Houston CFIDS Association

MaryMargaret, Houston CFIDS Member and OASIS Consultant (see “Speaker” information), contributed this piece in response to another member’s difficulty at work.

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The criteria for determining disability for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is different from that used to determine disability for the purpose of job accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

A person may qualify under the ADA for job accommodations but still not receive SSDI. For example, many people in wheelchairs or who are blind or deaf work rather than receive SSDI, and do require job accommodations.

Applying for SSDI

When applying for SSDI, it is imperative to have an attorney’s assistance. There is no charge for the service until the case is won. Law limits how much the attorney can collect from you after the case is won. You will also need a credible doctor(s) and possibly other professionals on your team.

Requesting Job Accommodations Under the ADA

When requesting job accommodations, it is imperative to utilize organizations such as those listed below. You usually need just one of these organizations unless they advise you otherwise. This advocacy organization won’t charge you any money and becomes a part of your team of professionals who assist you in acquiring job accommodations. You will also need a credible doctor(s) and possibly other professionals on your team.

• Advocacy, Inc.
• ILRU
• Houston Center for Independent Living (HCIL)
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

A Word of Advice

It is best to bring your boss and coworkers along with you rather than establish an oppositional stance with them. This may seem obvious, but can be more difficult than it sounds, especially with hidden disabilities that they may not understand.

Even within the world of disability advocacy itself, sometimes you may encounter built-in prejudices against people with hidden disabilities on the part of people with visible disabilities. Do your best to keep all these people on your side of the table.

Having advocacy organizations trained in how to present the information to your employer in a non-alienating manner is vital to your ultimate success. You always want to be seen as a valuable employee that people want around who just happens to have a disability.

CFIDS and related conditions can put us in a place where what we show is our frustration or anger. We must work against that. Counseling is very helpful as a place to vent and discuss your frustrations; it may even very likely save you your job.

MaryMargaret Lytle

Houston, Texas
October 2007