[Maven]

I sometimes wonder if others, at least others who understand what it's like to have OCD--especially if you're a washer--agree with me on this: If one is in a situation where they need help, say, a place to live. If that person is physically disabled, they would make the home able to accommodate that person's needs, right? But what if you have a mental illness, specifically OCD? I'll use myself as an example, and I realize how unreasonable this would sound to someone who doesn't experience feeling "dirty" or "contaminated." But if I were to need a new place to live, I couldn't live in a place where I feel dirty, and my belongings would become dirty. I would need a place that is clean according to my OCD, and preferably new. I know organizations don't generally have new homes to give out, but if that's the only thing I can tolerate, wouldn't it be considered reasonable in my circumstances? Just like someone in a wheelchair would need ramps and possibly lifts installed. Charities and help organizations would provide that. But because my (or our) issues are mental, I would be expected to just deal with it, overcome it or suffer with it.

My question is, should these kinds of needs or unique circumstances be considered "reasonable accommodations" according to the Americans with Disabilities Act? What do you think?

[Crazy Hitch]

Well yes I think that you make an overall extremely valid point here -

I'm reading this as if other disorders (or physical disabilities) can receive accomodation in real life - why doesn't OCD receive the same.

You asked

"My question is, should these kinds of needs or unique circumstances be considered "reasonable accommodations" according to the Americans with Disabilities Act? What do you think?"

My personal response only, is no.

I do not believe that there should be such a think as "reasonable accommodations" as a blanket statement at all in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I say this because I am OCD, just thought that I'd throw that out there

Here's the deal.

I am OCD extreme.

My family living with me?

0% OCD.

So I don't believe that it's fair on THEM.

I am able to use self care strategies that both my husband and I are comfortable with.

I'm just worried about "blanket statement accomodations" being put out there.

This is the problem I forsee.

A large number of OCD people live with partners (generalisation but it's to continue with my illustration below).

I do not believe at all that I am the only OCD person married to a NON OCD partner.

So I don't get how reading "rules of accomodation" would serve of any use to us.

We've worked out what works for us.

To illustrate my point even further -

I mean I need to emphasis that the strategies that you have suggested are great ones - but for my husband and I - personally - there are times where if I WANT to live in this clean place I can't point the finger at him and say it's not clean. I must grab the bathroom cleaner and disinfectants and start cleaning myself.

I don't expect my partner to cave in because he read some rules of accomodation telling him what definitely works for me?

[Maven]

Thank you, Hooligan. I pretty much agree with what you said. I live with my boyfriend, and I do agree that he doesn't have to do everything according to my needs, but like you, we've worked out what works for us. My problem, unfortunately, is that the OCD doesn't stay the same, so it's hard to say that what works now will work later.

But what I was basically getting at is, shouldn't a person with OCD given the same level of accommodations, as each individual needs (since OCD affects everyone differently), under the same law? I agree with you about blanket statements, but the ADA does so when saying "reasonable accommodations," at least for now.

[Maven]

I saw a notice of a new post here, which starts out with the person saying they don't have OCD, but it doesn't appear when I view the thread. It's ok if the person changed their mind about replying, but if that person meant for me to read it, please reply again. Sorry I missed it.

[RedEagle]

Of course not. It would open a HUGE can of worms trying to accommodate everyone's different mental illnesses plus it would reduce the motivation to get better.

Originally Posted by Maven

But what I was basically getting at is, shouldn't a person with OCD given the same level of accommodations, as each individual needs (since OCD affects everyone differently), under the same law? I agree with you about blanket statements, but the ADA does so when saying "reasonable accommodations," at least for now.

yes i think they should. OCD is such a debilitating illness. i feel as if it is often downplayed and not taken seriously. when you tell someone you have OCD they're like "oh yeah, i'm so OCD too!!" it drives me up the wall.

[Maven]

I disagree, RedEagle. Mental illnesses are also physical illnesses, and sufferers deserve the same level of treatment. People who suffer from mental illnesses wouldn't lose the motivation to get better, any more than people with physical illnesses lose motivation. Mental illnesses aren't curable, and to expect someone who can't be normal all the time to be just that, isn't realistic and does a disservice to the mentally ill. If a person can work if his or her needs are met, you're saving that person from having to rely on government assistance in order to survive.

You're right, 8888, OCD truly is a debilitating disorder. People without it have no idea what it's like.

[chameleon_jogirl]

Absolutely I agree with you. Mental Illness like any other disability to the body should be accommodated for with great respect and kindness. Instead we usually face disdain and ignorance. It's 2015 people, let's get better educated and leave the dark ages behind in history.