Know Your Rights: Disability Rights in Minnesota

If you have a disability in Minnesota, state and federal law protect you from discrimination. Minnesota law is often stronger than the federal ADA. Here is what you need to know.

Your Rights

1. Minnesota protects more people than federal law. The Minnesota Human Rights Act covers any condition that “materially limits” a major life activity — a lower bar than the federal ADA’s “substantially limits” standard. More conditions qualify as disabilities under Minnesota law. See Minn. Stat. § 363A.03 subd. 12.

2. Almost every employer is covered. The Minnesota Human Rights Act applies to all employers with 1 or more employees. The federal ADA only covers employers with 15 or more. If you work in Minnesota, you are almost certainly protected. See Minn. Stat. § 363A.03 .

3. You have the right to reasonable accommodation at work. Your employer must make changes to your job or workplace to help you do your work — unless it would cause undue hardship. Examples include flexible schedules, assistive technology, modified duties, and work-from-home arrangements. See Minn. Stat. § 363A.08 .

4. Your employer must work with you to find a solution. When you request an accommodation, your employer must engage in an “interactive process” — a good-faith discussion to find an accommodation that works. They cannot simply say no.

5. You are protected in housing. A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you, charge higher rent, or treat you differently because of your disability. You have the right to reasonable modifications (like grab bars) and accommodations (like service animals in “no pets” buildings). See Minn. Stat. § 363A.09 .

6. You have the right to equal access in public places. Stores, restaurants, hotels, medical offices, government buildings, and other public places must give you full and equal access to goods and services. Service animals must be allowed. See Minn. Stat. § 363A.11 .

7. You can bring your service animal anywhere the public is allowed. A business can only ask two questions: Is this a service animal required because of a disability? What task has it been trained to perform? They cannot ask for papers, require a vest, or charge extra fees.

8. Retaliation is illegal. No one can punish you for requesting an accommodation, filing a discrimination complaint, or asserting your rights under the law.

9. You can file a complaint or lawsuit. You can file with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MNDHR), the federal EEOC, or go directly to court. You may recover lost wages, damages, and attorney fees. See Minn. Stat. § 363A.33 .

10. You can file with both state and federal agencies at once. MNDHR and EEOC have a work-sharing agreement. Filing with one agency can count for both, preserving your rights under state and federal law.

What to Do

• Document everything. Write down dates, times, what was said, and who was involved. Save emails, letters, and texts. Keep copies of any accommodation requests and responses.
• Put accommodation requests in writing. You do not need to use the words “reasonable accommodation.” Just explain what you need and why it is related to your condition.
• Keep medical records organized. Your employer or landlord may ask for documentation of your disability and need for accommodation. Have this ready, but do not give them more information than necessary.
• Report discrimination promptly. Deadlines are strict. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
• Contact the Minnesota Disability Law Center. MDLC provides free legal help to Minnesotans with disabilities. Call 800-292-4150.

Key Deadlines

Deadline	What It Means
1 year	Time to file a charge with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MNDHR)
300 days	Time to file a charge with the EEOC (federal, employment claims only)
1 year	Time to file a private lawsuit in Minnesota state court under the MHRA
45 days	Time to file in state court after receiving a right-to-sue letter from MNDHR
90 days	Time to file in federal court after receiving a right-to-sue letter from the EEOC

Get Help

• Minnesota Department of Human Rights: mn.gov/mdhr | 800-657-3704 (toll-free)
• EEOC: eeoc.gov | 1-800-669-4000
• ADA Information Line: 800-514-0301 (voice) | 800-514-0383 (TTY)
• 211 (United Way): Dial 2-1-1 for disability services and referrals

For more detail: See our full guide on disability rights in Minnesota:

Disability Rights in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to disability rights in Minnesota under the MN Human Rights Act and ADA. Covers employment, housing, public accommodations, reasonable accommodation, and how to file a complaint.