If you provide public accommodations, beware discriminating against people with disabilities

For those of you who live in busy, bustling cities, taking a cab ride, or using other public accommodations, is often a daily occurrence. But did you know Massachusetts law forbids any company that provides public accommodations, such as a taxi cab company,  from discriminating against its customers on the basis of a physical or mental disability? 

What does this mean for customers? First, no one can be refused a cab ride or any other public accommodation on the basis of physical or mental disability. Physical disabilities include anything from deafness to lack of mobility. Mental disabilities include any type of psychiatric treatment. Second, if you are refused a cab ride because of a disability, you can file a complaint with MCAD. 

What does this mean for companies providing public accommodations? This means that companies must think twice before refusing to provide a service to someone who may have a physical or mental disability. Companies need to adequately train their employees and remind them that they cannot discriminate against individuals due to a disability.