should facilitate the employee's ability to carry out the essential functions of the job. At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can help you start a conversation with your employer to discuss your options for reasonable accommodations. We will factor in the limitations created by your disability and argue for your rights as a worker.

How Can I Request Reasonable Accommodation at My Job?

To initiate a reasonable accommodation request, you must contact your employer either in person or in writing and explain how your disability is affecting your work. It is generally advisable to submit this request in writing to ensure that you have evidence of the communication between you and your employer.

Your employer cannot ignore your request for reasonable accommodations, at the risk of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. As part of your request, you do not need to go into detail about your disability, though your employer reserves the right to deny the request if you do not provide additional information when asked. You may also have to present medical documentation if your disability is not immediately obvious.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can assist with your request and help you appeal a denied decision.

What Can I Do if My Request Is Denied?

If your employer refuses to honor your request for reasonable accommodations, do not assume that your case has to end there. To begin with, you can challenge the decision by talking to your company's HR department. Though the HR department can still deny your request, having proof of your internal appeal can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to file an external complaint.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees matters involving workplace discrimination. If you believe that your right to reasonable accommodation has been infringed upon, you can file a complaint with the EEOC online, through the mail, or in person. And, before filing a court action, you must first file with the EEOC or state or local agency responsible for receiving complaints.

Finally, you can choose to file a lawsuit against your employer for discriminatory practices. Whichever route you decide to take, our lawyers are here to support you.

Meet With a Silver Spring Disability Rights Attorney

At Melehy & Associates LLC, our Silver Spring, MD reasonable accommodation lawyers can help you stand up for your rights. To schedule a free case evaluation today, call our offices at 301-587-6364 or contact us online today.