What constitutes disability-related harassment?

Disability-related harassment is a form of discrimination defined by the American Disability Act and Washington law. It is unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s disability that creates an offensive, hostile, or intimidating environment. Examples of disability-related harassment include teasing, name-calling, cruel jokes, physical assault, and verbal threats. The U.S. Department of Justice states that disability-related harassment can take many forms, including spreading rumors, making fun of a person’s disability, refusing to include a person in activities, intentionally excluding or isolating a person from activities and events, and ignoring or overlooking a person’s talents or contributions. Additionally, disability-related harassment may include physical harassment, such as unwanted physical contact or threats of physical violence, and cyberbullying, such as using social media to post hurtful messages or images about a person with a disability. The law requires employers to respond promptly and effectively to any reported or observed harassment and to take corrective action to end the harassment. If you believe you are a victim of disability-related harassment, it is important to report it immediately. Your school or employer should have a policy in place to ensure your safety and to support a respectful and equitable learning or working environment.

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