Let's talk work & invisible illness/disability
- Rachel Hewitt-Gervig
- Mar 29, 2021
- 3 min read
Navigating work in conjunction with invisible illness & disability is A LOT. There's a plethora of challenges that we'll be addressing. First of all, you're a badass whether you're on disability, working 40 hours or working 15. You are doing you're best. Now lets get down to the nitty gritty!
Step one: Education in order to further self advocacy!
YOU ARE COVERED UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT!
The ADA requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others. For example, it prohibits discrimination in recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, and other privileges of employment. It restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant's disability before a job offer is made, and it requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it results in undue hardship. Religious entities with 15 or more employees are covered under title I.
KEY POINTS:
You do not have to disclose a disability. I, personally, have found that open communication is extremely helpful. When accepting a job, you have the perfect opportunity to inform your employer of your disability status. This helps down the road if you should need any provisions or accommodations at work. If you have already been at a job but your health has declined, ask to set up a meeting with your higher ups.
Work place discrimination is way too common. It can look like anything from denying overtime due to "health", harassment for missed work, being told that you might not be capable of doing something, or disbelief when expressing your health concerns. If you feel like this is happening to you, please go to your HR department. If you work in an industry that doesn't have HR like I did, this becomes more difficult. The best rule is to follow the chain of command. Start with your direct supervisor, then their supervisor, so on & so forth until the issue is resolved. There are also resources available online. I'll link them at the bottom of this article.
Finally, I find this to be one of the most important to fully understand. Your job must provide reasonable accommodations. This means anything that does not cause undue stress or financial burden on the company. Therefore, if you need reduced hours in order to go to doctors appointments or you need to sit close to an outlet in order to have a heating pad running, these would be covered by the ADA. Other examples include revised work activities, a different office chair, or additional breaks to administer medication.
Understanding these 3 main concepts will arm you with the proper tools to protect yourself at work. A doctors note requesting specific provisions is extremely helpful as well.
Step two: Figure out what you want to do, then find then healthiest way to do it.
This is a lesson that I'm currently grappling with. I am an artist, in all ways. I chose a career as a special effects artist. Long hours, physically demanding, toxic chemicals... need I say more? Not the healthiest career. After lots of contemplation, I came to conclusion that I didn't have to chose, I just had to be flexible. I can still be an artist, while also honoring my health. Finding this "balance" is difficult but so important. I ignored my mounting health concerns for 6 years before deciding to reevaluate. I haven't traded in my goals, but I have traded in the painful work and long hours. This process is emotional. Just as you had to grieve & come to terms with your diagnosis, you'll do the same when switching careers or career goals. Pushing yourself is not fair or sustainable. You can still be a bad ass boss & practice self care!
Step three: set yourself up for success.
pack your medication ahead of time for the next day, including pain meds
bring hot water bottles, topical rubs, herbal tea bags
give emergency contact info to your job, including your primary care physicians information
Bring a change of clothes, pads, tampons
pack anti nausea meds, peppermint, ginger chews
comfy socks, its the little things.
Resources:
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