In Canada, people with disabilities have certain rights, and it’s good to know what those rights are if you’re in the workforce. You don’t have to be a professional disability lawyer to learn things about this type of law in Canada. Below is a list of things you should know about disability law so that you can defend your rights should it become necessary.
- Disability Rights Are Etched in Stone
What this means is that laws regarding rights for the disabled are statutory rights. They are found in numerous places, but mostly in two separate pieces of legislation: the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Canadian Human Rights Act. The former is part of the Canadian Constitution, and the latter has been around since 1977. Both of them affirm that governmental entities in particular cannot discriminate against people with disabilities.
- There Is a Total of 11 Areas Protected From Discrimination
Disabilities are specifically spelled out in the statutes, and the 11 main areas include discrimination based on a person’s colour, race, ethnic background, family status, marital status, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, physical or emotional disability, or conviction of a crime that has been suspended or pardoned. If you’re unsure about your own disability, a good disability lawyer like Disability Lawyer Toronto can help you. The important thing to remember is that the law does protect nearly everyone with any type of disability.
- Not All Disabilities Are Obvious to Most People
In Canada, nearly all disabilities are covered but not all of them are obvious to the public. Nevertheless, even disabilities that aren’t obvious are usually covered under one or more statutes. These include disabilities related to learning, mental capacity, development, pain, vision, hearing, flexibility, dexterity, and even memory. The estimated number of Canadians with learning disabilities, for example, is around one in ten, and more than 13% of all Canadians are estimated to live with this and/or other types of disability.
- People with Disabilities Can Still Do Their Jobs Well
Contrary to what many people might believe, the vast majority of bosses report being very happy with the work that their disabled employees provide. In a 2012 survey, more than 60% of bosses claimed that their disabled employees met their expectations, while 15% claimed they even exceeded these expectations. This is still good news despite the fact that only three in ten small businesses have ever hired a person with a disability.
- You Have Legal Ways to Be Compensated If Someone Discriminates Against You
If you feel as if you’ve been discriminated against because of a disability, seeking the help of a professional disability lawyer is highly recommended even if you’re unsure. Lawyers who specialize in this area of the law know the laws and rules well; therefore, they can help you decide what to do first to be compensated. If you end up developing a disability later on and you’re unable to work, these same lawyers can help you decide if filing for disability insurance is right for you.