I had a meeting with my boss and HR this week. I've been working with my company's Disability Management Services office to try and get covered under the ADA.

(Which, btw, I was told by a Legal Office today that it "isn't worth the paper it's written on")

I got a letter a little over a week ago saying I don't meet the ADA's "stringent guidelines" to be covered. Now, this week - they tell me I have three options - resign, go on personal leave (which essentially means I lose my job, but an still considered "part of the company" until I find something else, or a year comes up), or be terminated.

I'm going to be talking with a Lawyer, atleast to get a 2nd opinion on whether on not I should be covered. I mean, damn, all the reasons they're getting rid of me is directly related to my ADD!

What would you do? If I let them terminate me, I have to deal with that in looking for another job. If I resign, will that affect anything with talking to the lawyer? If I go on "personal leave", do I really want to still be a part of this company who's effectively screwing me over right now?

Came across your post and felt for your position. I can't really help much but wanted to offer my support as you go through this trying time. This is the very reason I hate to work and am so glad that currently I do not have to. I would definitly not let them terminate you as you well know the reasons they give would probably hurt you in getting another job. I also know I would not by any means continue to work for them. I do not know wether resigning would affect you seeking legal advise and help. I believe you could still get unemployemnt since you quit do to intolerable work conditions and could probably still work with lawyer for same reason. However, I have no sound knowledge to base that opinion on. Good luck.

My little ADD brain has become focused on your issue and I came across the following website that has some information that might help.http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/adult/dale_brown_ada.html

Update: I spoke with serveral lawyer's offices - none of which could help me *arg*

I decided to take a personal leave and work with a section of our HR department who's helping me improve my resume and get it in front of recruiters. My boss is actually being really nice about everything - makes it hard to hate her *grr*

What led up to your current situation ?

I've made enough mistakes to recieve 2 written warnings at work (all related to my ADD). After the 2nd warning, I contacted our "Disabilities Management Services" office to see if they could help me figure out how to successfully do my job.

I decided to take the personal leave option. I tried to contact a couple lawyers, but they said they couldn't help me. Might be because I mentioned my company's name (a large University/Health System).

I gave up on it. I'm just going to take a little time to decompress from all this mess and try and get in with our competitor's temp service, hehe.

Kelly are you on any meds? Going to talk therapy? Have you tried an ADD coach? I'd hate to see you go thru all of this and get nothing out of all the pain and suffering. Maybe, with a little guidance you could learn from your mistakes and make positive strides...wouldn't that be a kick in their pants? to have tossed you away without a second chance only to come back biting at them lol...sorry, I love a happy ending.

Cherity, where the hell does one get an ADD coach? I've been muddling over that. (Sorry, Kelly--I know this is about you, and I don't want to be insensitive, I just had to ask.:o)

Chrys

Here's the link to the search engine we used.

Make sure they are licensed in your state and have a degree and make sure to interview them you don't want to pay someone you cannot be honest and open with and do not trust 100%.

ADD Coaches Network (http://www.addconsults.com/coaches/index.php3)

Good luck!!

American's Disability Act of 1991 covers people who have add/adhd. A lawyer is not needed to file a complaint against your employer. If you get fired won't you be able to collect unemployment? Good Luck!

Hi Kelly
Just wanted to offer you support (sending virtual hugs). I've been in a similar situation in the past & it is a bit of a no-win situation. One thing you can do, looking to the future, is work out what you had problems in that job & try to find a new job where you don't have to do those things again (not always easy tho'). Anyhow hang in there - people with ADD are good survivors!
All the best,

I have lost many jobs because of my add. One thing I will tell you , never quit your job, ever. If they want to fire you thats fine but if you are doing the best you can then it's not your fault. You will collect unemployment and theres nothing they can do about it. You sound like a victim. As soon as an employer hears anything that is remotley connected to mental health they want to distance themselves asap.