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Has anyone else had problems with their employer and ADA?

Problems with Employer/ADA? Please help!!

Hi there, I'm reaching out on behalf of my fiancee, who I believe is being treated unfairly at his workplace. He is 24 and suffers from severe arthritis (diagnosed at age 17) and currently does not have any ADA accommodations, as he doesn't require any specific accommodations for his position. Recently, he's had to leave work or be absent from work (not often, just occasionally) because his medications made him ill, and they are starting to give him a hard time. Today, he was told that he couldn't leave even though he was throwing up in the bathroom--he had asked to leave early and take the remainder of the day (4 hours) off and use his accrued PTO to make up for the difference. They said 'seemed odd' since we are heading into a long weekend, and implied that he was trying to leave early for his own benefit. They then sat him down with HR and mandated that if he does not get the ADA Accommodation form filled out, they will take 'disciplinary action' and write him up formally. To me, this doesn't seem ethical or legal--yes, his condition is the root cause of why he is feeling ill, but no other employee is being questioned for leaving early when getting sick. Ultimately, he wanted to avoid the ADA Accommodation simply because he wants to be treated the same as anyone else, he's not asking for any differential treatment. I just want to know if there is any recourse we can take? It absolutely kills me to not only see him in so much pain, but now dealing with this! Any advice or input is greatly appreciated, as he is worried about being targeted for this and potentially losing his job. Thank you!

  1. I'm a lawyer and you need to speak with one who specializes or at least deals with employment/ADA issues. Any other advice you get can not be relied on.

    1. Hi laurendav, I’m so sorry your fiancee is dealing with this at work! It's definitely challenging and unfair. I wanted to make sure you know he has certain rights as an employee with chronic illness.

      I know you mentioned he is not thrilled to pursue this but it may be worth looking into. I hope he gets what he needs to maintain a healthy work environment where he also feels like his job is protected. Please keep us posted!

      ~Monica (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member)

      1. He should sign up for intermittent FMLA, this would be unpaid but his job would be protected. It is good for 3 months total leave for the year. He should be able to use up his paid vacation and PTO before using but is not required.

        1. You need to check with the fmla..We have different requirements for the work places..You are right people do get profiled by the paperwork they hang on too...I suffer from many illness' with ra being my dibilator...we can all give advice and trust me,, Ive been through this too....go to the fml act and follow their directions to a T......

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