California county discriminates against deaf woman?

2009-09-10 14:24:59 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Government, Justice News Flash)

DOJ files discrimination against handicap woman lawsuit against Ventura County

Government lawyers with the Justice Department sue Ventura County for violating employment rights of deaf woman. Government attorneys charge Ventura County officials with discrimination in employment practices under the American Disabilities Act.

Government attorneys with the United States Justice Department file suit against Ventura County California claiming violations of the American Disabilities Act.

Los Angeles, CA–Government attorneys with the United States Justice Department filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court claiming Ventura County, California, officials violated the employment rights of a deaf woman under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) http://www.ada.gov. The federal agency charged Ventura County with discrimination in its employment practices after the county refused to hire a qualified applicant because she was deaf.

As reported by Reuters /PRNewswire-USNewswire/, a press release outlining the lawsuit filed by the Justice Department specifically naming Ventura County cited violations of Title I of the ADA. According to the press release, the unnamed woman applied for a children’s social services position with Ventura County, in the same capacity she was working at Los Angeles County for over eight years. She received exemplary rankings during her initial interview with Ventura County which covered standardized job related questions. When the woman reported for the second interview, which was conducted by different staff members with Ventura County, she was questioned specifically about her deafness and was not hired.

The American Disabilities Act prohibits employers from refusing to hire, train, or reasonably accommodate a qualified job applicant because they have a disability. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) www.doj.gov Office of Public Affairs, 1-202-514-1888 (TDD) was the source of the press release and suggest consumers needing more information about federal disability rights can call toll-free (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD), or access the website http://www.ada.gov. If you or someone you know has a disability and has been a victim of discrimination in the work place they may be entitled to compensation. Contacting a California employment law attorney may help you navigate the complexities of an employment practices discrimination claim.

California government attorneys alerts by legal news reporter Heather L. Ryan.