Seth Boone has several disabilities. The 22-year-old was hired part-time at the Daviess County Public Library earlier this year. He felt he had found his dream job. Seth was abruptly fired this week, according to his father Jason.
They have filed a lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging disability discrimination and retaliation.
Jason stated that Seth began working at the library in March. He mentioned his disabilities which include diabetes, autism, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, and OCD.
According to Jason, Seth was written up for the first time since his employment on Monday evening. After failing to meet an apparent weekly quota of shelving 10 carts each week, two carts per day. Less than twelve hours later he was fired.
Jason said that the next step will be for Seth to complete an interview in Louisville in October. He said they can bring their ADA attorney if we want, but the family hopes it doesn’t come to that.
When asked what they expect would come of this situation, Jason replied that Seth wants his job back — but under different management. However, Jason also stated that there is a larger issue at hand, one that calls for people to fight for those who may not have a voice or feel afraid to speak up.
Many disabled people want to work and can do so. We may need accommodations to do our jobs. However, research shows that we are dependable, innovative, and diligent. Disabled people can be tremendous assets in the workplace. Employers, won’t see that if they don’t hire us.
Source:
Richardson, Ryan. “Former Employee Files Disability Discrimination Complaint against DCPL after Sudden Termination.” The Owensboro Times, 15 July 2023, http://www.owensborotimes.com/news/2023/07/former-employee-files-disability-discrimination-complaint-against-dcpl-after-sudden-termination/.