How employers can improve accessibility in the workplace

I spend a lot of time talking with other people who are chronically ill. There’s something special about having a friend who truly understands everything I’ve been through with Cushing’s disease.

Recently, I’ve noticed a pattern in my discussions with the Cushing’s community: There’s a lot of frustration about the lack of accessibility in many workplaces here in the U.S. Many people with chronic illnesses are either out of work or terrified of losing their jobs if they need time off due to medical reasons.

Discrimination against people with disabilities is prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, not every health condition qualifies as an ADA disability, including cancer, broken bones, and sprains.

Title I of the ADA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This might include modifying equipment, adjusting the work schedule, and providing readers and interpreters. ADA protection isn’t something you apply for; you’re simply expected to know your rights and ask for what you need. Although this may be necessary, it can be difficult and intimidating.

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It’s also important to note that the ADA doesn’t specifically require employers to provide medical leave. But under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of leave a year for specified family and medical reasons. I looked into the FMLA ahead of my first pituitary tumor surgery because I needed someone to travel with me from New York to Texas, where my surgeon was located, and help me through the procedure and recovery.

Despite these protections, many people with chronic illnesses still struggle to keep up in the workplace, even if they’re well qualified for the job. Following are several ways employers can improve accessibility and inclusivity for their employees:

Flexibility

I thrive when I can create my own work schedule. Some days I feel sick, and I’ll only work two hours. Other days I’ll work 13 because I feel inspired. Of course, I’ll attend any necessary meetings, but otherwise, I need to work around my illness. Doing so improves my performance.

I also need a remote job. I can’t take public transportation, and I currently can’t drive due to vision issues caused by my pituitary tumor. I need to be able to work from home, where I can access my medicine, pain relief, and everything else I need.

Accessibility

Accessibility is critical, but often overlooked or misunderstood. I use wheelchairs and canes due to muscle weakness and bone density issues related to Cushing’s, and I’ve come across many public places that are only accessible via stairs. Even if there’s an elevator or ramp, the doorways and pathways might not be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, or the only bathroom may be located down a flight of stairs. It’s crucial for workplaces to consider these potential barriers and ensure the space is physically accessible to all.

There are many other ways employers can improve accessibility. Including audio descriptions and captions in Zoom meetings can be incredibly helpful, particularly for those with hearing impairments, memory issues, and brain fog. Any videos or social media posts should have both captions and image descriptions to help out those who use screen readers. Most platforms and applications can generate captions automatically, so this shouldn’t be a hard ask.

Feedback

It’s important to have ways for employees to give feedback, such as anonymous forms, suggestion boxes, surveys, and polls. Employers should also provide a safe space for people to voice any concerns in person. I know in the past I’ve felt scared to voice concerns or request accommodations because I wasn’t sure if I would face discrimination or pushback.

Lastly, education is crucial. If people don’t have firsthand experience with disability or chronic illness, they may not consider the needs of those who do. Educating workers about disability, mobility aids, the effects of chronic illness, and the importance of equity can lead to more understanding and less discrimination. (Ideally, a disabled or chronically ill person would be doing the educating!)

Nobody is perfect, and it might take time to adjust, but I hope that more employers work on being more inclusive. If you live with a disability, don’t be afraid to ask for the accommodations you need. You deserve that — and more!

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.