Americans With Disabilities Act: Right to Reasonable Accomodation

December 17, 2004
3801 Connecticut Avenue, NW #136
Washington, DC 20008

Office of the Corporation Counsel
Mental Health Division
Washington, DC

RE: Mental Disability -- Right to Reasonable Accommodation

Dear Sir:

I am a disabled American. I suffer from mental illness and qualify for protections under the DC Human Rights Act of 1977 (as amended) as well as the federal Americans With Disabilities Act. In order to invoke the protections of these laws I must fully disclose to a prospective employer facts about my disability. I face a dilemma, however.

I was a victim of severe defamation at my last place of employment by a senior management attorney, my supervisor, and coworkers. The defamation was compounded by the DC Office of Corporation Counsel; and moreover, the Corporation Counsel's actions were subsequently acquiesced in by the employer.

A full disclosure of facts about my background might seriously impair my employability and might even subject me to involuntary commitment or criminal prosecution. On October 12, 1994 a Metro DC Police detective said something to me that was revealing and disturbing regarding the problems I face as a victim of severe defamation. He asked me: "How can it be that all these people had said these things about you and that none of it is true.  Some of it must be true." I can assure you that none of the allegations that have been made about me are true.

My main concern is the following: precisely what do I need to disclose to a prospective employer in order to invoke my rights under The Americans With Disabilities Act as well as the DC Human Rights Act, and to enjoy the full protection of the law? Do I need to disclose my psychiatric diagnosis? Specific facts about my past employment problems? Specific facts about my mental state that are the basis of my psychiatric diagnosis? Facts underlying the Social Security Administration's determination that I am disabled?

Also, I believe I have been the victim of a fraud and racketeering conspiracy that is being run by attorney managers of the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, my former employer. The criminal enterprise has involved The George Washington University Medical Center Medical Faculty Associates and the DC Public Library (Richard Jackson, Interim Director). I have taken several different anti-psychotic medications, none of which has remediated my illness.

In the event I obtain employment in the future, I may encounter problems obtaining employer-sponsored health care benefits for the treatment of my mental illness.

The enclosed computer disc contains letters that explain the above-referenced employment problems in detail, and includes a collection of letters to my imaginary friend, Brian Brown. I have no family or friends. Brian is all I have. How I wish I could be Brian's real buddy!

Sincerely,

Gary Freedman