How Can Disability Discrimination Occur During a Job Interview?

Disability Discrimination Occur During a Job Interview

Many people with disabilities may be concerned about how their disability might impact a job interview. However, employment laws prohibit discrimination based on a disability in the hiring process and at any stage of the employment relationship. Despite this, some research has indicated that applicants with disabilities are at risk for being discriminated against in the hiring process. However, there are ways that a person with a disability can minimize this risk.

An employer can ask questions during a job interview about a disability, but they can’t disability discrimination against you if the question is related to your ability to do the job and you give a satisfactory answer. They can also ask if you require a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or a parking space close to the building for an employee with mobility impairment.

A person with a disability can be discriminated against when they are denied a job, treated less favourably than other employees in the same circumstances or harassed because of a disability. This is called ‘direct discrimination’ and the person who treats you like this is called the ‘discriminator’. It is unlawful to do this if the discrimination is because of your disability and the employer knew or should have known you had a disability.

How Can Disability Discrimination Occur During a Job Interview?

It is also unlawful to discriminate against someone because of a disability if they have an objective justification for the discrimination. For example, if an employer believes that you are unlikely to do the job well because of your disability and this is true, then it is acceptable to dismiss you or not hire you.

Discrimination based on a person’s disability law can also occur when an employer or service provider fails to make a reasonable adjustment. This is when a change to the way things are done allows disabled people to access jobs, education and services as easily as non-disabled people. It is also a form of discrimination if the failure to make a reasonable adjustment is because the employer or service provider thinks that it is not necessary or proportionate to do so.

Employers must take steps to ensure that the workplace is accessible for people with disabilities and people with other forms of impairment. They must ensure that their building is accessible, have accessible parking spaces and make their websites and other documents available in alternative formats. They must also allow disabled people to bring their support workers into the workplace with them.

If they fail to do this, it is discrimination and the person who has been excluded can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a state fair employment practices agency. In addition, it is illegal to refuse to hire a person because they have a disability, even if they are able to do the job. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and fair employment practice agencies can provide more information on this topic. The laws differ by country. Some countries have more extensive rules.