New OUI defense by a former deputy, claims he has an alcoholism disablity.
SARASOTA, Florida - A former deputy, fired because of his problems with alcohol, is suing the Sarasota sheriff because he claims the office discriminated against him because of his alcoholism disability.
The nine-page federal suit claims Sgt. Clinton Knowles "had begun to suffer from the effects and condition of alcoholism a recognized disability or handicap" under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 as well as the Florida Civil Rights Act.
The lawsuit states that Knowles was discriminated against because his multiple requests for help from the Employee Assistance Program were either ignored or refused.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 states that a person who is an alcoholic is "protected by the ADA if s/he is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job. An employer may be required to provide an accommodation to an alcoholic."
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