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George, Your description of your situation sounds similar to mine. Recognizing that different nuances of the situation, certainly including the people with whom you interact, can dramatically change a situation, it might be helpful if I shared my experience. I am 55 and a vice-president of a small NYSE listed company. I am a long time employee. I was diagnosed with PD four years ago. My relationship with the company chairman and president are such that I really felt I had no choice but to share my situation with them. I did so in one-on-one conversations. I felt I owed it to them to let them know and I felt they would deal fairly with me. The disease has progressed over these four years. As my abilities diminished they adjusted my responsibilities accordingly and the company has provided voice-recognition software, etc. Earlier this year my condition had worsened enoughh that they formally declared me disabled and put me on limited, part-time employment status. Part of our benefits package is Long Term Disability insurance. The company supported my claim for benefits under that policy. They also set me up with a computer at home so I can work from there. Consequently I am now collecting LTD benefits and doing limited work from home and/or in the office as required. They were able to keep me under the company medical and dental plans as a part-time employee. I have never regretted fully informing my employer of my situation with PD. I certainly wish you the best in your decision. Randall Taylor -----Original Message----- From: George Person <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> Date: Tuesday, November 02, 1999 12:52 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