The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Ventura County, California for its treatment of a deaf woman. The suit claims employee discrimination based on ADA law took place in 2005. The County failed to hire Lee Ann Unchangco to work in social service despite receiving high marks in her interview. During a second round of interviews, it was made clear to her that she would not be hired because she is deaf – despite the fact she had a decade of experience in the same position that earned her high praise in Los Angeles County. The EEOC investigation concluded the county admitted the only reason Unchangco wasn't hired was because she is deaf.
A Ventura County attorney says it was right not to hire the woman after making a reasonable effort to accommodate her. The county is required to respond in writing within two months.
