The United States Department of Justice considers Tourette Syndrome (TS) a qualifying disability. While many people are able to manage TS with little to no accommodations, it is important to know your legal rights. This is important because people with TS are sometimes discriminated against despite managing their symptoms and not posing any threat to themselves or others.
Individuals with Tourette Syndrome have the right to:
- Receive fair housing under the Department of Justice’s Fair Housing Act.
- Receive appropriate educational and testing accommodations.
- Receive fair consideration for hiring and promotions.
- Receive reasonable accommodations in the workplace to ensure performance of essential job duties.
- Travel by plane without harassment due to tics.
- Use other forms of public transportation without harassment.
- Maintain employment for which they are qualified, and not be fired solely
due to their diagnosis.
Learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
According to the Federal Department of Justice, Tourette Syndrome is a disability covered by the ADA. However, some people with TS have had problems asserting their rights under the law, because such legal actions hinge not just on having a diagnosis of a disability, but also on proving that the condition substantially limits one or more major life activities.
