Quote:
Originally Posted by sara76
Hi all. Amongst other problems, I have ADD (no problems with hyperactivity).
I've been unemployed for a year now. I know that the ADD affected my work and was part of why I was fired. I just couldn't keep up with the documentation. I anticipate that, and spend extra time doing it. But, even with medication, my time management skills suck.
More recently I lost a canvassing job, and time management was a factor there as well.
I've wondered about requesting reasonable accommodation through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Have any of you done this? What has been your experience? My career choice requires lots of paperwork. Anybody have tricks they use that work.
any thoughts?
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I'm sorry to hear about your job. As a matter of fact I have looked into
applying for disability. Here's what I found out:
1) ADD/ADHD qualifies as a disability in the ADA (Americans with disabilities
act), but you need more than a diagnosis. You need to provide evidence,
such as witness testimonies and letters from psych professionals to show
that the extent of your disability has a significant impact on your ability to
function normally.
2) It can take up to two years to receive disability benefits. It is also
advisable to hire a lawyer - so try to weigh out the cost and benefit of this
decision before you commit to it. If it is hard for you to get focused
enough to systematically solve this problem, ask family or trusted friends
who don't have ADD to come help you brainstorm and do paperwork. I find
that good friends are a very useful ADD coping strategy. Just don't resist
or fight your family/friend's suggestions, and put them off... at least in
men, ADD/ADHD can make us more argumentative. I spent my entire
childhood changing this habit, just through sheer force of will. I will tell
you though that now that I don't blow up at people anymore, I am much
happier for it, and the change in behavior is no longer as hard as it used to
be. Plus you keep your friends and they are always be useful resource.
3) Consider applying for medicaid. The process is quicker, and at least
you'll have some health insurance so that you can continue seeing your
psych and getting your meds. Once again, if the task becomes
overwhelming, ask someone to come and help you through it. It won't
take long if you work together.
Well I hope everything works out for you. I recently went through the same thing. I was a graduate student in neuroscience for 7 years. I had great ideas but just couldn't keep myself organized enough to make progress quick enough. Eventually I had to leave school. My uncle gave me a job at his company and I almost got fired for being disorganized and forgetful. The worst part is, no one seems to understand what it's like to be ADD. They always say, "you just aren't trying hard enough. you aren't interested enough. But we have to keep our spirit up. Just remember, you're not the only one facing these things and there are people like you out there finding ways to cope too
