Is Lympheodema classed as a disability on forms and things for clubs and college applications?

[fabbss93]

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi Fabbss93

The reason they ask the question is so they can ensure that you have the support and help you need to be successful in your studies - We always advise students to tick the box and then send information to the college/university about what things they may need to make thier student life easier - this might mean scheduling regular breaks to allow you to move your limbs and get the lymph flowing again- quick access to the campus Dr in case of cellulitis- time of for clinic appointments etc.

[Law_Student]

I am a Student at University but didn't tick the "Disabled" box when I applied. However, I got cellulitis in my 1st year and missed an interview for a part-time job placement. I'm in my 3rd year now and decided to declare that I have lymphoedema -as I know it is a "protected characteristic" under the Equality Act. The University have been brilliant. They've even allowed my partner (whose retired) to have a pass to the library so he can collect books for me. It may give me priority for some jobs as some employers have policies to help the disabled. The only thing you do have to be careful about is when you join a sports club etc. We live in a risk averse culture so they might insist you have a letter from your GP saying you are well enough to participate in the relevant activity.

[norberte]

hi law_student

that's not quite right - the gym would have to make sure that their class caters for you, not that you can meet the demands of their class

that's cos the gym has to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate, including training their staff to be a bit creative rather than making it your problem

so unless there's a completely obvious mismatch (the example usually given is sthg like it's ok to not let people with sight impairments fly planes & they can't cite discrimination- in my circumstances, i'm a danger to people & objects if i haven't got my stick to hand, so would expect to get turned away from a highwire walking class but would expect a general circus skills class to find ways of including me) the onus is on them unless they can explain what specific medical risk they think your impairment poses to you / them if you do the activity

a lot of gyms have 'inclusive fitness' specialists who are the people who'll (hopefully) have had extra training to come up with bright ideas

there's another thread running with almost the same question - it's not having lymphoedema that automatically entitles you to protection under the equality act (& remember that fighting discrimination cases is usually a nightmare - you're right that some employers subscribe to a scheme for having a % of disabled employees & employee-friendly policies like guaranteeing you an interview if you meet the minimum criteria for the job, but a lot don't & a lot of staff in the ones that do find ways round it, same as for other equalities groups) & i've posted the legal definition of disabled

so fabbs93, they're asking because they've got a duty to be 'reasonably' helpful but it's entirely up to you whether you answer the question

[Law_Student]

I agree gyms SHOULD make reasonable adjustments if you really need them to - but would you really want to ask? I helped organise health walks for the NHS and all participants had to sign a health questionnaire. Anyone who admitted they had ANY medical condition were asked to get a letter from their GP to say they were fit to take part. I've had no problem with my gym because they don't know I have lymphoedema and I don't need any special adjustments. You are right it is only secondary lymphoedema (cancer relatated) that gives you a "protected charateristic" under Equality Act because cancer is automatically covered. You don't have to give any info on your health. If you do the employer should only read this after they have offered you the job so they know what adjustments you may need.

[norberte]

sorry law student, that's still not quite right - it's important to give advice that's as accurate as you can & not be swayed by your own worries (eg about telling people you've got lymphoedema) into giving people advice that may not apply to them

it's not the name of your condition that gives you protection under the equality act, it's what it does to you

so primary lymphoedema is protected if it meets the legal definition of disability, ie it has a substantial and longlasting effect on your physical or mental ability to carry out your everyday activities

but both primary & secondary wouldn't be protected if they were what people call 'mild' & don't affect you very much, & if you're 'in remission' & not having any active treatment for cancer then you may find that the act doesn't protect you as people could argue that you haven't got cancer 'at the moment'

you personally don't need to say anything to people at the moment, but if you ever get to a point where you do need reasonable adjustments made then you either ask or stop going - but asking's really not that awful, & those of us who haven't got any choice in the matter do manage to find a way

you don't have to 'admit' you've got a medical condition - it's not a crime - you can just say so, explain that you're disabled according to the equality act & ask to see someone who can talk to you about being able to use the gym / pool / get to the things upstairs in a shop or from a high shelf etc etc

& as a law student you missed an opportunity to explain to your nhs colleagues that what they were doing contravened the act!