Readers may be aware that, under federal and state laws, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to workers with disabilities. While it is possible that individuals with all types of disabilities could face difficulties in securing those accommodations, it may be even harder when those disabilities are not obvious.

Many conditions fall under the umbrella of “invisible disabilities,” including Crohn’s disease, autism, fibromyalgia, lupus, cancer, bipolar disorder and diabetes. The thing they all have in common is that while not visually obvious, they may cause those diagnosed with one of these conditions to suffer and could impact their ability to work.

According to researchers at Cornell University’s Employment and Disability Institute, many with invisible disabilities face challenges at work due to their conditions. Between 2005 and 2010, those with invisible disabilities filed most of the disability discrimination charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Perhaps in denying reasonable accommodations the employer believes that if the disability is not obvious it is not covered by federal and state laws. Such employers are misguided.

If you are living with an invisible disability and face workplace discrimination, consulting with an experienced employment lawyer could be very helpful. Your lawyer will determine whether an accommodation request is reasonable and whether the denial is legitimate or if it should have been granted. In the latter case, your lawyer will help secure the accommodation.

Call or write to us if you feel we may be helpful in your cause for workplace justice.