An employer may treat you very unfairly, but that treatment may not necessarily be illegal. Treatment that feels unfair may be a legal employment practice, or it may be illegal discrimination. Ohio is an employment-at-will state, which allows the employer to refuse employment, to deny promotion and to fire employees for almost any reason, so long as the reason is not against the law. However, discrimination in employment based on disability is against the law.
If you believe that an employer has illegally discriminated against you because you have a disability, DRO recommends that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible. DRO's advocates and lawyers can, at the very least, advise you on your rights, options, and also referrals to other lawyers through your state and local bar associations.
You can also obtain legal advice and referrals from the legal aid society in your area. Legal aid societies provide free legal services to people who have very low incomes.
Contact Information for Legal Advice
- Disability Rights Ohio: 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181; www.disabilityrightsohio.org/intake-form
- Ohio Legal Services: 866-529-6446
- Ohio State Bar Association: 800-282-6556
A lawyer can advise you, according to the details of your specific case, about the best ways to assert your legal rights. Asserting your legal rights may require any combination of informal methods, complaints to government agencies and lawsuits in court.