Mental Health & Accommodations In the Workplace
Increasing Awareness, Reducing Stigma
Is it possible to alleviate the struggle at work without changing your job? One of the things that came out of the pandemic is that societally, we have a greater awareness of mental health; particularly around diagnosis and trauma. While we are more aware and open, the conversation is still stigmatized. Individuals might be struggling at work and will feel more comfortable speaking to a coach but not an employer.
As coaches and therapists, here are some things we would look for to support clients, and that perhaps you can leverage with your clients:
Accommodation Assistance:
Individuals might be struggling at work, but not feel comfortable speaking to an employer about ADHD, stress, headaches, fatigue, etc. Here’s a way to brainstorm ideas and search by limitation / challenge or disability diagnosis and ask an expert at the Job Assistance Network (JAN) to get a human personalized response: ASK JAN. Operated by the federal government, this resource provides advocacy and information about accommodations in general.
Also for students: If you have questions about ADA, or accommodations, JAN can guide you on whom to speak with at the Department of Education.
This can help you assist your supervisor in supporting you and adjusting to working together.
Awareness of Legal Protections:
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to be legally protected. If you’re perceived to have had a condition or are treated like you have one, you don’t have to prove a diagnosis.
The enforcement of these protections can only be done by a government agency such as the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). Unfortunately, discrimination is common, and many people don’t understand how they can advocate for themselves and are afraid to ask for what they need. EEOC offers a lot of free resources on age discrimination, pregnancy, disability, religious and racial difference and more.
Better Preparation for Job Interviews:
Free interpreting services are available for those who are deaf
In every state, there’s an advocacy group for just about everything you can imagine and they can provide resources to help job seekers navigate resources
Support and Advocacy Organizations:
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) - See resources for parents too
National ADA Network - adata.org
US Access Board - Issues the document that is the basis of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, including for digital access
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) - Consolidates multiple US Department initiatives - updates on what’s happening around the country
Recruitment and referral program connecting employers with college students and recent graduates with disabilities: WRP
Search for local and national mentorship programs, peer support networks
Resources for Supporting and Sourcing Neurodiverse Talent
Connecting neurodivergent job seekers with welcoming employers around the world: Jobs for Humanity
Multifaceted online tool for recruiting neurodivergent candidates: Mentra
Resources for autistic students and young adults, parents, and university staff: Neurodiversity Hub
Neurodiversity Employment Network: Neurodiversity Employment Network
Recruitment and referral program connecting employers with college students and recent graduates with disabilities: WRP
By leveraging these resources and understanding the accommodations and protections available, we can better support our clients in advocating for themselves and thriving in their workplaces.