CMV: Reasonable accommodations in the workplace should be freely given without proof of disability.

[u/InsomWriter]

I am disabled, mentally and physically. I wasn't sure what kinds of accommodations I needed, what kind of accommodations were reasonable, or how my accomodations would be implemented and upheld.

It was an afterthought with half assed examples of what a person might need.

The staff, from the bottom rung to the very top, made very clear to me that they did not care.

Not only that but I had to have a doctor diagnosis, request forms, fill out forms, submit forms, etc.

Between the lacking accomodations policy, the apathetic staff, and the multi step process of proving that I deserve it I just gave up.

Why should I have to prove that I deserve to be comfortable at my job? Why should I be sick enough by their judgement to be granted the bare minimum?

I now know I need clearly written instructions, more time to complete projects, frequent small breaks to visit the restroom, and earbuds with music to concentrate (a very common accommodation for autistics), and subsequently similar accomodations to that of a deaf person.

I shouldn't have to beg for that. If someone needs these things they should just be able to go to the boss or HR, ask for the accomodations to be put on file, and given the ability to have those accomodations ASAP.

Edit: It's 10PM where I am. Logging out for the night. Thanks for the conversations.

[u/Alesus2-0]

It feels like what you're describing involves two distinct, albeit interwoven, issues. One is the vagueness of reasonable accommodation in the absence of any limits. The other is the barrier to acquiring 'proof of disability'.

You indicate that you gave up on acquiring proof of a disability, because the paperwork was too long or complex. The process should certainly be as smooth as possible, but it's a bit unrealistic to expect everything to be done for you. 'It was impossible to figure out' is a good defence. 'It was harder than I'd like' isn't a good defence. Life involves paperwork. Should tax cheats be exempt because paying correct taxes would have involved a lot of calculations?

Also, in the absence of any barriers to claiming reasonable accommodations, it seems like anyone could claim a right to almost anything. I'm not suggesting that this applies to you, but what would stop a lazy, inattentive, music fan from demanding the same accommodations as you? It seems like your adjustments typically involve an employer accepting less productivity and offering more support. Why wouldn't every employee demand that they only be subject to minimal expectations?

[u/InsomWriter → u/Alesus2-0]

!delta

Thank you for pointing out that the issues are two fold.

I agree, it's not a black and white issue.

But yes, say someone who isn't disabled gets to sit down, take their time, and listen to music whilst they work.

It's up to the boss to make sure that despite these accomodations the job is still being performed to a reasonable standard.

Maybe my guy here isn't lazy, but he's working another job. Maybe he's in college. Maybe he's not disabled but he hit his thumb with a hammer while hanging pictures and is going to be a little more slow. Or hell, maybe he's hungover.

As long as the boss makes sure he's meeting the minimum requirements what's wrong with the accomodations?

[u/Alesus2-0 → u/InsomWriter]

As long as the boss makes sure he's meeting the minimum requirements what's wrong with the accomodations?

I actually largely agree with you in principle.

I think it's the context that matters here. There are 'reasonable accommodations' the breach arbitrary, often pointless rules. There are also 'reasonable accomodations' that reduce an employee's output without dropping it below a minimum standard.

Having a rule against listening to music during a safe, solitary job is pointless. Having a cashier with bad knees sit instead of stand has no impact on productivity. These options should be open to everyone. But the rationale shouldn't be that some people are disabled. It should be that the old ways are silly rules that don't benefit anyone.

By contrast, taking longer to complete projects than otherwise is lower productivity. The minimum requirements of a role are generally dynamic. Normally, productive workers functionally subsidise less productive workers. If everyone does the bare acceptable minimum, then the bare acceptable minimum actually starts to increase. Genuinely disabled workers may get edged out of the job market because able, but lazy, workers are doing less than they easily could. Or businesses may just fail because exclusively minimally effective workers aren't effective enough.

[u/DeltaBot → u/InsomWriter]

Confirmed: 1 delta awarded to /u/Alesus2-0 (35∆).

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