Working with Migraines: Rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act

What should I do to get accommodations?

1. Let your employer know. If you want accommodations, you must let your employer know about your Migraines and their effect on you. There is no requirement that you tell them in writing, but it couldn't hurt. There is no requirement of medical proof, but a note from your doctor couldn't hurt either. It builds a record in case of any problems in the future.

If you don't let your employer know, you miss work due to your Migraines, and get fired for absenteeism, they did not discriminate under the ADA because they did not know!

2. Ask for a reasonable accommodation. What would be an accommodation that would make it possible for you to do the job, despite your Migraines? If you face triggers in the workplace, what would be an accommodation that would remove the triggers or remove you from the area where the triggers are?

What are some accommodations I might expect?

Here are some accommodations that have been given to Migraineurs, suggested by Migraineurs, or suggested by employers.  These are only suggestions.  You could ask for accommodations which reduce the Migraine triggers at work, or accommodations which help you recover from or work around your Migraine attacks, or both.

1. Time accommodations - These could include:

a)  telecommuting,  

b)  changing to a more favorable time shift,

c)  changing from a swing to a steady shift,

d)  flex-time,

e)  medical leave,

f)   paid or unpaid time off. 

2. Lighting accommodations - These could include:

a)  adding fluorescent light filters to existing fluorescent lights to create a more natural lighting;

b)  changing lighting completely in your work area;

c)  providing an anti-glare filter for your computer monitor;

d)  providing a liquid crystal display monitor with a better refresh rate;

e)  moving you to a private area to allow for appropriate lighting;

f)   allowing you to wear sunglasses or anti-glare glasses in the work area.

3. Noise accommodations - These could include:

a)  moving you to a more private area or away from high traffic areas;

b)  providing an environmental sound machine to help mask distracting sounds;

c)  providing noise canceling headsets;

d)  providing sound absorption panels;

e)  encouraging coworkers to keep non-work related conversation, shouting across work-space, music playing or other noise to a minimum.

4. Fragrance accommodations -

a)  installing an air filtration system;

b)  instituting a fragrance-free policy.

5. Other issues -

a)  you could request that you not be required to attend after-hours functions;

b)  you could request a dark, quiet place at work to go lie down;

c)  you could possibly request reassignment within the company if there was an equivalent job opening that would not trigger you.