Hearing loss can be a significant barrier not only in the workplace but as well when trying to find employment.
Deaf people usually don’t receive proper support in finding a job, and even when they do find one, they are likely to experience discrimination from colleagues and management.
Even employees who lost their hearing while on the job sometimes have to face difficulties with appropriate accommodation that will help them to do their job.
“At the workplace, employers expect their workers to participate fully and be an active member of the team.”
Listening skills are very important for the management, so if your hearing loss is still left untreated it is very important to schedule a meeting with a hearing professional. He can help you to get proper treatment, as well as a hearing aid that is best for you.
It’s important for you to not only understand that these kinds of discrimination situations are not unique to your specific circumstances, but even more importantly than that you do not have to tolerate these kinds of discrimination issues for even a moment longer than you already have.
You just have to inform yourself a little bit better not only about your rights, but as well about steps that you can take to improve your position.
Dealing with Workplace Discrimination
Every company ought to have a policy against discrimination of any kind, and it is best to lodge a complaint with the human resources department.
They are in charge of your welfare and ought to take the necessary action against the perpetrators of the harassment. If the internal process does not bear fruit, there is a need to seek other means that will fight for your rights.
As highlighted above, there are absolutely zero reasons whatsoever anyone should have to feel as though they aren’t an equal partner at work, and there’s absolutely zero reasons whatsoever that your workplace shouldn’t stand up for your rights – as they should for everyone else – and guarantee equal treatment across the board.
“There is wide-scale discrimination in the US, with over 60% of hearing-impaired persons do not disclose it to their colleagues out of fear of stigmatization and subjugation.”
Federal and state laws require that employers provide reasonable adjustments for the employees with hearing difficulties to avoid being put at a disadvantage with employees who are not disabled.
Various state and government agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are the enforcers of the law, handling cases of workplace discrimination against the hearing impaired and other disabilities.
This is the next best option when internal mediation fails and a lawyer will help you understand the rights as provisioned under ADA and state laws.
Sometimes you may have to move forward with hiring a lawyer to assist you in your specific situation if internal mediation fails, and while that may seem daunting or challenging on the surface you should rest assured that it is far simpler and more straightforward than most people anticipate.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA is a federal law in the US that protects all people living with disabilities including those with impaired hearing or total deafness.
According to ADA, harassment comes in all forms from co-workers, contractors, customers, etc. To implement this law, the employee with impaired hearing needs to show proof of their qualification to carry out the duties required by the position and must have proof of having suffered adversely from the employment action because of their impairment.
“Having a witness is a great advantage.”
But even if your colleagues are not willing to give their statement which would confirm that discrimination actually happened, there are still things that you can do. Write your own statement and ask for written answers from your employer.
The ADA guarantees you certain rights and protection and you should never feel as though you are imposing upon others when all you wish to have happened is to be treated with the same respect and proper treatment due to anyone else.
These laws are designed specifically to protect you and others that they have to contend with disrespect or harassment, and pursuing a case under the ADA isn’t only going to help your specific situation but will also help to lay a foundation for others who still have to fight for their rights as well.
You ought to contact an attorney at law if you failed to get the job, promotion, pay rise, etc. because of having impaired hearing or deafness.
“Write down each incident, time, date, and location the act of discrimination happened. Witnesses are crucial to such kind of offenses. This will be valuable proof to file a legal claim.”