If you struggle with a disability, it is pivotal to have a clear understanding of your rights in the workplace. Discrimination, harassment, failure to provide accommodations you need and other forms of mistreatment could make your job very difficult or result in losing your position. It is pivotal to understand various examples of disabilities covered by nondiscrimination laws. In addition, you should go over ways in which disability discrimination occurs and the steps you can take as a victim.
Unfortunately, disability discrimination continues to take place far too often in workspaces across the country.
How does Washington define disabilities?
The Washington State Human Rights Commission reports that the state counts more mental and medical conditions as disabilities when compared to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Various impairments count as disabilities, such as mental, sensory and physical impairments. Disabilities can impact various systems in the body, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and digestive systems.
Pregnancy is typically not treated as a disability, although a different law bars pregnancy discrimination. However, some medical conditions that can arise due to pregnancy represent disabilities, such as hypertension and diabetes.
Does a drug addiction count as a disability?
Using unlawful drugs does not constitute a disability under this law, but alcoholism is a disability. If you are recovering from an addiction to drugs, you have a recognized disability. Furthermore, AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis C count as disabilities.
In Washington State, a wide variety of conditions constitute disabilities covered under nondiscrimination laws, and it is essential to stand up for your rights if you have experienced violations due to a disability.