Disabled people make up a significant part of California’s population. The U.S. Census Bureau reports indicate that over 4 million people in California are living with disabilities. Unfortunately, disability can make one vulnerable to discrimination in employment, education, access to public services, etc.
Today, significant progress has been made recently towards promoting inclusivity and equality for people with disabilities. In California, the rights of people with disabilities are protected by both federal disability laws and California state disability laws.
Therefore, you have legal recourse in California if your rights are infringed on grounds of disability. A disability attorney from a reputable disability discrimination firm can help you get a resolution of your case. They can help push for the services you are entitled to or seek to recover damages in terms of monetary compensation.
The Federal Disability Laws
In California, citizens living with disabilities can enjoy protection of their rights under both federal and California state laws. These laws include:
The Rehabilitation Act
Enacted in 1973, this Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by federal agencies, programs, and activities receiving federal funding. It mandates these entities to provide reasonable accommodations and accessibility to individuals with disabilities to enable them to fully participate in their programs and services.
The Fair Housing Act
This Act was enacted in 1968 and then amended in 1974 and 1988 to prohibit housing discrimination based on disability. It requires premises and facility owners to provide reasonable exceptions and accommodations to those with disabilities. This ensures that people with disabilities enjoy equal access to housing opportunities, including reasonable accommodations and modifications to make the housing accessible.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This is one of the most comprehensive disability laws in the United States. Enacted in 1990 and later improved in 2008, the Act prohibits discrimination against millions of Americans with disabilities in the workplace. It also provides for reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities for equal access and opportunities in various aspects of life.
California Disability Laws
California has enacted laws that expand the protections provided by other federal laws. California disability discrimination laws include the following:
FEHA – Fair Employment and Housing Act
This law prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment and housing on the basis of mental or physical disability in California. Enacted in 1959, the act applies to both public and private employers with five employees and above, as well as housing providers, landlords, and real estate agents.
The FEHA offers a wide range of protections for individuals with disabilities. These include the right to reasonable accommodation in the workplace or housing, protection from retaliation, and access to equal opportunities.
The Unruh Civil Rights Act
This is another California law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and business establishments. Under the Civil Code Sections 54-55.2, individuals with disabilities have the right to full and equal access to public places, like restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. This act extends to a wide range of disabilities to cover not only physical disabilities but also mental and developmental disabilities.
Let a California Disability Lawyer Help Protect Your Rights
If you have been denied your rights on the basis of discrimination, you don’t want to take this lightly. This is because such a denial of your rights might also mean a denial of essential services and freedoms as provided by the law.
An attorney from the Cartwright Law Firm Inc. can help protect your disability rights as outlined in federal and domestic laws. A lawyer will check which laws apply to your situation to successfully pursue your case. Please fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.
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