Workplace Rights for the Hearing Impaired
Employees who are deaf or hard of hearing have specific workplace rights and protection under United States law, and cannot be discriminated against with regard to employment
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Discrimination Protection
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Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act grants the deaf or hard of hearing protection from discrimination by employers or potential employers with regard to hiring, promotion, wages and any other employment-related benefits.
Privacy
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Employers are restricted in what they can ask of a deaf or hard of hearing applicant about their disability during the recruitment and hiring processes, and are prohibited requiring a medical examination before presenting a job offer to hearing-impaired potential employees.
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Accommodation
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Hearing-impaired employees have the right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace that may include modifications in scheduling, office and facilities arrangements, training materials and other things that may be needed for the employee to perform the necessary functions of a job.
Relevant Legislation
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Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act grants employment rights to hearing-impaired individuals and sets guidelines for employers. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandates that the Federal Government practice affirmative action in hiring employees with disabilities.
Recourse
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Title I of the ADA grants hearing-impaired employees and potential employees the right to file complaints against discriminatory or non-compliant employers with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC evaluates complaints and may authorize employees to file a lawsuit in federal court.
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