By: Cammie

Cammie — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:15:51 +0000

This is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. I sat here in tears just remembering how this issue has touched my life. Shortly after I was diagnosed with RA I began to have issues that made it difficult to perform certain aspects of my job. As I started looking into resealable accommodations and all that was available so that I could continue to work, I worked up the courage to go and speak with my former supervisor. Our first meeting was not good and I ended up walking out of her office in tears. Made to feel like I was complaining, lazy and just what was I expecting her to do for me. Seemed like it was something terrible that I was asking for.When I finally went over her head and spoke to the director of personnel I did receive the accommodations I needed. But even then she ganged up on me with the assistant supervisor and I had to sit and defend my needs in front the director while they both grilled me. The accommodations they were offering me were unacceptable and to my way understanding were really not accommodations at all. Even after I had filled out all of the FMLA paperwork I remember the first time I was out for something other than my RA and when I returned the next day she pulled me aside and told me I needed to let her know about each absence so that they could keep track of my non-RA absence. I felt horrible. I am in another department now where I am very happy and have the support of my co-workers. I still remember the bad times with previous boss though and I get frustrated. Those of us who have a disability are not lazy, many of us can and still do want/need to work. It is sad and upsetting to me that many people do not even care to understand the needs of a person who has a disability.

Comments on: Frida Writes: Invisible People. Or, Compare and Contrast: WiMPS And GIMPS

By: Cammie