Poll Reasonable Accommodation: Hypervigilence

[BloomInWinter]

US federal ADA guidelines allow for 'reasonable accommodation' for those w/PTSD.

So....what is a reasonable request to accommodate vigilance/startle at work? At our place of therapy? In public places?

Is is reasonable to request the room in which you receive your therapy be free of...

....heavy closing doors?
....sounds of people talking in regular voices outside the room?
....ambient traffic sounds?
....Muzak?
....construction sounds?
...repetitious sounds, such as phones, bathrooms, etc.?

What do you think is reasonable?

Please share your wisdom & ideas. Maybe if more of us asked for this, our environments would ultimately be less traumatizing for others, too.

 

[revelry]

Intersesting post. You might be on to something to something here..... and as I'm new here (well new enough) something i will really keep in mind for my SO.

 

[Deaf Global Nomad]

This is a very interesting question... Having multiple disabilities, I deal with the ADA and "supposed" accommodations on a regular basis (both in theory and in practice). Most accommodations are generally run-of-the-mill accommodations and not tailored to the needs of individuals. I suspect each individual would have unique needs depending on the person's unique symptoms. What kinds of accommodations or general "things" have you found helpful?

 

[BloomInWinter]

General Doc for accommodation of anxiety...a beginning, anyway.

http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/psych.html

 

[BloomInWinter]

Prohibited Practices by employers...

http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/practices/index.cfm

 

[Srain]

Yes, I do, in hotels, I did at work, I'm intimately familiar with the ADA due to Migraines and since PTSD. My tdoc's office set so I sit in an area facing the door, things are limited in the room, free of sounds, smells, and there is room but not cavernous.

I go to a hotel I request a room ground floor if possible and take my dog (registered service animal). I prefer using a side entrance to avoid being a distraction.

 

[SpokaneSunshine]

The office of my therapist is lovely, and so is she. My chair faces the door, it's decorated nicely--a little touch of home without being over the top, and it smells nice.

I am very grateful for my employers and their accomodations during this period (I am newly diagnosed, and although I walked around in silent pain for many months, it was apparent to them that something was very wrong).

My office is located in the very back of the building. People walk back there to take their smoke breaks, but other than that I have lots of privacy to have "my moments" without freaking anybody out. My office is already fairly ideal, desk faces door, etc. but I think I will try to decorate a bit to make it more comfortable (I'm not much of a decorator).

My work involves working with individuals in very vulnerable states, and that was very stressful to me at this point in time. So they've agreed to reduce my caseload and allow me to do piecework, which is more behind the scenes and allows me to minimalize contact with clients.

For my part, I make extra effort to communicate with my co-workers (hey how's it going) and check in with the bosses just to let them know I'm still kicking. They seem to appreciate it, and it doesn't cost me much, especially when considering the long-term goal of keeping my career intact!!!

 

[a3a2]

Good thread. In the summer, I always ask that the t closes the window. I can't stand the noise. Today she did it without even being asked. Once, someone slipped a paper under her door during therapy. I think my reaction was the nail in the diagnosis.

Though I have four children, my house is often quiet. I always tell people it is because my husband suffers migraines, but in reality it is me who cannot stand the noise. Now my children don't like it either. If a toy is too noisy, we cover the speaker with a few layers of packing tape or pitch it. If my kids and their friends are being noisy, I usually tell them I can tolerate five minutes of the noise and then it will have to be moved outside.

 

[thinlizzy4010]

I find too many noises at once freaks my brain out too! and i have four children also, so its not always easy to get peace and quiet. I am adverse to asking for help with our kids etc.. so it so not very often that we have a quiet empty home.
I Have only linked this hate of noise to my ptsd, in the last month!!

 

[jo may]

I was offered a room at the local psych ward but I turned it down. Now I'm thinking I did the wrong thing as I hate noise and sometimes my husband will be killing a fly and without warning bang. I jump and it really does scare me. A nd my children as much as I love them and I do they are my life, I can't cope with their noise.