Employment

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People with disabilities want to work like everyone else. Having a job is key to independence and self-determination.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination in the workplace against people with disabilities and guarantees them equal opportunities.

  • Title I, enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), prohibits employers from discriminating against people with disabilities in all employment-related activities, including hiring, pay, benefits, firing and promotions.
  • Title II, enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), protects people with disabilities from discrimination in state and local government services, programs and activities.

Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Rehabilitation Act

The Rehabilitation Act funds various disability-related purposes and activities, including state vocational rehabilitation programs. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities when the disability is a barrier to employment and the individual can benefit from rehabilitation services. 

Workplace Discrimination

Disability Law Colorado supports the right of people with disabilities to work and support themselves and their families. We intervene in cases of workplace discrimination and we help people access vocational rehabilitation services.

Our Employment-Related Programs

We have several programs that can assist people with employment-related issues, including:

  • Client Assistance Program - this program helps people access services from the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
  • Assistive Technology - helps ensure people have the devices they need to perform on the job.
  • Individual Rights - protects the legal and human rights of people with disabilities, including the right to be free from discrimination in the workplace.

If you would like to discuss a potential case of workplace discrimination or learn more about job rehabilitation, please contact us.

Success Stories

Deaf Students Get Degrees After All

Two students who are deaf were pursuing degrees in special education. The college intended not to recommend them for licensure because they were deaf.

A Man with Asperger's Pursues His Dreams

Disability Law Colorado advocated for a young man with disabilities when his request to attend a program for college students with disabilities was denied...

More Success Stories

Related Resources

Assistive Technology Fact Sheet

Assistive technology (AT) is defined by the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabiliti

Ticket to Work Rules

In 1999, the U.S. Congress passed the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TTW).

Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment

This brochure from the Department of Justice offers excellent information about your employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Mainstream Back Issues

Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and protects persons with disabilities and people with whom they associate or have a relationship.

Employment Discrimination Fact Sheet

People with disabilities are protected from employer discrimination under Titles I & II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Family Medical Leave Act

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave per year and requires group health benefits to be maintained during the leave. This fact sheet outlines:

HIV and the Law - Fact Sheet

This fact sheet outlines the various laws that protect people who are living with HIV. It also explores how the Adults with Disabilities Act (ADA) can be applied to protect people with HIV in the employment context.