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George, Where do you want me to start? I just went through that whole mess. I hid my PD for ten years until I had no choice but to divulge. My employer knew something was up anyway, but there was really nothing they could do until I told them. My advice is to go in and tell them you have PD and you request that they make accommodations for you under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It wouldn't hurt to follow up that request with written noticication. If you need info on ADA, there are a lot of good websites you can go to. The EEOC can help you if you feel you are being discriminated against due to your PD. Make sure if you file a claim it is done timely. You only have 180-300 days from the act of discrimination to file. I waited too long and paid the price. Depending on your job and the employer will determine how compassionate they are. Mine was terrible and I now am unemployed collecting disability. Work as long as you can, in any capacity. Sitting at home is not what it's cracked up to be. The ADA has a lot of teeth in it if you follow the procedures. A good lawyer will also help, regardless of your decision. P.S. Keep notes on everything. Meetings, phone calls, conversations, comments, EVERYTHING. Good Luck. If I can be of any help please let me know. Greg 47/35/35 -----Original Message----- From: George Person <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> Date: Tuesday, November 02, 1999 3:03 PM Subject: HELP - Telling Your Boss You Have PD >I just joined the list yesterday, but have an issue that I could use some >help in addressing. It revolves around "telling your boss you have PD." > >I understand that there are some insightful people who participate in this >list. I would hope that I could receive the benefit of this collective >experience. My current problem might sound small to many, but it has been a >real burden to me. > >Background - I have done very well in my career and have been rewarded for >doing a good job. I have a responsible position in a large corporation. I >am too young to retire and I still enjoy my work. However things are not as >easy as they used to be. My hands do not type as fast as before and at times >my voice is not as strong and clear as before. > >I realize that the time is coming when I should tell my boss that I have a >physical problem or be direct and say those words I have avoided at work, >"PD". With the possibly of a reorganization, I wonder what I might be asked >to do in the future. > >I hope that there are those who have experienced this situation and are >willing to share their process and insights regarding how to make it as easy >as possible. > >I wonder what reaction others have received, its impact on their job, how >they were treated, and did they get access to any special tools like voice >recognition software? > >Are there any legal reasons or rights that one can gain by formally >documenting that you have a problem? > >Would you advise formally documenting it in writing to the corporate personal >department or just orally to your boss? > >What are the advantages vs. disadvantages of telling your employer that you >have PD? > >Thanks for any insight. > >George >