Could We Help Jimothy the Raccoon File a Disability Discrimination Claim?

If you've spent any time on the internet, you've probably met Jimothy the Raccoon. Jimothy is famous for his curious personality and a congenital spinal condition that gives him a uniquely compact body. Which got us thinking... What if Jimothy applied for a job?

Let's imagine Jimothy interviews for a position as Senior Dumpster Quality Assurance Specialist. The interview is going well until the hiring manager notices his shortened spine. The manager says, "We're not sure someone with your condition could do this job."

Photo by Kiana Hall

Jimothy replies, "That's interesting. You haven't actually asked me what I can do."

Unfortunately, the interview ends there.

If that sounds unfair, that's because it would be.

In Washington, employers generally can't make employment decisions based on assumptions or stereotypes about a person's disability. If someone is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job (with or without a reasonable accommodation) they deserve to be evaluated on their abilities, not on misconceptions about a medical condition.

The law also requires employers to engage in a good-faith interactive process when a reasonable accommodation may be needed. That conversation matters because every person's abilities and needs are different.

Now, since Jimothy is a raccoon, some accommodations might be ... a little unconventional. Perhaps a step next to the dumpster. Maybe a little extra traction on slippery surfaces. Possibly a workplace policy prohibiting dogs from attending staff meetings. (Okay, that last one has less to do with disability and more to do with being a raccoon.)

The point is this: The employer shouldn't assume what Jimothy can or can't do. They should evaluate him based on whether he can perform the essential functions of the job, not on what they think his condition means.

Thankfully, Jimothy's current career as an internet celebrity seems to be going just fine. But for the humans reading this, disability discrimination is no joke. If you've been denied a job, fired, passed over for promotion, refused a reasonable accommodation, or treated differently because of a disability or medical condition, you have rights. We'd be happy to talk about your situation and help you understand your options.

Disclaimer: We have not yet represented a raccoon in an employment case. Mostly because they insist on signing engagement agreements with muddy little paw prints.