Accomodations at workplaces

[KB24]

What are accommodations you receive at work? Where do you work? How often do you eat on a work day? If you receive accommodations when did you mention you have Crohn's to your employer?

Also if you were dx'd in/before college what accommodations have you received in classrooms and how did you get those accommodations?

Thanks.

 

[FrozenGirl]

Work: none. My manager knows I have a chronic illness and so I might need more days off than usual (I work in retail so no regular schedule hence our "days off" are just days we ask not to be scheduled on) I usually eat once a shift (between 5and 8 hour shift). I rarely eat a full meal though. For example I will eat a piece of naan bread and some humus or a a yogurt or a chocolate bar.

College: I am registered with my schools disability services. They know my diagnosis but my professors do not, they just get the list of accommodations I require. Accommodations: test in separate room with stop clock time if I need a bathroom break, recording (audio) classes for heavy fatigue days it when I have to leave class to go to the washroom, and relaxed attendance requirements. That one is just a note on my accommodation letter, I have to negotiate with each professor how to handle attendance (though disability services will intervene if I can't find a mutually agreeable solution to both me and my prof, so far it hasn't been an issue).

 

[FrozenGirl]

As for how I got my accomodations, I got my doctor to fill out a form for my college. I then registered with disability services and talked to one of their staff who figured it what specific accomodations would be best for me. Then each semester they give me a letter listing those accomodations and I email or meet with my professors my letter.

 

[KB24]

Work: none. My manager knows I have a chronic illness and so I might need more days off than usual (I work in retail so no regular schedule hence our "days off" are just days we ask not to be scheduled on) I usually eat once a shift (between 5and 8 hour shift). I rarely eat a full meal though. For example I will eat a piece of naan bread and some humus or a a yogurt or a chocolate bar.

College: I am registered with my schools disability services. They know my diagnosis but my professors do not, they just get the list of accommodations I require. Accommodations: test in separate room with stop clock time if I need a bathroom break, recording (audio) classes for heavy fatigue days it when I have to leave class to go to the washroom, and relaxed attendance requirements. That one is just a note on my accommodation letter, I have to negotiate with each professor how to handle attendance (though disability services will intervene if I can't find a mutually agreeable solution to both me and my prof, so far it hasn't been an issue).

And by test in a separate room meaning your tests are always in a different room, but on the same day as others? And that it is timed incase you have to go to the bathroom? I'm considering signing up for the disability services but not sure if it is necessary, what is your opinion on it? better safe than sorry?

 

[Ally1234]

I work a 9-5 job in an office. I was diagnosed while working there and I told them almost as soon as I was diagnosed which was good because I ended up spending almost a week in hospital and 2 weeks signed off sick. I don't really have any accommodations, i just wanted to make them aware as i may need more time off for appointments or sick days whilst I am adjusting my medicine or in case I get some side effects. As for eating, i eat breakfast before I go to work. Mid morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and then dinner when I get home. I am on prednisolone at the moment which makes me super hungry and I can easily eat 2500 to 3000 calories a day

 

[Pug Gamer]

I have other illnesses too so im not well enough to work but I do remember before being ill I worked in a office. There was a accountant who had UC and we were always told to use the downstairs bathroom so she could have the main one to herself as she cant wait or go too far. I do remember doing her non caffiene teas etc. And she worked freelance at 5 different places, and she worked it out so she could always work from home if ill or move days about so it was perfect for her.

 

[Lisa]

I've only had accommodations while in grade school - I was allowed to go to the bathroom at any time.

During college and through work I have not requested/received any. I pretty much kept my illness to myself when I was younger. These days, I'm more open about it, but due to being in remission I'm not having issues at work. I do keep aware of what is going on in the world around us - in my field of work I may be called out to a disaster at any time so I try to be aware of any potential issues.....on a smaller scale, last year my Office was tasked with helping to conducting sampling in New York City during the listeriosis outbreak - I just made myself unavailable for that detail.....luckily there are enough people and jobs to do that I can work a desk job for most events.

 

[FrozenGirl]

And by test in a separate room meaning your tests are always in a different room, but on the same day as others? And that it is timed incase you have to go to the bathroom? I'm considering signing up for the disability services but not sure if it is necessary, what is your opinion on it? better safe than sorry?

Yep, same day and time but within disability exam services. So generally I write in a room either alone or with 1-3 other people with disabilities writing exams.
For exam if an exam is 3 hours but I have to go to the washroom 2 times for 5 minutes each I get those 10 minutes back. So instead of getting 3 hours but wasting 10 minutes in the bathroom I get 3 hour plus the 10 min I was in the bathroom.

I would register with disability services. If you never need to use accomodations that's fine but if it comes to a bad period where you need them it's hard to backtrack and get them especially since you often can't register instantly (I waited 2 weeks for an appointment to hand in my forms and get my accomodation letter). A lot of my exams I don't need to go to the washroom but it's less stressful knowing that o can if I need to. Same with recording audio, I don't use it all the time but when I had an 8AM class with a digestive system that hates mornings, I was so grateful to be able to record and not worry about what I was missing when I left to run to the washroom.

 

[JaimeM]

I work at a hospital as an xray tech. I don't really get any special accomodations.. if I'm sick, they know I'm sick and don't question it. I don't abuse it, I tough it out most of the time. I also worked as an EMT for several years (haven't been able to with my most recent issues) But obviously I couldn't have any special accomodations as there weren't even any bathrooms available.. I just really watched what I ate when i was on shift. With my xray job, i take call a lot through the night and am on 72 hours shifts at times. So it can be done.. I love my job and I love helping people. I love where I work at bc I work mostly in the ER with critical patients and I'm not just an xray tech, I use a lot of my EMT skills as well.. It's high stress, but I've learned exercise and yoga are a huge thing for destressing. I always have snacks at work and try to keep a regular eating schedule, but it's not always possible. If i'm on my 72 hours call shift I usually have the crock pot going so I can eat when I'm ready. Also I think the adrenaline of my job helps a lot when I'm actually working on a patient. Everything bowel-wise stops (the fight or flight response is a great thing sometimes)

Oh yeah, I started having problems when I was in college, didn't know what it was. But knew if I got stressed my diarrhea and stomach cramping got worse.. I suffered like that for my 2 years of xray school, which was tough but I got through it. I was diagnosed my first year at the job I'm in now. If I'm sick a lot that year my boss just has to document in my file if it was crohns related or something communicable.

 

[smt]

I am a research scholar in business management. During my MBA-level coursework and Ph D coursework, I took no (and would not have got) any accommodations. I took exactly the same examinations in the same time. I attended 209 out of the 210 classes in Term II (one missed as I went to hospital). I finished the MBA coursework within the top 5% ile in this reputed institute.

During my Comprehensive Exams (2 in number, both month-long affairs, with a presentation and viva) I asked for no accommodations. I cleared both. Having said that, now, I do not know. I want to play it hard, and give it back to anyone who undermines me, but there is a thin dividing line between arrogance and confidence. I should have the wisdom to identify that line. And it seems my health is deteriorating.

To put on record one incident: a few years back, when I was new here, a research scholar, a most unworthy one, insulted me for my illness. That unworthy person suffered a heart attack last year and has a pacemaker now. He has been show-caused by the institute for non-performance that took place earlier. If there is justice in the world, I think this is an example.

May we all beat our illness. Kindest regards to all.

 

[MeLee38]

I am a self-employed small business consultant. I make my own hours and schedule things accordingly. I have learned that mornings are the worst for me, so I work on projects and files at home during the morning and always schedule client meetings between 1-4 pm when my bathroom trips are at a minimum. With me I tend to have 4-8 soft loose bowel movements between when I wake up and noon. I eat a very small breakfast and light lunch which minimizes my afternoon bathroom needs. I have made all of my regular clients aware of my illness and most have been understanding and compassionate. Those who were not understanding (usually the egotistical control freaks who demand prompt responses and attention), I simply explained I could no longer provide services for them and they moved on. Love being self-employed and VERY grateful I can make my own schedule!

 

[KB24]

I work at a hospital as an xray tech. I don't really get any special accomodations.. if I'm sick, they know I'm sick and don't question it. I don't abuse it, I tough it out most of the time. I also worked as an EMT for several years (haven't been able to with my most recent issues) But obviously I couldn't have any special accomodations as there weren't even any bathrooms available.. I just really watched what I ate when i was on shift. With my xray job, i take call a lot through the night and am on 72 hours shifts at times. So it can be done.. I love my job and I love helping people. I love where I work at bc I work mostly in the ER with critical patients and I'm not just an xray tech, I use a lot of my EMT skills as well.. It's high stress, but I've learned exercise and yoga are a huge thing for destressing. I always have snacks at work and try to keep a regular eating schedule, but it's not always possible. If i'm on my 72 hours call shift I usually have the crock pot going so I can eat when I'm ready. Also I think the adrenaline of my job helps a lot when I'm actually working on a patient. Everything bowel-wise stops (the fight or flight response is a great thing sometimes)

Oh yeah, I started having problems when I was in college, didn't know what it was. But knew if I got stressed my diarrhea and stomach cramping got worse.. I suffered like that for my 2 years of xray school, which was tough but I got through it. I was diagnosed my first year at the job I'm in now. If I'm sick a lot that year my boss just has to document in my file if it was crohns related or something communicable.

So when did you let your employer know you might miss certain days to due Crohn's? Before hiring or after you werre hired?

 

[smt]

I am a self-employed small business consultant. I make my own hours and schedule things accordingly. I have learned that mornings are the worst for me, so I work on projects and files at home during the morning and always schedule client meetings between 1-4 pm when my bathroom trips are at a minimum. With me I tend to have 4-8 soft loose bowel movements between when I wake up and noon. I eat a very small breakfast and light lunch which minimizes my afternoon bathroom needs. I have made all of my regular clients aware of my illness and most have been understanding and compassionate. Those who were not understanding (usually the egotistical control freaks who demand prompt responses and attention), I simply explained I could no longer provide services for them and they moved on. Love being self-employed and VERY grateful I can make my own schedule!

Very happy to meet a business consultant. If I may ask, are you an MBA?

 

[MeLee38]

smt No I am not...long life story but got my experience and knowledge in the Accounting industry, I have a triple diploma in Accounting, Business Administration and Computer Applications, an incomplete Bachelor of Commerce Degree and am currently 3/4 of the way through my CPA courses but stopped due to health issues and life problems. Hope to someday finish it I worked in Public Practice accounting firms for 10+ years and did a 3 year contract with the Federal Government (Consulting and Auditing Canada) before venturing out on my own. Have built my practice solely on word of mouth and my network of co-workers from the past.

 

[cdnrose]

I work a 9-5 type job. The boss knew something was up when I was taking time off continuously for appointments. I would try to work them into my lunch break but sometimes would be longer than my allowed hour.

When I received my dx I finally told him what was up, he was already aware of my RA. I was scheduled for remicade infusions pretty early on which I'm not able to do on weekends or evening, the boss allows me to take the time off work with pay. I could log it as sick time but he says to just put it in as regular time. His office is right beside the ladies room so he sees how frequently I visit it and hasn't said a word about it.

 

[smt]

smt No I am not...long life story but got my experience and knowledge in the Accounting industry, I have a triple diploma in Accounting, Business Administration and Computer Applications, an incomplete Bachelor of Commerce Degree and am currently 3/4 of the way through my CPA courses but stopped due to health issues and life problems. Hope to someday finish it I worked in Public Practice accounting firms for 10+ years and did a 3 year contract with the Federal Government (Consulting and Auditing Canada) before venturing out on my own. Have built my practice solely on word of mouth and my network of co-workers from the past.

Very nice to meet you, and I hope you get the CPA (similar to the CA here in India and in the UK) soon. The very best wishes.

 

[JaimeM]

So when did you let your employer know you might miss certain days to due Crohn's? Before hiring or after you werre hired?

I didn't.. and I really don't miss many days.. That was more just an infection control thing since I work at a hospital.. I think they have to keep track of what kind of infections employees are picking up. So if I get influenza they have to keep track of that for our hospital records.. So if it's bc of my Crohns it's not an infection issue.

 

[tots]

I caught the flu at work, I had to call in sick on a Wed. and my DSM gave me thur off and until 3pm
on friday to get better a! Being on Remicade and now prednisone again I really don't like being sick like that and having to be at work. I am in retail and you would be amazed how many people shop sick!

Are we entitled to any accommodations at work? I am in the US.


Lauren