need some input work disability accomodations

[Zoiebear]

I was wondering if anyone has had to go thru their ada person at work and get ada accomodations for disabilities and if so what their expereince was>? I have disabilities that are not so "visable" and due to the volitility of my office I have become physically sicker and it has forced me to seek accomodations.
Stacie

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi and welcome to disABILITIES

I am not disabled (my DD is), but I have some basic information about jobsite accomidation. There are some posters who are much more informed about that than I am though and should be able to help you out.

In general, workplaces are afraid of ADA accomidation because when they hear it, they think $$$$. In actual fact though, most accommidations have very little or no net cost. And, usually when comparing the cost of accomidations to the cost of replacing a worker, the accomidations are a lot less expensive.

A little more information about the type of accomidations you are looking for might be helpful though.
Do you know what accomidations you need or are you at the point of knowing you need something, but not what?
Is it architectural (like do you need some changes to the building), would it affect how your job is done, when you work, do you need some extra tools or aids???
Also, besides the worksite ADA person, are you working with anyone else, like Vocational Rehab or anyone?

 

[tarkus]

When you say "volitility of my office ", is that because or directed at you personaly or is it that way in general ?

Alan

 

[dclfun]

Good question. I thought the OP meant volatility in terms of chemical smells, toxins, etc. Accomodations in the workplace are covered under title I of the ADA. First you must be considered disabled under the ADA. My employer offered onscreen capabilities on my computer when I could no longer reach out and use my arms to operate it. Now I need for things to be repositioned ( very simple) due to poor head/neck control. I was given a stack of papers for ADA accomodations which required that my physician verify my disability and thus my disability standing under the ADA. I also went back to VR and plan to address the issue this way using the VR Rehab engineer to come to my workplace and set things up for me or suggest equipment. Good luck and keep us posted with the outcome at your workplace. ---kathy

 

[Zoiebear]

For accom for blood clotting/instability issue, and ADHD................ the main accomod. are an earlier schedule, less harassment, a set protocol, that doesnt change on a daily basis, just minor things ....................... but have literally effected my physical health, like having me become hospitalized. Some other things are just easier on me, like a stapler automatic and hole puncher, because I bruise and bleed so easily
Stacie

 

[Zoiebear]

Well, nothing has been done. I developed another blood clot in my leg, last week, due to the inabilitiy of the medical team to keep my blood thin enough, because my medicine is reacting to the uncalled for and excessive stress my office puts me under. My blood level goes up and down with no rhythm or reason. I have put my faith in the ada coordinator, but she has just blown me off. She is new to the position, however she knows the circumstances. She puts me in a bad position with my manager, then doesnt stnad behind me when she promised she would. It is so frustrating, my union stewart has been right in the middle of all of this and both of us are at a loss. I am so tired of being sick. The ADA coordinator seems to think I need to go off on full time disability, when I am 1/2 time because my dr and I have decided, I can be healthy out of work, but I come back to the same crap and it gets bad again, then not only that I will not get my disability acoomodations addressed as long as I am completely off. It is frustrating...................... if anyone has any ideas or input please help!!!
S

 

[videogal1]

Good question. I thought the OP meant volatility in terms of chemical smells, toxins, etc. Accomodations in the workplace are covered under title I of the ADA. First you must be considered disabled under the ADA. My employer offered onscreen capabilities on my computer when I could no longer reach out and use my arms to operate it. Now I need for things to be repositioned ( very simple) due to poor head/neck control. I was given a stack of papers for ADA accomodations which required that my physician verify my disability and thus my disability standing under the ADA. I also went back to VR and plan to address the issue this way using the VR Rehab engineer to come to my workplace and set things up for me or suggest equipment. Good luck and keep us posted with the outcome at your workplace. ---kathy

Hey, Kathy...Put her in touch with Fred.....

 

[SueM in MN]

I just wanted to say, I'm sorry for what you are going thru and to hang in there. The things that you are asking for sound like very reasonable accomidation. The harassment part should also come under general workplace rules, besides possibly the ADA.
sounds like dclfun and videogal1 have some resources to help you.

 

[dclfun]

Lynda ( Videogal1) is a wealth of information. She knows her stuff! To the OP, good luck. If your disability doesn't impair your ability to breathe, eat, walk, see, hear, learn, do self care then it probably isn't covered under the ADA. Besides all that though, you aren't asking for much and it doesn't sound like any of the accomodations would be a burden on your employer. The only issue with the shift times would be if seniority were in place and you were lower on the totem pole than someone else. At the very least you should apply for FMLA which is required by law and does not require protection under the ADA either. This way if you need to leave work early some days or be off some days due to your illness you will not be fired for taking excessive "sick time". I wouldn't take their disability because you wouldn't be considered disabled under social security and thus would perhaps not have enough income. Plus the disability at most workplaces is limited ( not life-long). It's best to fight for your rights. ----Kathy

 

[spotdog]

I, too, have fought battles with employers concerning what should have been easy accommodations. Just remember that supervisors have not experienced your limitations and you have to state the problem and the solution in simple terms.

Such as;

I am requesting that the company purchase an electric stapler and hole-puncher. With this accommodation, I could bind documents quickly and efficiently. This would prevent the bruising which occurs with my health condition.

I am requesting a change in schedule so that I arrive at _____AM and work until _____PM, I would still be able to serve customers and complete my work, but would not have to deal with (rush hour traffic, inaccommodating bus scedules, the general chaos of the office, the effects of my medication) or whatever is causing the stress that is preventing you from completing your work.

Feel free to PM me.