A few weeks ago, we reported on the case of an organization dedicated to the “prosperity and growth of the American Family” facing allegations that it discriminated against a pregnant woman. Now, the EEOC is accusing a company that provides services for people with disabilities of discriminating against applicants with disabilities. Is it too soon to call it a trend?

The EEOC alleges that Creative Networks discriminated against hearing-impaired applicants by failing to provide a reasonable accommodation during pre-employment training and orientation.

The agency alleges that Creative Networks forced hearing-impaired applicants to pay any costs for interpreting services that exceeded $200 or provide their own interpreter during an extensive training required for employment. The EEOC says the policy had the impact of excluding hearing impaired applicants who were unable to afford the additional costs or obtain their own interpreter.

In the lawsuit, the EEOC seeks back pay with nterest and compensatory damages.

“How ironic--and disheartening--that this large employer that provides services to the disabled would deny a basic accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability,” says EEOC Regional Attorney Mary Jo O'Neill.

Source: EEOC

BLR's Complete Guide to ADA Compliance delivers plain-English explanations of the federal ADA, its regulations, the numerous policy guidance documents issued by the EEOC and Department of Labor, along with 50 state regulation coverage.