Employer Accomodations / Handicap Parking

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I was diagnosed 16 years ago and have not really been affected by the

CMT until the past 3 years or so. I don't wear AFOs or use anything

to help me walk except shoes with good arch support and strong heel

box.

My employer (City of OKC) provides parking in a parking garage that

is about a block from the building I work in. Handicap parking

spaces near my building have a 2 hour time limit. Several handicap

employees were using placards to park at parking meters across the

street. Towards the end of May, we were told that parking there all

day was a violation of City ordinance - we could only park there up

to the time limit on the meter.

So, the fun began. I talked to my dept director about parking and

was told to submit a request in writing. I submitted the request -

as did about 39 other individuals that work in the 3 downtown office

buildings. It was denied. I was told to file a grievance, which I

did. Along with this, there was a draft form to use for requesting

accomodations. The draft had a paragraph stating that I agreed to be

seen by a doctor of their choice, that I authorized my doctor to

release med info, etc. So I refused to fill out and sign the form.

My dept director responded - took 10 days when the policy states he

has to respond in 5 days. His response was another denial. I

appealed - put the appeal in inter office mail on day 5. It was

turned down because the personel office didn't receive it within 5

days. When I brought up the dept director not responding on time, I

was told I should have escalated it when he didn't respond on time -

which is no where in the policy. I was told if I refile the

grievance, it will be denied because they've already responded.

Somewhere in all of this, they came out with different form to use

for ADA grievance issues, but the memo attached to it only addressed

ADA Title 2 issues & this is Title 1. Now they are telling me that I

have to complete this form and file an ADA grievance.

I'm so sick of messing with these people!!!!!!! At this point, do I

continue to try to work things out using the City's process or do I

file charges through the EEOC?? Would appreciate your opinions on

this....

I don't look disabled. I don't act disabled - at least not in a way

that is noticable to others. My division lead started doing stand up

meetings. I talked to my direct supervisor cause I no way can I

stand through a 30 minute meeting and pointed out that he never sees

me free standing in the hallway - leaning against the wall, yes;

holding onto a door jamb, yes; but never free standing. I

compensate a lot so it isn't as noticable.

I get the impression that they don't believe that I'm disabled. In

all honesty, some days I can walk from the parking garage without it

being too bad. Other days, I have to deal with major pain & fatigue

if I try it. Sometimes I question whether I really need to park

closer, am second guessing myself.

Sorry for the novel here. I'd appreciate any advice on how to handle

this.

Thanks,

Tonya