The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination of qualified applicants and employees on the basis of disability. The Missouri Human Rights Act, a state law, also provides this protection but applies to a much broader range of people, including those who have been discriminated against or sexually harassed.

If you believe that you were terminated, demoted or otherwise harmed by your employer as the result of discrimination, it is important to speak with an experienced employment law attorney to fully understand your rights.

At the law firm of Holman Schiavone, LLC, our lawyers have extensive experience representing individuals in discrimination lawsuits and other employment law matters.

We always stand up for the individual. Call us at (816) 399-5149 to discuss your options.

Discrimination Based On Relationship or Association Is Illegal and We Can Help You

The purpose of the ADA provision that prevents this specific type of discrimination is to prevent employers from taking adverse actions based upon assumptions about these employees. For instance, an employer may refuse to hire an individual who has a child with a disability, since the employer may assume that the applicant will have to spend too much time away from work and will be unreliable.

The ADA does not require a family relationship for an applicant or employee to be protected by the provision. The employer only has to be motivated by the individual’s relationship with a person who has a disability.

For instance, if an employee spends time volunteering at a shelter that provides assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS, and an employer terminates the employee because it is concerned that the employee will contract the disease and transmit it to other employers or clients, that is a violation of the law.

Get a Free Initial Consultation With an Attorney

For more information about this provision of the ADA and how to exercise your legal rights, please call Holman Schiavone, LLC, to schedule a free initial consultation at (816) 399-5149 or email us.