DECATUR, Ill. (WICS) — Charles Richardson, an Iraq War veteran, has won a significant legal battle against the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) after being barred from bringing his service dog, Moose, to work.
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that the IDHS violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by not allowing Moose to accompany Richardson, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Richardson's union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), filed a grievance against the IDHS, asserting that the department's actions were discriminatory.
The ADA recognizes PTSD as a disability, and service dogs like Moose play a crucial role in helping veterans manage symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares.
"I don't have to worry constantly in my head," Richardson said. "I just wonder if something's gonna happen, you know, if I'm gonna have flashback or something, and he's not there to alert me, which he's really good at alerting me for that. I don't have to feel like I have to watch my back."
The EEOC's investigation, which began last summer, concluded with a determination letter sent to Richardson, stating that the State of Illinois had discriminated against him.
"This past Friday they came up with a determination, sent me a determination letter stating that they had found the State of Illinois is discriminating against a disabled veteran as according to the ADA, Americans Disability Act," Richardson said.
The IDHS has 14 days from the filing date of the letter to respond or conciliate.
In a statement, the department said, "IDHS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, in compliance with applicable law. IDHS is evaluating the next steps for this specific case."
Despite the victory, Richardson acknowledges that the fight is not over.
"Well, it's still disbelief, I mean, it's good disbelief, you know, I don't think, I do not think it is totally set in yet," he said. "To me, it validates the fact that, you know, all the paperwork from all the providers and stuff, my medical providers, and the veterinarian."
AFSCME also issued a statement following the EEOC decision, urging the IDHS to resolve the matter.
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that the IDHS violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by not allowing Moose to accompany Richardson, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Richardson's union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), filed a grievance against the IDHS, asserting that the department's actions were discriminatory.
The ADA recognizes PTSD as a disability, and service dogs like Moose play a crucial role in helping veterans manage symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares.
"I don't have to worry constantly in my head," Richardson said. "I just wonder if something's gonna happen, you know, if I'm gonna have flashback or something, and he's not there to alert me, which he's really good at alerting me for that. I don't have to feel like I have to watch my back."
The EEOC's investigation, which began last summer, concluded with a determination letter sent to Richardson, stating that the State of Illinois had discriminated against him.
"This past Friday they came up with a determination, sent me a determination letter stating that they had found the State of Illinois is discriminating against a disabled veteran as according to the ADA, Americans Disability Act," Richardson said.
The IDHS has 14 days from the filing date of the letter to respond or conciliate.
In a statement, the department said, "IDHS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, in compliance with applicable law. IDHS is evaluating the next steps for this specific case."
Despite the victory, Richardson acknowledges that the fight is not over.
"Well, it's still disbelief, I mean, it's good disbelief, you know, I don't think, I do not think it is totally set in yet," he said. "To me, it validates the fact that, you know, all the paperwork from all the providers and stuff, my medical providers, and the veterinarian."
AFSCME also issued a statement following the EEOC decision, urging the IDHS to resolve the matter.
