Age Discrimination ADEA
Protection Based on Age
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects workers who are 40 years of age or older from discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, layoffs, and benefits.
It generally applies to employers with 20 or more employees. Many states have similar laws, and some extend these protections to smaller employers.
Protection Based on Disability
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of the most important laws for people living with dementia. The rest of this chapter focuses on what the ADA means for you.
Christian Lobb, Attorney
Know Your Rights at Work
Christian Lobb is an attorney whose practice includes employment law and disability rights. In this video, he introduces the basics of the ADA and explains why understanding your rights matters — even if you have no plans to leave your job.
Read the transcript
Hello, my name is Christian Lobb. I'm an attorney whose practice includes employment law and disability rights. I'm pleased to be part of this educational series developed in partnership with the National Council of Dementia Minds.
If you have been diagnosed with dementia and are continuing to work, you may have questions about your rights, your responsibilities, and whether your employer can provide support that helps you succeed. This presentation provides general information and is not legal advice.
A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean you have to stop working. Understanding your rights early can help you plan ahead and request support if needed.
The Americans with Disabilities Act helps protect qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination and may require reasonable accommodations.
Remember three key ideas: protection from discrimination, reasonable accommodations, and protection from retaliation.
Reasonable accommodations may include written reminders, organizational supports, modified schedules, assistive technology, or other individualized solutions.
Key takeaway: learning about your rights before challenges arise can help you make informed decisions and continue working with confidence.
As Christian explained, the ADA offers three key protections: protection from discrimination, the right to reasonable accommodations, and protection from retaliation. Let's take a closer look at each one, starting with how the law defines "disability."