Question: What is disability discrimination?

Answer: Disability discrimination takes place when a person with a disability is treated in a way that is prohibited by Federal, state, or local law. This unlawful treatment may take place whether the person with a disability is in the workplace; is receiving or applying to receive services, such as job training, or benefits, such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or Welfare-to-Work benefits; or in a number of other contexts.

Also, even if a person does not have an actual disability, the law may protect her if she has a record of a past disability (such as cancer or another disease from which she has recovered), or if an employer or service provider mistakenly believes she has a disability, and she is subjected to discrimination as a result..