Disability Pride Month is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience, accomplishments, and rights of people with disabilities. It honors the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990 and encourages visibility, advocacy, and acceptance. But while society has come a long way, many individuals with disabilities still face barriers in everyday life, especially when it comes to unfair treatment and discrimination.
Disability discrimination can be difficult to recognize, and even harder to challenge without legal support. At Thomas J. Manzi Law, we work with clients across New York who have been treated unfairly because of a physical, mental, or developmental disability. We believe no one should have to navigate these challenges alone, and that every person deserves equal treatment under the law.
What Does Disability Discrimination Look Like?
Discrimination isn’t always as obvious as a refusal to hire someone with a visible disability. It can happen in subtle ways, like being denied a reasonable workplace accommodation, or in more blatant forms, like being evicted because of a service animal. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that what they’ve experienced may be a violation of state or federal law.
Some of the most common situations our firm sees include:
• An employer refusing to adjust work conditions for someone with a disability, even when the change is simple and reasonable
• A landlord denying housing to someone who uses a wheelchair, claiming the building “isn’t suitable”
• A business or public service failing to provide wheelchair access or accommodations for people with sensory or cognitive disabilities
• An individual being harassed or treated differently at school or in the workplace due to a chronic illness or mental health condition
Whether these actions are intentional or due to a lack of understanding, they are harmful and in many cases, unlawful.
How an Attorney Can Make a Difference
When you’ve experienced discrimination, it’s natural to feel frustrated, isolated, or unsure of what steps to take next. That’s where a disability rights attorney can offer guidance and support. At Thomas J. Manzi Law, we begin by listening to your story.
Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the full context of what happened. From there, we assess whether your rights have been violated under the ADA, the New York State Human Rights Law, or other relevant protections. If they have, we’ll walk you through the legal options available, from filing a formal complaint to negotiating a resolution or pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.
Legal advocacy isn’t just about legal paperwork, it’s about restoring dignity and ensuring that wrongs are addressed. Many cases lead to practical solutions, such as policy changes, financial compensation, or the reinstatement of housing or employment. Just as important, these outcomes help send a clear message that discrimination won’t be tolerated.
Empowering Change, One Case at a Time
Disability Pride Month is about visibility, but also about action. Challenging discrimination can create ripple effects that go far beyond one person. It helps educate employers, landlords, educators, and businesses about their responsibilities. It helps break down social stigma. And it helps pave the way for a more inclusive future where accessibility is the norm, not the exception. If you or someone you love has faced discrimination due to a disability, you don’t have to stay silent. You have rights, and we’re here to help you defend them. At Thomas J. Manzi Law, we are proud to stand with the disability community during Disability Pride Month and every month of the year. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward standing up for yourself and others.
