Accommodations

[Katypadiddle]

I’m currently having a relapse- my feet and legs are numb and freezing and my balance is now being affected. I work 2 jobs and the second one is standing and walking- 3 nights of 4 hours and every other weekend 8 hours. I didn’t go to work on 2 weekends and then told them for this past weekend that I could only do 4 hours per day. One of my co-workers suggested I get something from my doctor outlining accommodations they need to make for me. So I just called my doctor and asked if he could do that. This is my first relapse and getting accommodations is new to me. I have checked the ADA and know that I am covered under it. What else do I need to be thinking of and/or doing? I’ve asked for 4 hour shifts and need to let them know I may need to sit down towards the end of a shift. Does that sound fair/correct/ etc?

[rjoneslaw]

You’re doing the right thing. You can ask to sit down the entire shift. You can ask that your shift be adjusted to what you feel you need . The job should have a standard ADA form your dr can fill out

[Katypadiddle in reply to rjoneslaw]

Thank you. It’s so good to know that I am doing the right thing and am going the right direction. This is so new to me I’m not sure what I need to do. 🙏

[Hidden]

Prayers sent to you. I have had numb feet for a year and never sought medical help. I just kept working through it, trying to be tough.

Going on my fourth month now of whole body numbness.

I had to quit my job and seek medical help and that is what has brought me to this site.

My primary doctor has said ms after my first MRI.

I'm referred to a Neurologist and waiting for my first appointment.

I hope your path won't be the same as mine.

[TexasLawman in reply to Hidden]

I hope you don’t have MS, but something else that is curable.

[kdali]

I have no idea about the ADA part, but I had the feet and called them “cold socks”. Sorry you are having a rough time.

[TexasLawman]

Yes, ADA forced employers to provide accommodations.

[LadyLeo]

Yes! Definitely get any accommodations that will make your shifts easier for you. They should willingly and expeditiously comply. Stay strong🙏🏽💪🏽🧡

[jorrell]

There is one word that you have to look out for when it comes to accommodations under the ADA. They are reasonable accommodations so don't ask for the world, just what you need. My wife worked in HR many years ago and had an applicant who had lost his lower legs in an accident. He wanted to be a tow truck driver. At the time the job paid $30K, modifying a tow truck for him would have been $200K. That is not considered reasonable. He sued, it went to court. The Judge showed his sympathy for the applicant's condition but ultimately stated your requested accommodations are not reasonable. The judge had him pay legal fees for suing over an obvious error in his basic logic. The Company was polite, kind, and accommodating, they paid his legal fees.

[ahrogers in reply to jorrell]

I was thinking the same thing. It seems it would all depend on if the job can be done while sitting. I am a nurse and would not be able to work if I can't walk as there aren't really any accommodations that would help me without walking. My feet are numb (first sign of my MS) and only minor balance trouble that affects my ability to walk thankfully.

I am sure they would accommodate a shorter work day, at least temporarily.

I am hoping they can find a solution!

[CV97]

I'm in the same boat with relapse. Cold/numb feet, balance off, bladder issues for past 2 months. Finally convinced neuro to do steroids a couple weeks ago and followed that with some pneumonia just to complicate things more.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to tell my principal he's asked too much of me without sounding like I'm just complaining about my newest job assignment that I received in early January and will last until June. He obviously didn't know about the struggles I've had lately and really had no one else available who could take care of this particular situation. I always know he'll listen, guess I just have to ask and see what he can do.

[hairbrain4]

Yes the ADA is a good organization to keep employers from firing you because of a physical handicap. They are required to make some adaptations for you but not everything. Some jobs can't be adapted so they will offer a different position & it's your choice to accept it or not.