On the Job Disability Discrimination Claims Hits Record High in 2009

 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has reported that claims for disability discrimination in the workplace rose to 21,451 (up about 10 percent) in 2009.

Of those disability discrimination claims, there were 18,776 resolutions, 2,065 settlements, and $67.8 million paid in monetary benefits.

Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 2008, more broadly defines “disability.”

EEOC is working on finalizing its ADA regulations.  It concluded in November, with the U.S. Dept. of Justice, a 60-day public comment period to get direct input from members of the business community and the disability community on the definition of “disability.”  EEOC is evaluating these comments and is making revisions to its proposed ADA regulations under the Amendments Act of 2008.

The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 has made it easier for workers who have manageable disabilities to file disability discrimination claims.

Read the related story in USA Today.