I'm having difficulty obtaining reasonable accommodations in the workplace, and it's causing so much stress trying to prove that I have a disability that needs accommodation.

Anonymous

July 7,2022 at 10:36PM UTC

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I'm having difficulty obtaining reasonable accommodations in the workplace, and it's causing so much stress trying to prove that I have a disability that needs accommodation.

I'm currently trying to establish reasonable accommodations through my employer (we have an entire team dedicated to this), and I'm having such a hard time! My case keeps getting kicked back as they request more and more clarification from my provider about my accommodations requests. I'm not asking for much, essentially just trying to establish a hybrid schedule so that I can work from home when it's unsafe for me to drive due to my condition.

This whole process feels so disorganized, confusing, and stressful. This is the first time I've ever tried to request accommodations in the workplace, so I'm not sure if others experience this much back and forth and confusion? Accommodations are supposed to make it easier for us to perform in our jobs but the process of setting it up is far from easy.

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AmyJuly 7,2022 at 10:52PM UTC
I agree this should not be stressful. Do you have things in writing? Meaning their requests for clarification, proof that you fulfilled the requests and so on. I would get what I could in writing, track how long this is taking. ask for deadlines. When they will be done reviewing and get an answer and so on. Keep a paper trail. Hope this gets resolved for you soon.
AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 11:10PM UTC
Since the mandatory "return to office" after the pandemic, our company is experiencing a giant influx of these accommodations and I know our team must be rigid in their review so those whose requests are denied can be legally defended by proving a robust and thorough investigation of all requests when compared those requests granted v. those requests denied. .....we had entire departments requesting accommodations so our legal team drew up extremely rigid requirements.
JJJuly 8,2022 at 2:48AM UTC
Unfortunately many companies really just want bodies in cubes and you are going to have to go the extra mile to prove an accommodation that was not in place prior to Covid.
Regina BrownJuly 8,2022 at 3:13AM UTC
All you really need to do is
1) Take your issue to your doctor, neurologist.whoever your medical profession is.
2) Have your provider submit exactly...in writing...the type of information they need to accomodate your hybrid schedule.
3) Ensure that you include the ADA guidelines and necessary compliance requirements.