Department of Justice issues Technical Factsheet addressing the rights of persons with HIV or AIDS to obtain occupational training and state licensing
Persons living with HIV or AIDS, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, have physical impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities and therefore are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In response to concerns that obstacles and prejudices towards persons living with HIV or AIDS still exist in seeking training and/or employment, the Department of Justice published a technical assistance factsheet. The document addresses the legal requirements relating to admitting individuals with HIV or AIDS to occupational training schools and granting state licensure in occupations ranging from barbering to massage therapy and home health care assistants.
“People with HIV or AIDS should not be denied access to their chosen profession because of outdated laws or unfounded stereotypes and fears. The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is committed to the full and fair enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Loretta King, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
The DOJ technical factsheet can be found at: http://www.ada.gov/qahivaids_license.htm
For a general factsheet on discrimination, HIV/AIDS, and social work practice, go to http://www.socialworkers.org/diversity/lgb/hiv_discrimination.asp
July 22, 2009
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