Eeyores Butterfly
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- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 5,488
The U.S. Senate has passed S. 3406, an amendment to the Americans with Disabilities Act. When the ADA was first passed, it was intended to provide broad protections to all those with disabilities. Over time, the courts have narrowed the definition, meaning that people with hidden disabilities- chronic illnesses in particular- are not covered in the act and can be discriminated against.
I first learned of this issue when researching diabetes on the American Diabetes Association website. On it they had the story of a Wal-Mart pharmacist who was fired because of his diabetes. He needed a lunch break to eat and manage his diabetes, and was fired for it. He took it to court, but was told that because his diabetes was too well controlled, it was not considered a disability. This amendment closes the loop hole and restores the act to its original intent. Employers cannot discriminate against people with diabetes, or any other chronic illness, based on their disability.
For more information, click here.
I first learned of this issue when researching diabetes on the American Diabetes Association website. On it they had the story of a Wal-Mart pharmacist who was fired because of his diabetes. He needed a lunch break to eat and manage his diabetes, and was fired for it. He took it to court, but was told that because his diabetes was too well controlled, it was not considered a disability. This amendment closes the loop hole and restores the act to its original intent. Employers cannot discriminate against people with diabetes, or any other chronic illness, based on their disability.
For more information, click here.