Here are some well-known cases that impact protections for employees with disabilities:
- A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279:
In this case, the plaintiff was a student with disabilities who argued that the school district failed to provide reasonable accommodations necessary for him to participate fully in school programs. The court addressed the requirements under the ADA for schools to ensure that students with disabilities are not discriminated against and must be provided with appropriate accommodations to benefit from educational opportunities.
- Acheson Hotels, LLC v. Laufer:
This case involved a plaintiff who, as a tester for the ADA, sought to prove that Acheson Hotels violated the ADA by not making its facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities. The court examined whether the plaintiff had standing to bring the lawsuit and the obligations of businesses under the ADA to ensure accessibility. The outcome emphasized the necessity for hotels and similar establishments to meet ADA standards for accessibility.
- Albertsons Inc. v. Kirkingburg:
This landmark case clarified the definition of “disability” under the ADA. The plaintiff, a former employee of Albertsons, was denied employment because of his condition affecting his vision. The Supreme Court ruled on the standards for evaluating whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity. The case underscored the importance of individual assessments to determine disability rather than applying broad classifications based on particular impairments.
These cases collectively highlight key aspects of how employment law under the ADA protects individuals with disabilities, focusing on rights to reasonable accommodations, accessibility, and individual assessments of disabilities rather than generalized assumptions.
