Deaf Employee Claims Tesla Fired Him Over Hearing Aid Failure
A deaf Tesla employee has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging he was wrongfully terminated when his hearing aids malfunctioned. Rohan Desai, 32, claims Tesla violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by firing him instead of providing temporary accommodations.
What Happened at Tesla’s Fremont Factory?
Rohan Desai, an assembly line technician at Tesla since 2020, relies on hearing aids to communicate at work. Tesla initially provided accommodations like visual alerts and written instructions. However, in early 2024, Desai’s hearing aids stopped working due to a technical issue, leaving him unable to hear for nearly two weeks while awaiting repairs.
During this time, Desai used text messages and lip-reading to communicate. Despite his efforts, his supervisor allegedly accused him of “slowing down production.” On January 15, 2024, Tesla fired him, citing “failure to meet performance standards”—a claim Desai calls discriminatory.
Legal Experts: Tesla May Have Violated ADA
Disability rights advocates argue Tesla’s actions breach the ADA, which requires employers to support employees with disabilities.
“Firing someone over a temporary equipment failure is illegal,” said Priya Menon, a disability rights attorney. “Employers must adapt, not punish.”
Tesla denies wrongdoing, stating: “We’re committed to inclusivity and will defend our position in court.”
Public Outrage and Support for Desai
The case has sparked backlash online, with hashtags like #JusticeForRohan trending. A Change.org petition demanding Desai’s reinstatement gained 50,000+ signatures in days.
Disability activist Arjun Patel tweeted: “Innovation means nothing if it excludes people with disabilities.”
Rising Disability Discrimination in Workplaces
The U.S. EEOC reports a 12% increase in disability-related complaints since 2020. Many employees face bias when accommodations are deemed “inconvenient.”
“Companies hire for diversity but fail to support long-term,” said Menon. “True inclusion requires flexibility.”
What’s Next for the Lawsuit?
Desai seeks:
– Reinstatement
– Back pay
– Damages for emotional distress
– Mandatory disability training for Tesla managers
The case could set a precedent for how employers handle temporary disabilities.
Desai told NextMinuteNews via interpreter: “I just want to work. No one should lose their job over a disability.”
— By [Your Name], Senior Correspondent, NextMinuteNews
Follow updates on this story at NextMinuteNews.com.
