Know Your Rights
Whether you have ADHD, depression, autism, chronic pain, or any other disability - you have powerful legal rights. Knowledge is your greatest tool for workplace success.
Protected
Your disability is protected by federal and state civil rights laws
Accommodated
You have the right to reasonable accommodations for all disability types
Empowered
Knowledge of your rights gives you confidence and career power
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Your fundamental workplace rights
What the ADA Covers
Protects individuals with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, neurodivergent traits, and invisible disabilities
Applies to employers with 15+ employees in private sector and all government employers
Covers ADHD, depression, anxiety, autism, chronic pain, mobility impairments, and hundreds of other conditions
Protects you during hiring, on the job, and when seeking promotions
Reasonable Accommodations
Flexible schedules for mental health appointments or ADHD medication timing
Quiet workspaces for autism or ADHD focus needs
Modified lighting for migraine or sensory sensitivities
Assistive technology for vision, hearing, or motor impairments
Written instructions for learning differences or memory issues
Mental health breaks and stress management accommodations
Your Rights
Request accommodations at any time during employment
Keep medical information confidential from most coworkers
Be protected from retaliation for requesting accommodations
Receive equal pay and benefits regardless of disability status
Choose whether and when to disclose your disability
Laws Protect All Disabilities
These laws protect people with all types of disabilities - visible and invisible, physical and mental health, temporary and permanent.
Physical Disabilities
Mobility, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and other physical disabilities are fully protected.
Mental Health
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions have strong legal protections.
Neurodivergent
ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent traits are recognized disabilities with accommodation rights.
Invisible Disabilities
Chronic illnesses, hearing loss, learning differences, and other invisible conditions are equally protected.
Federal Disability Laws
Key federal legislation that protects your rights in employment, education, and public accommodations.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Enacted 1990 • 42 U.S.C. § 12101
What It Covers:
- Title I: Employment discrimination (15+ employees)
- Title II: State and local government services
- Title III: Public accommodations and commercial facilities
- Title IV: Telecommunications relay services
Key Protections:
- Reasonable accommodations in the workplace
- Accessible public buildings and transportation
- Equal access to goods, services, and programs
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Enacted 1973 • 29 U.S.C. § 794
What It Covers:
- Federal agencies and their employment practices
- Programs receiving federal financial assistance
- Federal contractors (Section 503)
Key Requirements:
- Non-discrimination in federally funded programs
- Reasonable accommodations in federal employment
- Accessibility in federally funded facilities
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Enacted 1975 • 20 U.S.C. § 1400
What It Covers:
- Special education services (ages 3-21)
- Early intervention services (birth to age 2)
- Transition planning for post-secondary life
Key Rights:
- Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Fair Housing Act
Amended 1988 • 42 U.S.C. § 3601
What It Covers:
- Housing sales, rentals, and financing
- Discriminatory housing practices
- Advertising and real estate services
Key Protections:
- Reasonable modifications to housing
- Reasonable accommodations in rules/policies
- Accessible design requirements
Your Employment Rights
Understanding your rights and protections in the workplace under federal disability laws.
Reasonable Accommodations
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.
- Modified work schedules
- Assistive technology
- Job restructuring
- Remote work options
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Protection from discrimination in all aspects of employment.
- Hiring and recruitment
- Promotions and advancement
- Training opportunities
- Compensation and benefits
Interview Rights
Know what employers can and cannot ask during the hiring process.
- Cannot ask about disabilities
- Cannot require medical exams
- Can ask about ability to perform job
- Can ask about needed accommodations
How to Request Accommodations
Request
Submit a written or verbal request for accommodation to your supervisor or HR.
Documentation
Provide medical documentation if requested by your employer.
Interactive Process
Work with your employer to identify effective accommodations.
Implementation
Employer implements the agreed-upon reasonable accommodation.
State Disability Laws
Many states have stronger protections than federal law. Check your state's specific requirements.
California FEHA
Fair Employment and Housing Act covers employers with 5+ employees.
- Broader definition of disability
- Pregnancy disability leave
- Family care and medical leave
New York SHRL
State Human Rights Law provides extensive disability protections.
- Covers employers with 4+ employees
- Genetic information protection
- Criminal history protections
Texas TCHRA
Texas Commission on Human Rights Act protects disabled workers.
- Covers employers with 15+ employees
- Reasonable accommodation requirements
- Retaliation protections
Florida FCRA
Florida Civil Rights Act mirrors federal ADA protections.
- Covers employers with 15+ employees
- Whistleblower protections
- Public accommodation requirements
Colorado CADA
Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act provides broad protections.
- Covers employers with 1+ employees
- Cannabis use protections
- Expanded family leave
Washington WLAD
Washington Law Against Discrimination offers strong protections.
- Covers employers with 8+ employees
- Pregnancy accommodation law
- Paid family and medical leave
Enforcement Agencies
Know where to file complaints and seek help when your rights are violated.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Federal Agency • Employment Discrimination
Handles:
- ADA Title I employment discrimination
- Section 501 federal employment
- Reasonable accommodation disputes
Filing Deadline:
180 days from the discriminatory act (300 days in states with fair employment agencies)
Contact:
1-800-669-4000
www.eeoc.gov
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Federal Agency • Civil Rights Division
Handles:
- ADA Title II state/local government
- ADA Title III public accommodations
- Section 504 federal funding violations
Powers:
- File lawsuits against violators
- Investigate pattern/practice discrimination
- Issue guidance and regulations
Contact:
1-800-514-0301
www.ada.gov
Department of Education (ED)
Federal Agency • Office for Civil Rights
Handles:
- Section 504 education discrimination
- ADA Title II educational services
- IDEA implementation disputes
Filing Deadline:
180 days from the discriminatory act
Contact:
1-800-421-3481
www2.ed.gov/ocr
Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
Federal Agency • Fair Housing
Handles:
- Fair Housing Act violations
- Section 504 housing discrimination
- Reasonable accommodation/modification
Filing Deadline:
1 year from the discriminatory act
Contact:
1-800-669-9777
www.hud.gov/fairhousing
Need Help with Your Rights?
Connect with employment lawyers and disability advocates who specialize in workplace rights for all disability types.
Contact Information for Legal Help
Emergency Legal Hotlines
Disability Rights Legal Center
1-800-776-5746 (TTY Available)
National Disability Rights Network
1-202-408-9514
EEOC Discrimination Hotline
1-800-669-4000 (TTY: 1-800-669-6820)
Online Resources
ADA.gov
Official ADA information and guidance
EEOC.gov
File discrimination complaints online
DisabilityRights.org
State-specific legal resources