A Massachusetts barber was awarded $100,000 by a local commission against discrimination after it says he was wrongly terminated for being legally blind.
Joel Nixon, 29, had earned a reputation as "The Blind Barber" after being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, which affects his peripheral vision and makes it difficult for him to see at night, reported the New York Daily News. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind declared him legally blind, and there's a possibility he'll lose his sight forever.
"I could wake up someday and be completely blind, but my goal is to have a nice home with a nice backyard for my son," Nixon said. "I've never been to Disneyland, and I want to take him. I want to take him before I lose my vision. I'm trying to do the best I can."
Nixon had been working at Tony's Barber Shop in Norton, Mass., for a year until he lost his job in 2012 when his boss, Tony Morales, noticed his condition, reported The Boston Herald. He claims his condition hadn't affected his work and was fired only after he tripped over a customer's legs and then later again that day tripped over a chair in the waiting room.
"Morales told him to pack up his things and get his wife to take him home," the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination hearing officer wrote.
Nixon alleges he has struggled to find another job since being fired and has been unemployed for three years. His condo closed and he was forced to apply for food stamps and go to charities for Christmas presents.
Morales disputes Nixon's account, saying Nixon wasn't fired because he was legally blind but because he wasn't qualified, reported the Associated Press. Morales said he plans to appeal the decision of the state, which awarded Nixon $75,000 for lost wages and $25,000 for emotional distress from the firing.
"It's sad that people like Joel try to take advantage of their situation and create false accusations," Morales said.
Nixon said he is still cutting hair but for private clients who request him.
