Article: Has the Americans with Disabilities Act Made a Difference by By Rebecca R.

You can view the page at http://www.forums.aboutmecfs.org/content.php?185-Has-the-Americans-with-Disabilities-Act-Made-a-Difference-by

If only Employers would REALLY change their attitudes.

For example.....

When I was working in an office, I asked colleagues, could they please refrain from putting internal post or messages under my door when it was locked first thing in the morning - it was painful & I couldn't bend easily to pick them up (when I arrived & unlocked the door).

Anyone would think I had made some extraordinary request that demanded colleagues go out of their way & waste valuable Company time, or attempt some mammoth physical exertion.

I ended up having to leave the work i was doing part time which I loved due to social security all cause i could work 2 hrs per week, they then got the expectation that i could work 15 hrs a week and they wanted me to be doing that so put me under threat to have my benefits cut off if I didnt.

In the end due to the added pressure of trying to deal with social securities expections which there was no way I could possibly meet and I then crashed way further, my specialist said I wasnt to work at all. So I had to quit my job. It's all their fault I arent working part time now.

(Im in Australia).

Depends on whether or not you are on SSDI

In the United States, the Social Security Administration is set up so there is not such thing as a little bit disabled. You are either fully and permanently disabled or you can work. For many, there is no private disability.

Once on SSDI or SSI, you cannot retain your benefits if you can work - even if the number of hours is so small that you make less money working than you do receiving benefits.

The United States government does have a trial period where you can re-attempt to be employed, but it is transitional. At some point if you can work part-time, even if it does not begin to cover your expenses you are considered employable and lose your benefits.

It is a catch - 22. Many who can work a few hours a week, earning money that would raise them out of the poverty of SSDI or SSI benefits, risk losing even those meager benefits because of the way the rules are set up.

Once again, only on private disability is there such a thing as a little bit disabled.

Even in a good economy having any kind of disability is a difficult proposition. In today's economy unless you have a unique skill set or have a relationship with an employer then forget it.

Earlier in my career I was in HR and even still hold the SPHR designation. Most HR "professionals" will run as fast as they can from anyone they perceive as remotely disabled.

The only question is whether a disabled person's resume higher in the pile than a convicted felon just out of prison?

Hey thanks for sending me the information...

What a catch-22. At least I know this issued has been discussed and they are aware that it is a problem. Besides the money - if you can get out and work a bit - its good to get out there and interact with people...I think that so, long as your health can handle it, its good for you - that's my experience, anyway - we are social animals.