#accomodations

[bethanydelleman]

This may not be an issue many people think about, but about 8% of the male population is colour blind (about 4.5% of humans total). Colour blind usually meaning you have trouble distinguishing between red and green. Despite this being a fairly high percentage, my partner, who is colour blind, frequently encounters board games and video games he cannot play because they rely on colour vision. An easy example is Uno, where you need to play either a matching colour or number. If you can't tell apart the colours, it's very hard to play.

So kudos to this new print of Uno for adding those little symbols for the colour blind:

I will also thank Ticket to Ride for using symbols as well as colours:

There are several boardgames that I have marked with permanent marker so my partner can play them. It's a small added design feature to have symbols matching colours but it makes a big difference.

[lifewithchronicpain]

If you don't need a cane, but you get one to signal disability because sometimes you get faint and need to sit, or whatever, as a cane user for years, go ahead. Please, if it makes claiming accomodations easier for you, even if you don't need it to walk, I don't care. This is your permission if you needed it.

Can I suggest that you can get a foldable one at CVS (they're great) so it's there when you need it? Shits fucked up, do what you need to do. Just beware there are assholes that won't care about the cane. But overall, it does make things easier and is easily purchased. Go for it.

[arc-hus]

Guest Pavilion, Quintay, Chile - TIRONI BARTLAU

[wronghands1]

[tinasleep]

erasmus participant here, please read!!

hihihi, im tina, and im a 22 y/o social integration student in spain looking to stay in the netherlands between march and june as part of the erasmus+ program im part of. and i currently need a place to stay in!!!! but its scary (and probably expensive) to do so alone

so please, if you are looking to rent a house between that period in sittard, netherlands or somewhere next to it (whether youre part of erasmus+ or not) or know someone who is, please contact me ASAP

ill gladly pay my part of the rent as long as i can secure a place to stay in. i have no preference for age or gender or number of people, its whatever, i legit just want some place to stay in between march and june where im not completely alone

if youre interested you can use my dms here to contact me if you want, although the most ideal place to discuss this would be discord. my handle is @ caramel64 reblogs are heavily appreciated!

[stellaltumi]

setting up disability accommodations at school is so weird with internalized ableism. hearing someone else say that I am disabled and that my disability is disabling????? out loud!!! bonkers

[cptsdstudyblr]

How to Accommodate Yourself in an Office Environment

If you have mental or physical health issues and work in an office like me, you may not want to disclose your health issues for personal reasons. That doesn't mean there are no accommodations you can use - just that you aren't formally requesting them. Below are some examples:

(1) Take your lunch break. I mean it.

If you work in an office, you almost certainly get a lunch break and you are entitled to take it. If you're not sure, it doesn't hurt to confirm with your manager before you start taking your lunch break.

First of all, taking care of yourself is important and is essentially the point of a lunch break. You should always be eating a real lunch and staying hydrated, and taking an actual lunch break helps immensely with this.

It's also a chance to step away from work, people, etc. It gives you and your brain a break and you can add your choice of (reasonable) activity to help with this. I like to watch TikToks during my lunch break because they're quite brainless, but I know some people prefer to stimulate their brain with something non-work related like reading a book. If you don't want to talk to people, make sure you have headphones on even if you aren't listening to anything.

In most offices, you are allowed to leave for lunch. A lot of people go somewhere to buy lunch and eat there, but you can also pack a lunch and eat it elsewhere. I work a couple of blocks from my city's main park, so I often walk down there and eat outside. This is a wonderful reset for me at lunch.

I find that eating lunch doesn't usually take me my whole hour-long break, so I often will get up and do something else after I eat. I love to take a short walk or run a small errand like going to the post office. My building also has a gym, and I know that some of my coworkers opt to go their at lunchtime.

If your office is like me and a lot of people choose not to take their lunch break, it's still okay to take it. I've had great success telling people something like "I find that around lunchtime my brain gets a little fuzzy, and I really need the break to replenish so I can be at my most productive all afternoon" or even just "I find eating lunch a bit distracting and I'd rather be fully focused while I'm working."

(2) Use headphones as a tool.

At nearly every office, earbud-style headphones are allowed and are widely used. Again, if you're not sure, ask your manager.

You don't have to listen to music. You could listen to anything - white noise, podcasts, audiobooks, meditations, etc. You could even listen to nothing if you just want to dull the sound and keep people from talking to you.

If you struggle with the office noise, invest in good-quality, comfortable, noise-cancelling earbuds. If you use them every day, it's worth the cost.

If you want to wear over-ear headphones, I would recommend asking your manager first. Let them know that you find them more conducive to your working environment and wanted to see if they were okay with you using them. These aren't standardly used in office environments, but you may be able to use them if your manager allows you to.

Good quality over-ear headphones can work a lot like ear defenders, but without looking like ear defenders. But again, ask your manager first!

Note: You don't have to tell your manager details when you ask them stuff - you can be vague and just let them know it would make it easier for you to get your work done. For example, if you want to wear over-ear headphones, you could let them know that you like working in silence and haven't found any earbuds that block enough noise for you. Reasonable managers should not take issue with reasonable requests, even if they ultimately deny them.

(3) Your systems are for you. They are meant to accommodate you.

You do not have to use the same systems as your coworkers. You can set up your organisational systems and processes to work for and accommodate you and how you work.

Don't feel pressured to use a system that other people use if it doesn't work for you. You can always say "I've actually tried that and it just didn't work for me. I'm glad it works for you, though!"

A few notes here: (1) Anything you use should be understandable by someone else if necessary, even if they find it a bit odd. (2) Anything you share with other people should be set up as a team or in a standard way. (3) Don't break procedures to do this - work within the bounds of your company's existing setup.

(4) Bathroom breaks are your friend.

In an office setting, people are unlikely to be paying attention to your bathroom breaks. If you feel overwhelmed or ill or just need a minute, go to the bathroom. It's a place to be alone and take a moment to gather yourself.

Try not to be overly excessive with bathroom breaks (so you don't get in trouble), but you can always use an upset stomach as an excuse once in a while if needed.

(5) Minor headaches can be an excuse.

Most people get minor headaches every now and then for simple reasons such as dehydration or a too-tight hairstyle. As long as you don't have a "headache" so often that you will get yourself in trouble, they're a reasonable excuse for when you're really struggling and can't hide it. For example:

Brain fog or dissociating - sorry, my head hurts and it's making it really hard to focus.

Some other pain - it's still pain, just elsewhere.

And other similar excuses.

Depending on your office environment, you may also be able to use a headache as an excuse to go get some fresh air if you're desperate.

(6) If you get sick days, you are allowed to use them.

(7) Most people have some sort of quirks or issues - and so do you.

"Sorry, I'm a little weird about [thing]. Do you mind if [other thing]?" goes a long way towards getting what you need. An easy example is "Sorry, I'm a little weird with hugs. Do you mind if we shake hands instead? Thanks!"

Also, even people without illnesses experience things sometimes. For example, if something makes you anxious, just let people know you're nervous in the situation. "Sorry, I'm just a little nervous right now." or "Sorry, I'm not a good public speaker." goes a long way. Or if you have a GI condition, it's okay to let people know you have "a sensitive stomach" - some of them will probably understand and it's a normal enough thing to not come off strange. One of my favourites is "Apologies, I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment. Give me a few seconds to collect my thoughts, and I'll get right back to you."

(8) If you have a trusted friend/coworker, confide in them.

You don't have to tell them everything, but it's good to have someone on your side and who will check in with you if needed. My best work friend will also back me up on requests like over-ear headphones by pointing out that she would love the option as well, even if she doesn't actually care.

(9) Take note of what days/times are worse for you and schedule easier tasks during those times if possible.

(10) Learn to politely ask for clarification.

This is a fine line - a lot of people really don't like being asked for clarification. A best practice to avoid pissing people off is to put the blame for needing clarification on you.

For example:

"Apologies, let me make sure I heard you correctly. [Repeat back what you think they said]."

"Sorry, my brain's not working well today! Do you mind repeating that so I can make sure I got it?"

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. What was that last part?"

All in all, many accommodations are things you can do for yourself or without disclosing a diagnosis, especially if you have a good manager. Please also take care not to misrepresent yourself as having a disability you don't have. Take care of yourself and set yourself up for success! 🖤

[leresq]

[sunshinegremlin]

CALLING ALL PPL WHO STRUGGLE TO KEEP A CALENDAR!

I used to keep a bullet journal years ago but I completely fell off it once COVID began. Since then, I have had no calendar to keep my life together.

As someone with ADHD, a calendar would help me stay sane, but every time I tried to get back into it, no matter what I tried, it never stuck. Therefore, my life was a mess.

But while reading a Webtoon (called "30 Minutes With You" if you're interested, it's really wholesome) the main character does daily doodles in her pocket calendar, and then it clicked.

I've been doing daily little doodles in my pocket calendar and I've generally kept up for two months now! Overall, it's been really fun AND has kept me more put together!

Here is an example:

You can get a pocket calendar from Dollar Tree for $1.25 (if you're in the US and Canada)! I use blank office labels cut into the right size as the white squares I draw on just because it looks better.

This has also really helped my memory, because once stuff happens my brain forgets it immediately. It really makes me feel like my life is fuller and it's been easier to look back and see how far I've come!

Hope it helps! 💛

[a-sassy-bench]

me: i need disability assistance navigating through the airport

airport: we don't do that, you have to call the airline

*calls airline*

airline: we don't do that, you have to call the airport

.

[rhiandoesfandom]

At this point what's the fucking point of going back if they're making it this fucking difficult. I don't fucking care about the positions requirements. My disability is the same if not WORSE now since I started my work leave. This whole fucking system is backwards. If you hire someone, realize that they might get a fucking disability. That's a risk you fucking take.

That's on YOU as the employer. I'm so fucking mad right now.

[kittiesjournal]

Autism: Support needs, Spiky Profiles and my Experience

I wanted to take the chance to write about the levels of support and spiky profiles that are seen with being Autistic. It is a topic of importance to me as the growth of the Autistic community online increases, and it’s likely there is a percentage who are unaware of these terminologies. It also gives me a chance to share my experience as a medium support needs / Level 2 Autistic individual and to connect with other Autistic people and their experiences. 

First, let's discuss support needs. 

Autistic support needs refer to how much support, assistance and accommodations the individual requires in their day to day life. Currently many places will provide an indicated level of support to an Autistic person when they are diagnosed based on the information discussed in their assessment and Functional Capacity Report. This information will likely include, ability to perform self-care and home care tasks, ability in accessing the community, impacts from the need of routines, repetitive behaviours, sensory profile and special interests, and whether they require the assistance from other people (family, carers ect.)

There are Three Levels of Support, increasing in support needs:

Level 1 Needs Support, Level 2 Needs Substantial Support, Level 3 Needs Very Substantial Support. These are also often referred to Low, Medium, High Support Needs. 

But in continuing this discussion further it is important to specify some myths and facts surrounding these levels.

Every level indicates a need for support. If someone is diagnosed with Level 1, this does not mean they require no support, assistance, accommodations throughout their day. 

Every Autistic person is going to have their own set of support needs and accommodations that work for them and help them thrive as best they can. The aim of these support levels is not in line with the outdated language of functioning levels. There is no need to keep using “High-functioning” and “Low functioning” as they only get placed upon Autistic people based on the neurotypical standard of functioning, they are not indicative of the Autistic person's abilities and needs and no longer represent what we have learnt of the Autistic spectrum. Furthermore, an Autistic support needs are not set in stone, they are likely to change and shift throughout their life, even in a year, month, week depending on what is going on in their life, environment and other variables. Lastly, it's important to highlight the lives of all autistic people at different support levels and with different support needs. With the growing platform for autistic voices, higher support needs individuals may be overshadowed by lower support needs autistics. “Nothing about us, without us.” must include Medium/High support needs autistic people alongside Lower support needs autistic people. 

This can lead into the understanding of ‘Spiky profiles’.

This term refers to the skills and abilities autistic individuals have that may not correlate cohesively or expand into all areas. This is not something that is used officially in diagnosis, in support resources ect. But it has been developed by autistic people to explain that they may have high and well developed skills in a handful of areas while lacking in skills in other areas. For example an Autistic person may be really good with language, writing and literacy but struggle with self-care and require a support worker to help them get ready for the day. This allows us to honour our skills; sharing what we love to do, understanding where we need support, and help feel more positively about our skill set. No matter the level of support an autistic person has, each person has a skills profile that is a representation of themself, and is not something to compare yourself to others with.

Now that I have discussed the topics of Support needs and Spiky Profiles, I'd like to share my honest and real experience and my profile of where I am in my life currently. As I mentioned in the introduction, I have level 2 / medium support needs which was indicated by my diagnosing psychologist. In my understanding, having level 2 support needs feels like being in a middle void between having independence and being dependent, leaving my skills profile very spiky. My support needs expand to a range of areas:

I need prompting to complete self-care and house care tasks, meaning that i shower only a couple times a week, i rarely brush my teeth, i can forget to brush my hair, it takes a lot of energy to perform these tasks especially if i were to try to do them everyday. Furthermore, I need to be prompted to complete house chores fully and there are some chores I cannot do. This is often because of sensory sensitivities and executive dysfunction as well as pathological demand avoidance. 

I struggle with leaving the house by myself. There are instances where I have been physically able to, but it is dependent on different variables; is it somewhere I have been before with someone else? Do I know the route? Do I have sensory accommodations and comfort/safe items? 

It also takes a huge amount of energy to do so and leads me to be exhausted, needing to rest or I can even become overwhelmed and meltdown / shutdown. Therefore it is in my best interest to have a support person when I leave the house. 

This also expands into being unable to work in a standard job like my neurotypical peers. I have never been able to get a job as even an interview is too much for me. My psychologist indicated that even with support, I would only be able to work at most 10 hours a week. Because of this it is my goal to have a job that is not the standard 9-5 work; An Artist! 

My support needs also include needing support and guidance in social interaction. I have deficits in my social abilities as Autistic people do, leaving me “failing” social situations. My partner will guide and direct conversations in my place when we are together and socialising with other people. Additionally, I have periods of verbal shutdowns where I am unable to speak. I make use of an e-writer to communicate, i also plan to make communication cards and have text to audio AAC app as options. 

The last point i would like to share about my support needs is that i struggle with transitions and autistic inertia, i can often be driven to stay focused on one thing, stuck when it comes to changing or starting tasks, as well as having rigid thinking, being hyper focused on my special interests and overall finding it easier when i have a routine to follow. There are two things that help me when i'm stuck; a support person to guide me into the next task or if i'm alone; music, so there is something that is the same as i change tasks.

My support needs indicate the lower points of my Spiky profile; where my skills aren’t the strongest but I accept that, I accommodate that and then praise my high points.

I am a great learner! I can pick up skills pretty easily especially when they're on the creative side but overall I love learning. I was given the highest award at my high school graduation for Literary Studies, Psychology and Physic! I can draw traditionally, digitally, I can paint and craft, I'm learning to sew and I love to sing and write. I care about people, I'm good at listening and always want to show my love for people. I can cook a pretty good meal or bake yummy sweets most of the time.

Each person has a set of skills that makes them who they are, driven by their passions, interests and what's important to them. Autistic people will struggle in some skill areas, but they are able to balance out when they have the support, assistance and accommodations they need! Autistic people can thrive no matter the support they need. We are disabled but we have strengths too.

Thank you for reading!!

-Kittie

[autismcultureis]

Autism culture is not understanding why other people are offended by you trying to accommodate yourself (asking them to speak quieter, not making eye contact ect)

!!

[mothforfairylightss]

asking for accomodations shouldn't be this emberassing and shouldn't be a big deal and i shouldn't feel this guilty for needing them

[wronghands1]

[cambriancrew]

Just watched a clip from The Miracle Worker on Facebook and there was a commenter who was like, look at Helen Keller's disabilities and she succeeded without an IEP, we shouldn't be coddling kids with disabilities these days, it's what's causing chaos in schools and like... 🤨

Like... Annie Sullivan was right there the whole time. No other student had a teacher right there with them the whole time?? That counts as an accommodation!

I'm astounded by this magnificent display of cocky ignorance.