A woman with an amputated leg claims she was hired and then fired by ShopRite in what may be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Her story has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The Allegations
TikTok creator Subhreet Ghumman (@subhreet13), known as “a one-legged dancer” from India’s Got Talent, posted a video detailing her experience, which has garnered nearly 387,000 views in less than two days. Ghumman, who lost her leg in a 2009 scooter accident, alleges she was dismissed from her new job at ShopRite due to her inability to stand for long periods.
“ShopRite today fired me because I’m an amputee,” she says in the video. Ghumman explains she doesn’t wear a prosthetic leg for medical reasons and was told during her orientation that she would be provided with a stool to accommodate her needs. However, just days into the job, she claims the store reversed its decision and said they couldn’t provide the promised accommodation.
“It’s already so hard for disabled [people],” she laments. “When the disabled want to work, there is no work. Nobody wants to hire.”
Ghumman recalls a conversation with a supervisor who allegedly asked, “Why didn’t you say in the interview that you cannot stand?” In response, she pointed out her visible amputation and replied, “How can a person stand on one leg and work?”
A Pattern of Discrimination
This isn’t Ghumman’s first encounter with alleged discrimination. She says a previous job interview at AT&T included inappropriate questions about her mobility. Despite these challenges, she felt optimistic when she was hired at ShopRite—only to face another setback.
Understanding the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is designed to prevent discrimination and ensure access to employment, goods, services, and public spaces for individuals with disabilities.
According to ADA.gov, the law guarantees people with disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else, including in the workplace. Employers are required to provide “reasonable accommodations” to enable disabled employees to perform essential job functions. These accommodations could include modified work environments, tools, or schedules.
The Department of Labor explains that reasonable accommodations are vital for:
- Ensuring equal opportunity in the application process.
- Allowing disabled employees to perform essential job functions.
- Enabling equal benefits and privileges of employment.
If Ghumman’s allegations are accurate, she may have grounds to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which requires such charges to be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
Public Outcry
The video sparked an outpouring of empathy and frustration from commenters.
- “I feel your sadness, frustration, and pain through this,” one person wrote. “You’re perfectly able to work.”
- Another urged, “Please call an employment attorney in your area. Some specialize in cases like this. An accommodation is both available and reasonable.”
- “I got emotional watching you explain this unfair treatment,” shared another. “Not many people understand the strength you have to endure this.”
Next Steps
Ghumman’s story raises important questions about workplace inclusivity and the enforcement of disability rights. If her claims are substantiated, it could serve as a reminder to employers about their obligations under the ADA.
The Daily Dot has reached out to ShopRite and Ghumman for comment but has not received a response as of now.
For individuals facing similar discrimination, resources like the EEOC or local employment attorneys can provide guidance and assistance in seeking justice.
