Your Legal Rights
If you're disabled by schizophrenia, you're entitled to certain services and protections by law. Sometimes, unfortunately, you or your loved ones will have to fight to obtain those services and protections. Start here for information and links to arm you with the knowledge you'll need.
People with mental illnesses may face obstacles that make it difficult for them to return to work. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines and protects your legal rights in the workplace. You are entitled to reasonable workplace accommodations for your illness. Your About Guide to Career Planning provides this introduction.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) provides specific, legal protections and requires reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, including psychiatric disabilities. This Department of Justice website is a central resource for Federal government information about the ADA.
This Enforcement Guidance document presents the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) position on the rights and responsibilities of employers and individuals with disabilities regarding reasonable accommodation and undue hardship.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 established Federal protections of the privacy of your medical information. This official HIPAA website provides comprehensive information about your rights under HIPAA.
The New Freedom Initiative is a policy initiative declared by President George W Bush in 2001 to assist the integration of people with disabilities into society. It is designed to build upon the American With Disabilities Act, and has been supported by activities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
