Self Advocacy in the Work Place: Maria
When it comes to a role model on self care and self advocacy, look no further than Maria. Maria is a smart, deeply caring, and motivated preschool teacher that works every day to instill the love of learning and creativity in her students. Living with a disability, it hasn’t always been easy for Maria to find the job that best suited her skills and passions. She shares that it can be hard for someone living with a disability to both “apply for jobs and keep them.” However, being the dedicated and passionate individual she is, she didn’t let this stop her. Maria expresses a strength of hers is “educating people about my disability” which has allowed her the opportunity to self advocate and pave for a more inclusive work environment. Maria shares the advice to others to “have protection and help so you’re not targeted at work,” highlighting the importance of knowing your resources, having a strong relationship with your employer and knowing your rights. She also encourages others to “start slowly based on what your goals are and ask for help when you need it.” Under the Americans with Disability Act, an employer is required by law to provide reasonable accommodations, unless it would “impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business.” However, each individual is responsible for initiating the request. Maria's advice underscores the great importance of self advocacy.
If you are seeking employment or providing guidance to a job seeking individual, here are some helpful tips:
Understand your needs and goals. Prior to requesting an accommodation, sit down with a trusted friend, family member, mentor, or therapist to consider what additions or changes to your work environment would allow you to feel more empowered and supported at work. Make a comprehensive list and talk through why these matter to you. This can allow you to feel more confident in your request and clear on what will support you. If you are unsure of which accommodations you may need you can request a meeting with your employer and ask them if you can explore accommodation options together.
Make the request: Accommodations won't be put in place unless they are requested. Asking early and being upfront can allow you to find early success and reduce future challenges. Employers want you to be successful and fulfilled in your role, both for your benefit and for theirs. Typically, businesses with 15 or more employees are required by law to make reasonable accommodations, though asking in a professional and clear way for support regardless of company size can demonstrate your commitment to your employment and role. Legally, you can request an accommodation at any time during the application process or while you are employed. You can also request an accommodation even if you did not ask for one when applying for a job or after receiving a job offer. From a job security standpoint, it is better to request an accommodation before your job performance is impacted.
Put it in writing: While accommodations do not have to be requested in writing, it may be helpful to request via writing to allow for a paper record of your request. Many individuals find that having a paper record allows them to have clear records to refer back to, allowing them to ensure that their employer is upholding agreed upon accommodations. If you have a conversation in person about accommodations, consider following up with an email summary of the conversation. For example, “Thank you for talking with me today about how to reduce barriers in the workplace. Here is my understanding of the reasonable accommodations we will have in place..”
Be clear and concise when sharing about your disability: Some employees do not want to give their employers a lot of details about their disability. Employees are only required by law to provide accommodations in response to a disability or medical condition, so you will have to disclose some information. It will help if you are clear, concise and to the point. If you prefer not to give a lot of information, you may want to limit the information you initially give to your employer when you request an accommodation. For example, you can share with your employer what has been difficult, that the problem is related to a disability, and what your accommodation ideas are.
If your request is denied, get more information as to why it is and offer alternatives. Employers are allowed to not approve an accommodation if it “pose an undue hardship” to the business. Understanding why the request was denied may allow you to negotiate and find alternative ways for your needs to be met. Companies may also deny an accommodation due to insufficient documentation of a disability or need, which can be solved by providing more documentation from a doctor or related provider. If you do not think your employer had a valid reason to deny your request, or the employer will not tell you why the request was denied, you can appeal the decision, filing a grievance with your union if you have one, or filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Have a strong work life balance - Take care of yourself and your mental wellness! We look again to Maria’s great example - Maria shares that she enjoys her out of work time by hanging out with friends and family, painting and exercising. Maria uses this time to also manage her mental wellness. She shares that she “works out because I have ocd and anxiety. This helps maintain my mental health.” She also takes medication to support herself. She is a great example of finding a variety of ways to care for yourself so that you can show up and be your best self.
We are so grateful to Maria for her insights and strong example. She exemplifies outstanding character and commitment to both her own success and the success of her students. Leading by her example, she creates meaningful change in her community and in the lives of those she works with.
If you are looking for more information or support, we recommend reaching out to the Illinois Department of Human Services at (217) 782-7691 A staff will refer you to an appropriate Reasonable Accommodation Liaison based on the division and location where you work or with whom you are applying for employment. You can also visit our services page or reach out to info@allkindsofmindstherapy.com to learn more or inquire about life skills and independent living coaching with Jen Kelly.
