ok, I work at Verizon (union job) at a call center in Boston. In some regards, Verizon is awesome to work for. I get great benefits and generous paid sick leave etc. In other ways its shockingly backwards and grid locked in red tape corporate propaganda. (For example, I was put through the ringer and had to get a doctors note processed through Metlife because I wanted to wear sunglasses (occassionaly) at my desk because the flourescent lighting in our new building started giving me frequent headaches...AND my job involved no customer interactions.!)
Anyways, I recently started getting fatique and vertigo more frequently. Almost everyday for at least part of the day. Obvioiusly, I can always go home under FMLA. But I don't always want that. I just want to "rest" for a bit so I can go back to work (refreshed). Also, my commute is about an hour and half each way..So why would I want to jump on the subway by myself and commute home all that time if I feel dizzy/fatigued/vertigo. What I want is a quiet place for me to lie down. Either on breaks or lunch or if need be "FMLA hours." Sounds like a joke, and I have joked with my good friend at work about putting in for a couch but I am actually quiet serious. Sometimes the thought of having to walk in the heat to get on a crowded T to go home sick is enough to stress me to tears.
What accomodations have other people gotten for having MS? and what is your work environment like?
I had to take disability in 2002 and never went through accommodations. Under ADA accommodations must be reasonable....that leaves a big gap!
My brother's company has a secretary with MS. She has to take leave during the summer months and when she has relapses. They have temps and others that fill in when she is gone. They hold her position open while she is gone. This is her only accommodation.
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MS diagnosed since October 3, 1982
MS onset circa 1977
Proud to be MED FREE!
Eternally blessed and eternally optimistic!<><
You are very fortunate to be able to take off for FMLA in increments like that. My office looked into it for someone else, and they were told, they can take up to 12 weeks at a time and in increments, but they cannot take hours here, or there. My office doesnt know about my MS, so I havent asked for myself.
You are entitled to any accomodation which your doctor says is necessary. For instance, if you have bathroom problems, moving your desk closer to the ladies room is an accomodation. If you have vision problems, wearing sunglasses, or even having a special screen cover to cut down on glare, is an accmodation. If you need a wheelchair ramp, special chair or keyboard, this is all approved; however the key to it is youl need your doctor to write you a letter for this, which you will have to show your boss and hopefully it will be approved without having to go further. IT really depends on how much the company has to do to accomodate you- how easily they will try. A couch, might be over the top, however if they have a break room or a quiet room, some companies are adding those now for yoga, meditation or even prayers- you could be entitled to using it at whim. You seem to have a good company, hows your boss? Is this something you can discuss with him/her?
Good luck to you, talk to your doctor and your HR person- they should be aware of what accomodations are reasonable and what they can do for you.
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