RBGG associate Aaron Fischer was featured in the October 2012 edition of American Diabetes Association’s Volunteer News for his advocacy work on behalf of people with diabetes faced with discrimination in the workplace. The complete article is set out below.
Volunteer Spotlight: Aaron Fischer
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Diabetes doesn’t stop Aaron from hiking the Grand Tetons. |
Aaron Fischer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than a decade ago, when he was a college student at the University of California, Berkeley. Since his diagnosis, Aaron has made it his mission not only to learn as much as he can about diabetes, but also to educate others about the disease.
While at Columbia Law School in New York, Aaron got involved with the Association’s Advocacy Attorney Network, a network of attorneys from around the country who fight against the unfair treatment (discrimination) of people who have diabetes. Now an attorney at Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP in San Francisco, Aaron has worked with and represented several people with diabetes facing discrimination in the workplace.
Aaron believes all people living with diabetes should know their rights in the workplace and advocate for those rights. “I believe that people with diabetes can succeed in any job or profession, but we still have work to do to educate employers and to break the barriers of discrimination,” Aaron says. “There is no reason that employees with diabetes should have fewer opportunities than anyone else, or should have to choose between their job and taking care of their health.”
On a regular basis, Aaron Fischer and other members of the Advocacy Attorney Network help people who experience discrimination due to diabetes. “My personal connection to the disease, and my belief that everyone deserves a fair opportunity to pursue their professional goals, is what motivates my work with the American Diabetes Association and the work I do on behalf of workers with diabetes,” Aaron says.
The Advocacy Attorney Network, a program coordinated through the Association’s Legal Advocacy Department, welcomes the involvement of more attorneys. Network Members may write letters, develop policies, advise on cases, represent people in court or contribute in other ways. Learn more.