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Understand employment law

Most workplace laws apply the same way to all employees, whether or not they have disabilities. However, some laws apply specifically to employees with disabilities, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and its application to people with disabilities (Rehabilitation Act). Some laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state Workers' Compensation laws, apply to all employees but have disability-related implications when employees are injured or become disabled on the job.

• Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADA)
  The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age and religion. Learn more about the ADA, its amendments and other disability rights laws.
  www.ada.gov/business.htm
• Small Businesses and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  Overview from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding ADA requirements for small businesses that provide goods and services to the public.
  www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/smbustxt.htm
• Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) at Cornell University ILR School's Employment and Disability Institute is funded by the Department of Education specifically to provide technical assistance to all New York State employers on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  www.dbtacnortheast.org
• Employment Laws - Disability & Discrimination
  This fact sheet provides information regarding the federal laws that protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment and the job application process.
  www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/laws.htm
• Employment Laws: Medical and Disability-Related Leave
  When employees are injured or disabled or become ill on the job, they may be entitled to medical and/or disability-related leave under two federal laws: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In addition, state Workers' Compensation laws have leave provisions that may apply. Depending on the situation, one or more of these laws can apply to the same employee. To help employers understand their responsibilities related to medical and disability-related leave, an overview of each is provided below, including information about where the laws intersect and overlap.
  www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/employ.htm  |  FMLA: www.dol.gov/elaws/fmla.htm
• Employment Laws: Overview & Resources for Employers
  This fact sheet provides information for employers regarding employment laws related to people with disabilities.
  www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/overview.htm
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Employment Discrimination
  Provides detailed information about Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which covers employment of people with disabilities.
  www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes
• Small Businesses & the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  Overview from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding ADA requirements for small businesses that provide goods and services to the public.
  www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/smbustxt.htm
• Your Responsibilities as an Employer Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
  This fact sheet, from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), provides information on which employers, employment practices and individuals are covered under the ADA.
  www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada17.html
• Workforce Investment Act of 1998: Its Application to People with Disabilities
  The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), which became effective July 1, 2000, establishes a national workforce preparation and employment system (America's Workforce Network) to meet the needs of businesses, job seekers and those who want to further their careers. Customers will have easy access to information and services through the One-Stop Career Center system. Customers with disabilities must be served alongside customers without disabilities.
  www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/facts/ek01/act
• Getting a 2nd Chance: A Guide for People Who Have Had Legal Problems
  PDF (722 KB)  |  TEXT (9 KB)