Civil Rights For The Deaf
The American deaf community has made great strides in securing protections for its civil rights under state and federal law. Despite these laws, not all private enterprises, public entities and municipalities are aware of regulations, nor do they adhere to those regulations when dealing with deaf individuals. As a result, many deaf individuals struggle to get the protection they are entitled to under the law.
At the Law Offices of Daniel Snyder we have achieved exceptional results for individuals in the deaf community throughout Oregon when their civil rights have been violated. We handle cases throughout the Portland metro region, the Willamette Valley and the Rogue Valley. Contact us to arrange a consultation via email or by telephone at 866-779-9691 for more information about how our attorneys can help.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) And How It Applies In Your Case
The ADA provides protection for persons with disabilities, including deaf individuals in various situations that involve private, state and federal entities. These protections include:
- Protection from employment discrimination: Under Title I of the ADA, private, state and federal employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against disabled individuals, including deaf individuals.
- Equal access to state and local government programs and services: Under Title II of the ADA, deaf individuals are to be provided the tools needed to receive services from agencies and entities like courts and law enforcement, schools, libraries and municipal hospitals.
- Equal access to public accommodations: Under Title III of the ADA, nonprofit and for-profit organizations and businesses are expected to make services available to disabled individuals. This expectation applies to all businesses, ranging from hospitals and clinics to schools and financial institutions, regardless of the organization’s size.
- Access to telecommunication relay services: Title IV of the ADA mandates accessibility to the telephone network for individuals with hearing and speech impairments through the use of telephone or web-based relay services (often called TRS, relay service or IP-relay).
- The right to file a lawsuit against an entity that violates ADA regulations: Under Title IV of the ADA, disabled individuals can take legal action against a private business or a state or federal agency that fails to uphold the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.
Deadlines Apply In Civil Rights Lawsuits
Depending upon the nature of your claim, you will likely have a statute of limitations that may influence whether or not you can still file a lawsuit for your civil rights violation. Make sure you discuss your case with an experienced lawyer at the Law Offices of Daniel Snyder before you lose your chance.