Vermont's disabilities agency settles deaf woman's suit

From: Capital News 9, NY - Aug 29, 2004

By: Capital News 9 web staff

The Vermont Department of Aging and Disabilities has been found to have discriminated against a deaf woman in violation of the state's Fair Employment Practices Act.

Marjorie Wells of Montpelier, a former vocational rehabilitation counselor in the department, complained to the Human Rights Commission about her treatment by supervisors in the Barre office.

The commission found that Wells had grounds to complain that her work environment was hostile to her because she was deaf and had become deaf as an adult.

The department has agreed to pay Wells $30,000 and to draft a new policy on sensitivity to people who become deaf as adults.

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