In a significant legal development, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against a state government office, alleging discrimination and retaliation due to her disability. Heather Deane lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 19, 2024, accusing the Illinois Secretary of State of violating her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Heather Deane, who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes, began her employment with the Illinois Secretary of State in 2013 as a Public Service Representative at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Plano. Her condition necessitated reasonable accommodations to manage her blood sugar levels effectively while performing job duties. On January 20, 2023, Deane requested short breaks when her blood sugar dropped below 100 to ensure she could safely supervise road tests. Despite this request being reasonable and not imposing undue hardship on the employer, it was denied by February 16, 2023. The denial letter from the Director of Personnel forced Deane into an ultimatum: resign or face termination.
Following this decision, Deane filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on February 15, 2023. In response, she received an offer for alternative positions at DMV facilities far from her current location—positions that would require lengthy commutes and were contingent upon withdrawing her complaints. Deane refused these conditions and was terminated on June 7, 2023.
Deane's lawsuit highlights multiple violations under the ADA. She claims that despite being qualified for her role and able to perform essential functions with minor accommodations, she faced unjust termination due to her disability. The complaint outlines how Defendant’s actions amounted to discrimination by failing to provide reasonable accommodation and retaliating against her for filing complaints about disability-related discrimination.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court: general and compensatory damages determined at trial; special damages including lost wages; punitive damages; attorney fees; litigation expenses; pre-judgment interest; and any other relief deemed just or equitable by the court.
Representing Heather Deane is Edward M. Fox from Ed Fox & Associates based in Chicago. The case is presided over by judges from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:24-cv-13060.