American Airlines put a blind employee on unpaid leave after she asked for a screen reader. 6 years later, that decision cost them $200,000

When an American Airlines worker based in Fort Worth, Texas, developed cortical blindness, all she asked for to continue doing her job was standard screen-reading software. Yet instead of making the simple fix, the multi-billion-dollar airline placed her on unpaid leave for nearly four years and eventually fired her in 2020. Seeking justice, the woman turned to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against the airline. Now, years later, she has finally been given justice, as reported in the EEOC's press release on August 28, 2026.

A genuine request

After losing her eyesight, the call center worker approached management and sought screen reader software to translate on-screen text into speech so she could continue doing her job or transfer into an open role. However, rather than addressing the hurdles and making things easier for themselves as well as the woman, the airline forced her onto an extended, unpaid leave. This dragged on for nearly four years.

During this period, the company failed to take proactive measures to reintegrate her into the workplace before ultimately terminating her employment. Following this, the woman was left with no choice but to seek justice and turned to the EEOC, which noted that it was the airline's legal duty to explore viable job modifications. 

EEOC enters the fray

The EEOC stepped in and filed a federal disability lawsuit against American Airlines, alleging direct violations of workplace protections. Ronald L. Phillips, the acting EEOC Dallas regional attorney, explained how this type of conduct violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), adding, "The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits disability discrimination and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, such as screen reader technology."

At last, after a grueling legal battle, American Airlines agreed to pay $200,000 in direct compensation to the former employee. This monetary payout serves as restitution for the lost wages and systemic neglect she experienced throughout her four-year exile. 

Accommodation costs zero

This entire incident highlights the unwillingness of the airlines to accommodate a visually disabled person. According to a Job Accommodation Network study, 61% of companies out of the 1,425 they surveyed reported needing zero dollars to implement accommodations. Meanwhile, out of the 33% that did report bearing costs, it was only a one-time cost, with the median being only $300. Lastly, just 6% of companies confirmed having recurring costs, with the median annual value being $2,400.

'Highly valuable contributions'

Beyond the payout, the airline also agreed to develop new software set to launch in 2027, which will be accessible to employees with disabilities, as well as to dedicate up to 120 hours of labor for blind and visually impaired employees who still face issues. "Blind and otherwise visually impaired workers deserve every opportunity to put their skills and knowledge to work, make highly valuable contributions to our nation’s economy, and have rewarding careers," said Phillips.

More on Scoop Upworthy

Manager's story of losing a star employee shows how the work culture is not employee-friendly

CEO says he never hires anyone 'that's looking for work life balance', sparks fierce debate

Amazon employee was denied a chair to sit at work, so she took them to court