[misterdonut]

I know that technically and legally anyone who has a defined mental disorder or disability is protected from repercussions at work, but of course I'm always wary of implications that may fly under the legal and technical radar. Thoughts?

[LookingforCalm]

Protect yourself.
If you disclose that you have an accommodation, you might need paperwork to back it. If you want to keep working there, I'd be honest about whatever you are experiencing. A good management team would never use this against you.

Keep a journal of things that happen that you think are discriminatory. But you must be factual when documenting. You cannot use "weak" words like always, should have, very, really, or sometimes.

You must be factual.

Not everyone needs to know what's going on with you. If you made it clear with management that you have a defined disability there shouldn't be repercussions.

But the best way to be an advocate is to be one for yourself.

Do the best you can, and let your superiors know when you're having a bad day. Or even an "off" day. And document everything, no matter what. You have no recourse without it.

Be careful. Do the best you can. And good luck to you.

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by misterdonut

I know that technically and legally anyone who has a defined mental disorder or disability is protected from repercussions at work...

Protected from repercussions from what? Do you mean to be saying certain reasonable accommodations are to be granted where possible? Having a mental disorder or disability does not mean an employer cannot reprimand or take corrective action in the face of unsatisfactory work. It just means the employer in need of something I might be able to do is obligated to give me an honest, "equal opportunity" even if, when or where some reasonable accommodation might be necessary.

[eyesclosed]

They have no right to know about your disability. I wouldn't say a word to anyone. If you already have to a person who is someone of authority and ifyou ask for accomadations it has too not cost them money go to the ADA section at EEOC.COM they have some information of how to go about this I don't know what type of work you do. IL is I think a at-will employment state so that is something to check because sometimes Federal and State employment laws don't work together. I made the mistake of giving HR a note saying I was being harrassed and they were violating my civil rights he wrote it on a script pad. Two days later I was told I had to take a fitness for duty test and walked out the door by the vice president and my time card key was deactivated they had to pay me while I was off. The first thing I was asked was if I was Planning a attack to get even Good luck

[misterdonut]

Originally Posted by leejosepho

Protected from repercussions from what? Do you mean to be saying certain reasonable accommodations are to be granted where possible? Having a mental disorder or disability does not mean an employer cannot reprimand or take corrective action in the face of unsatisfactory work. It just means the employer in need of something I might be able to do is obligated to give me an honest, "equal opportunity" even if, when or where some reasonable accommodation might be necessary.

I'm referring to the claim itself. The stigmas that are ingrained into our cultures over mental health matters certainly have a real impact in the workplace; thus, I'm very cautious.

[seesaw]

It very much depends on the employer. My employer knows about my disability. They knew about it when they hired me, because I have a service dog. But I do my job well, I still work long hours, and I outperform others at work. I also take care of myself and take time off when I need it, and make sure my supervisor knows when my appointments are so I can schedule time around doctor's appointments. But I know I am lucky and that the nature of my work allows me to have a somewhat flexible schedule.

If you file a claim for disability with your work, the only people who should know about it are the HR people AND they shouldn't know the nature of the claim, only the insurance company will know that.

[Misssy2]

mr donut...as long as there is a Drs note handy that proves that the employer knows of the disability..yes.

[hvert]

I think you are right to be wary.