There are two types of accommodations:
Others accommodating you
You accommodating yourself
I’m going to talk about both types of accommodations and why it’s important to do both types.
What are Accommodations?
Accommodations are resources or devices that help the person accomplish tasks with support from either others or themselves.
This can be anything from a step stool for a smaller woman to a color coded calendar.
Many people struggle to understand mental accommodations compared to physical accommodations.
Types of Accommodations
I like to split up accommodations by physical and mental.
Physical accommodations are going to primarily relate to physical or concrete changes made to the environment for the person in need.
Here are some example:
Sugar free options for the diabetic
Placing blinders on a window for light sensitivity
A ramp
Vegan options for food
Religious exceptions
Etc
Non physical accommodations can be a little more tricky to understand because they often have to be created and the need may be harder to see.
Writing down directions
Extra time for tasks
Explicit deadlines
Clear directions
Etc
Accommodations: Are They a Choice?
Earlier, I mentioned vegan food and religious beliefs options as an accommodation.
I put these on par to common accommodations in my community to make a point.
Religious beliefs and food differences (sugary drinks or meat exceptions) are common enough that people will generally accommodate. But people see them as CHOICES unless it relates to their health.
However, they are more common than a lot of other accommodations disabled people make.
Unfortunately as a side effect, autistic/ADHD needs are often seen as “wants” rather than “needs”. This confusion is only intensified by the drastic differences between autistic/ADHD people.
To make it even more confusing, many accommodations are just useful! A very organized workplace helps everyone!
The difference is what may be an optional but helpful plus for one person is a necessity for another when it's a much needed accommodation.
It’s important to realize how sometimes people may think accommodations are a “choice” because it helps YOU to know why it is necessary to strategize HOW you ask for accommodations.
Asking Others for Accommodations
It’s very important to prioritize your accommodations because it’s best to introduce your needs by priority level.
1) Write down your DREAM accommodations.
2) Then rank your accommodations
3) Divide your “wants” and “needs”
If you absolutely need X accommodation “I need a set schedule”, mention it early on.
If they don't hire you based on you needing it, you saved time because the job wouldn't have worked out anyways.
If it’s more of a "want", maybe mention it at a performance review after your probation period has passed.
I would even go as far as to talk it out with: a trusted friend, family member, job coach, therapist, etc to gauge how common the accommodation is.
I’m going to tell you a secret that I wished someone told me.
If you aren’t receiving accommodations you want, but are doing a good job, you can always leave BEFORE the job goes sour to a company willing to give you X accommodations.
The point is to figure out your limits and get support, so YOU can maintain employment in the long term.
Accommodating Yourself
So I often see people talk about accommodations but never refer to the self accommodations.
Some things, you HAVE to ask other people for help, for example:
Step by step directions
Timelines based on their schedule
Meltdown support
Etc
But…there ARE accommodations you can do YOURSELF.
Making your own checkpoints between deadlines
Setting alarms
Writing down name/dates/locations
Write a draft meltdown plan
Etc
I have face blindness.
I have a speech impediment.
I have short-term memory issues.
I write people’s full name and even birthdays when I meet them in my phone.
I pre-write notes in my PowerPoints on how to pronounce certain words that I know I will struggle with.
I live with a very detailed calendar.
I won’t lie and say it’s easy because it’s easier said than done.
But taking responsibility on some accommodations will make it more likely YOU will succeed because you will be having at least some of your needs met.
In the Workplace? It’s Only an Accommodation if it’s Written Down
Never assume it’s a guaranteed accommodation unless it’s written down and you have a copy for your records.
People aren’t bad people just because they don’t accommodate you.
So never fall into the trap “They are so nice! They would never take X away.”
Documentation is your friend.
People forget, people get replaced, or they get new priorities.
Always make sure you are looking out for yourself.
Getting accommodations by others does NOT mean you don’t have to “put in the work”.
You still have to document; you still need to advocate for yourself.
Conclusion
Accommodations help us in everyday life and in the workplace.
It’s important to know your needs and how to get them, whether it’s through yourself or others.
Just remember, no one is “less than” for needing help in a different way. Many people accommodate themselves and don’t even realize it.
People just do what they need to do to survive.
Always remember, being autistic/ADHD is just a different way of being human.
Always look out for number one, you deserve it.
So if you are struggling day to day, see if there are ways to accommodate yourself or ways people can support you.
Comments