Hello, I have been trying to find a job for the past n number of months. I have either been discriminated or not considered at all for some positions.
Do you think work place discrimination against “diabetics” is a real concern?
Is there any one who is fighting against this? Are there any forums, lists, etc?
How to cope with such “apparent” doubts? Is it only me? or are there other people who feel the same?
Thanks,
Sai.
In the United States, diabetes is a disability subject to the protections of the Americans with Disabilities. This law makes it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of a disability. Moreover, an employer can not inquire about a disability in the hiring process. Thereafter, a medical emergency form can be requested of employees but not required. Medical information for insurance purposes is subject to privacy laws under the HiPPA. Further, upon the employees request, employers must offer reasonable accommodations for disabilities. So in short, discrimination on the basis of one’s diabetes is prohibited.
Oh yeah, it definitely happens… You can read about my ordeal, and all the advice I got, here. In the end, I moved on and found a different employer. I don’t think I’d want to work for jerks, anyway. https://forum.tudiabetes.org/topics/so-i-started-a-new-job-today
If you are in India, and there are no laws protecting persons with illnesses or disabilities, it might be even more difficult…
do not tell any prospective employers that you are diabetic. it is that simple. until you are hired.
Good point – just because the law says you cannot discriminate, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
Nope. It is not only you. I have been told that I cannot volunteer for several jobs - unpaid work - for the very reason that I might go into a diabetic coma or have a low blood sugar level - even though I would be eminently suitable for the post! I know that I am a brittle Type 1 but test regularly and have never been unconscious either way - except at the beginning.
It is annoying. I cannot work for other health reasons, but I am very capable. I think a lot of it is down to ignorance. If people took the time to allow you to try out for a job and learned the signs and symptoms of say, a high or a low… I wonder if there is a case for disability discrimination here?
My last job I was fired from - because I had a limp (due to scoliosis) and I had not declared depression as a possibility! My parents were going through a messy divorce at the time and my grandfather had just dropped down dead - who would NOT be depressed?
Sorry you are experiencing this. Can you explain in what ways do you feel discriminated against at a job? Even in countries that are monolithic there is still discrimination among ethnic groups as well as physical discrimination. Depending on the type of discrimination there is always a forum where you can express your feelings. Coping with doubt is hard and should try to develop a good support system to help you mentally with this.