Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello! I would really appreciate input from anyone who might have had some types of phone calls excluded from their job as a reasonable adjustment.
My job was changed without us getting the choice a few months ago. I am really good at my job but we were always told that we didn't need to get on the phone to strangers if we didn't feel comfortable doing so. This was repeated over and over.
Since the job role has changed for the whole department this is now mandatory. I find this type of phone call really triggers the worst symptoms of my autism including panic, anxiety and a lot worse. I sometimes lose the ability to talk and it causes me a lot of distress.
When I brought up I can't make this change due to my autism (which is well known about) I was told that it wasn't related to my autism, it's a personal preference and we all have to do things we don't like.
I would like to have this put in place formally as a reasonable adjustment, but I don't know if this is possible. I continue to be excellent at all other aspects of the job.
Any advice from anyone who has done this before or something similar would be really appreciated. Thanks!
It's crucial to have a conversation with your HR department or a disability accommodations coordinator to discuss your specific needs due to your autism.
Document how these phone calls exacerbate your symptoms and how it impacts your ability to perform otherwise excellently in your role. Request a formal reasonable adjustment, such as exemption from certain types of phone calls or alternative communication methods, supported by medical documentation if possible.
Seek guidance from disability advocacy organizations or legal resources specializing in workplace accommodations if needed.