Standing Up Against Discrimination: How a Disability Rights Attorney Can Help

Thomas Manzi — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:28:59 +0000

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.

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Legal Support & Advocacy for Individuals with Disabilities

Thomas Manzi — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:32:13 +0000

April marks two important observances in the movement toward greater inclusion and equality: National Disability Day of Acceptance on April 3rd and Autism Acceptance Month. These initiatives shine a spotlight on the rights, dignity, and unique contributions of individuals with disabilities—while also reminding us of the legal protections that help uphold those rights.

At Thomas J. Manzi Law Firm, we believe every individual deserves equal access to opportunity, safety, and justice—regardless of ability. Whether you’re navigating public accommodations, employment discrimination, education access, or independent living, knowing your legal rights is the first step in advocating for yourself or your loved one.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a cornerstone civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in areas such as employment, public services, transportation, and accommodations. Under the ADA:

● Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.

● Public spaces must be accessible.

● Communication with individuals with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities must be effective.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

This law protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funding—including public schools and universities.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA ensures that children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Fair Housing Act

This law prohibits discrimination in housing and mandates reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities to ensure equal housing opportunity.

Legal Challenges People with Disabilities Often Face

Despite these protections, individuals with disabilities may still encounter obstacles in daily life that require legal intervention. These may include:

● Being denied a job or promotion due to disability

● Lack of reasonable accommodations in school or the workplace

● Inaccessible public transportation or buildings

● Discrimination by landlords or housing providers

● Inadequate or denied services through healthcare or public programs

● Guardianship or legal decision-making issues for adults with developmental disabilities

Why Legal Advocacy Matters

Legal advocacy plays a vital role in advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities. Whether it’s negotiating for reasonable accommodations, pursuing a discrimination claim, or helping families secure proper educational support, experienced disability rights attorneys help navigate complex systems and hold institutions accountable. We also support families exploring alternatives to guardianship, special needs trusts, disability benefits, or legal planning for long-term care and independence.

Promoting Inclusion and Acceptance

Disability Acceptance Day and Autism Acceptance Month are not just about raising awareness—they’re about embracing the idea that all people, regardless of ability, deserve respect, support, and a voice. Inclusion isn’t just a concept—it’s a legal right. And when those rights are challenged or denied, legal support becomes a powerful tool for change.

How We Can Help

We are committed to standing beside individuals and families navigating the legal landscape of disability rights. Whether you’re facing a specific legal issue or simply need guidance about your rights or options, we’re here to support you with compassion, clarity, and experienced counsel. Need legal support or have questions about disability rights? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable future—one case at a time.

About Thomas J. Manzi Law, PC

We provide expert legal counsel focused in the areas of Law, Estate Planning & Administration, Guardianship, Veterans Rights, Real Estate and Disability Rights. Whether you need help handling your parent’s estate, or setting up a guardianship to care for a loved one, or you are tackling a residential real estate transaction, our team of dedicated attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. Serving Suffolk, Nassau and the Five Boroughs, we are local with a passion for building relationships that improve case outcomes as well as the lives for our valued clients.

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Disability Rights Archives - Thomas J Manzi P.C.

Standing Up Against Discrimination: How a Disability Rights Attorney Can Help

Legal Support & Advocacy for Individuals with Disabilities