It used to be that in order to be qualified as disabled in the workplace, and employee would have to have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.” But new rules from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which go into effect May 24, are going to throw a crap load of American workers into the disabled category. In “virtually all cases,” anyone with epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, HIV, and major depressive disorder will now be considered disabled. This is good news, says lesbian Chai Feldblum, the (finally appointed) EEOC commissioner, because disabled people must be accommodated by their employers, either with special facilities or time off. I’m going to wait a beat before accepting any comments about bug chasers now having more reason to seroconvert.
workplace
HIV+ Workers Join Paraplegics In Qualifying As ‘Disabled’ At Work
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SparkyO
What great news! Now I can retire early the next time I get a cold . . . or am feeling a little blue . . . or just don’t feel like going to work. Thanks, ADA!
Jeffree
@Sparkyo: Sure you can, as long as it’s a documented illness related to a level of impairment that causes you to be unable to perform your essential jôb functions (and the for an extended period).
Poor sad trôll doesn’t understand disability….
christopher di spirito
My best friend from college was HIV-positive and unfortunately, he developed full-blown AIDS, contracting PCP pneumonia. He was hospitalized and nearly died.
Yet, despite recovering, he was left with lung damage, memory loss and nerve damage to his legs and feet. Proving he was disabled was a two year ordeal for him, with his first claim to Social Security denied. He finally prevailed and is receiving SSDI.
This ruling will be a huge help to the neediest in this country.
Oprah
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Jeffree
@Oprah: How tacky of you LOL