Posted 4/3/2009 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
This is a copy of the letter I sent (it was a bit long-winded, but I had a lot to say)
To Whom It May Concern:
The purpose of this letter is to identify myself as a person with a disability. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome (see links below). I am requesting accommodations under the ADA. Due to my medical condition, the following job tasks/situations have proven to be problematic: Standing or sitting still for periods of time longer than 15 minutes, excessive walking, bending, or lifting, adhering to the set work schedule, managing excess stress such as interruptions in daily routines and last minute job tasks, working without adequate rest periods/bathroom breaks, concentrating on a task with excess background noise or other distractions, verbal expression, attending school functions/meetings in addition to the regular work day, maintaining energy throughout the day, completing required paperwork/projects in the time currently allotted for planning, public speaking, remembering tasks, The following is a list of possible accommodation ideas specific to these areas: flexible scheduling for arrival and dismissal periods (allow minutes tardy to work to be made up by staying later or working from home on lesson planning), allow duty posts closer to my classroom, use of a chair or stool whenever necessary, supply a paraprofessional to help with preparation of materials and/or project displays, provide at least 2 week’s written notice of any perceived schedule interruptions and/or special programs/activities and the actual revised schedule of such events, allow for a five minute break between each class for bathroom and or rest time, turn down the intercom in my classroom during planning times to reduce interference with cognitive functioning, use e-mail for communication to provide a detailed written record of any pertinent information/requests, absence from PTA meetings and/or other after school events contingent upon replacing them with time working on discipline committee or other job-related duties at home.
Due to the unpredictable nature of Fibromyalgia, it may be necessary to include any of the following accommodations when necessary (Fibromyalgia accommodation list: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/Fibro.html):
Accommodation Ideas:
Concentration Issues:
• Provide written job instructions when possible
• Prioritize job assignments and provide more structure
• Allow flexible work hours and allow a self-pace workload
• Allow periodic rest periods to reorient
• Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers
• Minimize distractions
• Reduce job stress
Depression and Anxiety:
• Reduce distractions in work environment
• Provide to-do lists and written instructions
• Remind employee of important deadlines and meetings
• Allow time off for counseling
• Provide clear expectations of responsibilities and consequences
• Provide sensitivity training to co-workers
• Allow breaks to use stress management techniques
• Develop strategies to deal with work problems before they arise
• Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for support
• Provide information on counseling and employee assistance programs
Fatigue/Weakness:
• Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress
• Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation
• Allow a flexible work schedule and flexible use of leave time
• Allow work from home
• Implement ergonomic workstation design
Fine Motor Impairment:
• Implement ergonomic workstation design
• Provide alternative computer access
• Provide alternative telephone access
• Provide arm supports
• Provide writing and grip aids
• Provide a page turner and a book holder
• Provide a note taker
Gross Motor Impairment:
• Modify the work-site to make it accessible
• Provide parking close to the work-site
• Provide an accessible entrance
• Install automatic door openers
• Move workstation close to other work areas, office equipment, and break rooms
Migraine Headaches:
• Provide task lighting
• Eliminate fluorescent lighting
• Use computer monitor glare guards
• Reduce noise with sound absorbent baffles/partitions, environmental sound machines, and headsets
• Provide alternate work space to reduce visual and auditory distractions
• Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy
• Provide air purification devices
• Allow flexible work hours and work from home
• Allow periodic rest breaks
Skin Sensitivity:
• Avoid infectious agents and chemicals
• Provide protective clothing
Sleep Disorder:
• Allow flexible work hours and frequent breaks
• Allow work from home
Temperature Sensitivity:
• Modify work-site temperature and maintain the ventilation system
• Modify dress code
• Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation and redirect vents
• Allow flexible scheduling and work from home during extremely hot or cold weather
• Provide an office with separate temperature control
I am requesting a timely response including what you deem to be reasonable accommodations for my situation. Please take time to review the links below for information about Fibromyalgia..
Sincerely,
Cynthia Waters
http://www.cdc.gov/ARTHRITIS/arthritis/fibromyalgia.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm
I hope this helps. Feel free to use my letter and add in anything that is relevant. I provided links to information about fibro because I wanted them to read about it and see what I've been going through. I feel this has helped mostly just because now I feel validated at work instead of feeling as if I'm always being scrutinized for my shortcomings. I know my principal is just covering her own behind because she is just not a good person but at least I know I'm covered. I just tell myself that although she's being fake nice to me, it is better than out to get me. Besides, I have way more control now than I did when I was just some other teacher she didn't care for. I've been told that it is very hard to get rid of teachers, especially if they have a disability(law suits, etc.). Let me know if I can help with anything else!