OT-- ? re returning to workforce with disabilities

[mamajoan]

Hi guys, I am thinking, just thinking about maybe returning to the workforce. I cannot go back to my old profession in Physical Therapy. I do have other skills that I could use at a desk only type job.

Now, I have a couple of ??

1. Am I required to complete a company physical?
2. Is the employer required to give me a full benefit package?
3. If I can do the job as stated in the position description, but may need to use my w/c, are they required to make adjustments in equipment I may need to help me complete this job?

just thinking

Thanks for all your help!
Joan

 

[SueM in MN]

I asked my DH for some help on this answer because he's in management. Here's what he told me:

1. Am I required to complete a company physical?
In his field, they don't do physicals on anyone. In my field (health care) I know they do. So, it would depend on whether a physical is required for the position. They can't require you to get one if they don't require other applicants to get one.

2. Is the employer required to give me a full benefit package?
If they offer benefits to other people in the same position, they need to offer them to you, too. He mentioned that some benefits are usually things you can choose to participate in or not (like health and dental insurance). Some things are given to everyone, like vacation time. Some things are offered depending on how many hours you are scheduled. For example, they may only offer fully paid health insurance or paid holidays to people who work 80% or more. They can't not offer you anything that is offered to others who are in the same position with the same number of hours.

3. If I can do the job as stated in the position description, but may need to use my w/c, are they required to make adjustments in equipment I may need to help me complete this job?
This one would depend on what you need. If they would have to completely reconstruct a work area for you, buy an expensive, specialized chair or desk for you, they might not need to do it. BUT, he said most of the time, modifications are not that expensive or there might be other ways to do things. He said there are some tax advantages to the employer when they hire someone with a disability and that people with disabilities make very good employees if they are accomidated because they would much rather stay someplace where their needs are considered than to go out looking for another job.

 

[tink2dw]

Ok,I have been wondering about this,too.

But I in a wierd position of not being able to walk very far. Some days are better some are far worse. But I don't have any moblity equipment of my own.[kept hoping darn knee would heal! but everyones tired of waiting for it. 2yrs now] And I have 2 fatigue causing Diseases Addison's and Diabetes.

My particular problem is I'm not trained to do anything. I have worked in factorys,was a CNA,an Assistant to the Head Start Teacher. Now I find myself with no skills. No,money!!! at age 50.

Anyone have any thoughts that might help??

 

[teri]

tink... http://www.barbarasher.com/ - take a look.

I have a couple of her books an just got her audiotapes but have been way to busy to listen so far this summer. I particularly like the section of her site titled How to get what you really want, even if you've got no goals, no character & you're often in a lousy mood. I found the title to be worth a smile in itself.

I really like her philosophy.

You have skills - you are a good typist, you know how to use the Internet, you have valuable life experience.

 

[LindaDVC]

Hi- good luck with the job search.

Have you thought of using PT in a different way.
You may not be able to provide direct treatment but lots of opportunities in consulting, ergonomics in business, insurance --They sure need people who UNDERSTAND !! medical equipment,.....

I am an OT and DH is a quadraplegic for over 20 years. He has had positive job interviews pre and post ADA. Currently he works for American Express which has wonderful benefits. They call him in periodically and see if there is anything else they can modify or anything else he needs. They adjusted his schedule so he can get public transportation back and forth (important since they are open 24/7), and welcomed his service dog Ned.

Linda

 

[SueM in MN]

teri, I love that title. I also agree with those really good points for tink about experience. You may not THINK you have experience, but you have job skills. If you worked as a CNA and a Head Start Aide, you must have some people skills. The computer skills that teri mentioned are important too since a lot of 40 and 50 somethings are even afraid to touch a computer. If you have some basic skills, you can pick up more skills easily. And I've read enough of your posts to see that you have good written communication skills. For the mobility question, you might want to think about getting some "wheels" of your own. They are a tool that can help you to do what you want.

Linda, you thought of some of the same things that I was thinking of during my drive in to work today. We've been dealing with a person who is a rep for an Assistive Technology company. She used to be an PT aide, but has branched out. Her PT experience has helped a lot in looking at what works for someone and the other skills she needed for the job, she picked up.
Anyway, good luck to both of you.

 

[mamajoan]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, I have thought of options that would enable me to utilize my PT knowledge. In fact I did alot of "consulting" (unpaid) for several RN's and managers in homecare and work comp. while I was rehabing.
RN's have much more flexibility using their degree's... good for them. I think I might like a job working for a work comp insurer dealing with their rehab issues. However all ad's state they want an RN... and all of them are up in the city.. which is too long of a commute.. for now...

There is a medical supply company about 30 miles from here that has had an ad in the paper for a while. I KNOW I could mentally do the job but physically, I'm not sure about returning to a 40 hr work week.
I also KNOW that I could not pass any type of company physical.
sad but true, I would run out of the space on hx page when it came to listing meds and diagnosis's I am a tough cookie and want to get back out into the world... most of the time.
This last 3 year period is the longest I have EVER been a SAHM..
I enjoy it, but I also enjoy the daily interaction of people whom I am helping..
Thanks for listening guys, I think I am getting a little melancholy since it is the 3yr anniv. of my accident next wk...

Joan
If you have any more comments, info, or suggestions, please keep it coming! I certainly appreciate it

 

[teri]

Joan.... are you really so sure that you would not be able to go back to being a physical therapist? Seriously... it would mean an adjustment from how you did things before, but it could be done. If you had the help of a PTA, worked part time, supervised in a chronic care facility or home health agency, or perhaps even in the hospital... something... maybe it is time to network with those RNs and others with whom you consulted during your rehab.

{{{hugs}}}

 

[mamajoan]

Thank you for the encouragement.

I am not an RPT, I am a Physical Therapist Assistant so that leaves out the supervision of PT staff. Hec, I wish I had someone with my experience to help me out...

San Benito High School is always looking for Instructional Aides for their IEP and Special Ed. classes. I have asked the some of the other Instructional Aides about the job. They said no lifting or physical assisting required.. the other aides do that work.
The only problem is that.. darn physical... and I understand that as you have direct contact with students. My health problems are not going to get any better.. bummer, but my brain is working overtime. I am going to check with a friend to see what the physical consists of for this particular job... we'll see....

Thanks again!
Joan

 

[SueM in MN]

You might find that they really don't have much of a physical. For healthcare or schools, what they are usually most interested in is doing a TB skin test, finding out which vaccines you have had and doing a drug screen. Those are the things they are really interested in.

 

[mamajoan]

tink, I was wondering does oregon have Regional vocational programs? Some of the courses are short in length but important in attaining a job.. ie computer, accounting, HR programs.
The classes are free and there is often help with job placement.

You may ask why I did not take these classes?? I do have some skills that are still marketable. Its just those other ?'s in my first post are giving me some trouble.

Have you applied for permanent disability? Sometimes, many times you have got to reapply. That is ok, I think you just have to wear them down. I tried... what a crazy beuracratic scene.... also since I did get a settlement from work comp. I was told by several disability supervisors that I would not be able to collect any money for about 20 years.... I will be 62 then.. how handy...
However, Social Security Disability may be able to direct you in attaining education in a field appropriate to you physical level. Again there is no charge for this service. They also will pay you a monthly stipend depending on your disabilities...

God love ya, I know it is hard to be worn out and in pain..
If you ever want to chat please pm me..
Joan

 

[mamajoan]

Sue,,, Thank Goodness I don't have TB!! One thing I don't have to worry about. LOL!!!

Now that drug screen.. hmmm you think they check for the occaisional.... DONUT!! ( I know my HGA1c catches them)
LOL
Joan

 

[teri]

Sue is right, the only thing they are concerned about in terms of the physical for most companies is infectious diseases and safety issues, not about your physical prowess. Many people with disabilities work.

What would you LOVE to do? If all obstacles were out of the way, and you were free to choose, what would you do? Never mind what skills you have. What would be your dream job?

 

[mamajoan]

Teri, I have thought about that ? a great deal. The truth is I had my dream job in Home Health. However... I would like to do social work, especially with adoption, foster care services. I looked into attaining a degree at SJS. I would need about 5 more years of school. I truly don't know if I am that ambitious.
I also enjoy working with the geriatric population a great deal. It is very satisfying.

 

[teri]

So many options! Do you have time to do some volunteer work or networking in one of those areas, to scout the field and see if you want to make the commitment? That would be my approach.

You should take a look at that Barbara Sher website, too. she has a book titled I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was that is very popular. (That is one of the books from thePulling It Together page on my unfinished Gift Shop site.)

 

[mamajoan]

I have called the county social service agency to do some volunteer work... they did not follow up, I think I will give them another call. Also I have toyed with the idea of volunteering at the local sr.center lunch program. .
I did not know about your gift website. I will check both of the options you listed. Thanks for the support

 

[teri]

Joan, I don't know why I didn't think of this last night...
http://www.californiacasa.org/ Worth checking out.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think a lot of smaller companies might consider the effects on their health insurance premiums before taking on a person who might "drain the pool".

You might look into the Federal Government. Once you are in you would automatically be eligible for one of several health insurance programs. (They have seveeral nationwide fee for service programs, and in most {especially larger} localities they also have HMOs. One big thing is that all the programs are required to accept people with pre-exisiting conditions.)

I am not that familiar with ADA, but and employer must make accomodations as long as safety is not compromised and the cost of the accomodations are not too high. Currently where I work, due to a disability I have a reserved parking space under my building; Without it my situation is such that I would have to spend about $200 a month to park a couple of blocks away.

 

[mamajoan]

Teri, The Casa website is great. It is something I in which I would be interested . San Benito County is not listed... figures.. however I will check with Monterey/Santa Clara county to see if there is an opening. Thank you for the information. I knew that Nursing Home residents had ombudsmen, I knew kids must have the same thing... just did not know where to look and TA DA!!! you found it right away.. THANK YOU!!

Joan

 

[teri]

Somehow I knew you would like that.