October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and a time to consider employment issues for people with disabilities, especially in the area of professional licensing. Could the diagnosis of a disability affect your professional license? This disability might mean a loss of function due to age, accident, disease, or a condition you have had your whole life. An unfortunate reality for people with disabilities is the effect your disability may have on your job or professional license.

If you're grappling with licensing issues due to a disability, the Lento Law Firm is here to assist. While some licensing issues due to disability are unavoidable, such as a loss of vision in a surgeon or a commercial truck driver, the situation is often more complex. With our successful track record of aiding hundreds of professionals with licensing and discipline issues, the Lento Law Firm is well-equipped to help you navigate these challenges. Call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and State Licensing Boards

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment and prohibits discrimination by state and local governments. Title II of the ADA covers state regulation of professions and professional licensing. Title II provides that no qualified person with a disability may be excluded from the benefits and activities of a public entity, and this includes state licensing boards.

It's important to remember that while professional licensing boards may not discriminate against someone because of a disability, the person holding licensure must be qualified. This means they must have the skill, education, experience, and ability to perform the requirements and essential functions of the license. If an applicant for licensure is qualified, the licensing board must consider whether they could perform with reasonable accommodations. For many licensing boards, this involves testing accommodations, but other accommodations are possible. Many people with profound disabilities are licensed as medical and other professionals.

Licensing Despite Disability

When you go to secure a professional license, you may face discrimination in testing or licensure standards. If you have been working in your profession for a while, you may face discrimination because of a recent diagnosis with a disability. Perhaps this disability is hearing or vision loss due to age, accident, or medical condition. If you are qualified, you have a right to continue to practice your profession. If you need accommodations, finding an experienced license attorney to assist you is important. Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, may face licensing issues because of disability.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

The Lento Law Firm understands professional licensing issues for individuals with disabilities. If you are facing the loss or limitation of a professional license because of disability or medical condition, call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.