- Published: 19 October 2015
The terms ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are often used jokingly to excuse someone’s inability to focus. However, ADHD is no joke - it is a pervasive disorder that an estimated 4% of adults manage every day.
Like other disabilities, ADHD can vary in severity from mild to seriously debilitating, and can impact individuals in different ways in virtually every area of life - from social relationships, to self-care, to employment.
Many people don't know that ADHD is covered under both the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that an employer cannot discriminate against someone with ADHD, and must provide reasonable accommodations in the workplace. A diagnosis of ADHD is not enough to qualify for protection under the ADHD, however. To qualify for coverage, the disorder must significantly impact an individual's ability to perform major life activities or functions and the individual must be regarded as having a disability and have a record of having been viewed as disabled.
For further understanding of ADHD, protection under the law, and accommodations, refer to the sources b below:
- What You Need to Know About the Americans with Disabilities Act - http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/674.html
- Can an Adult With Attention Deficit Disorder Get Social Security Disability? - http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page1-9.html
- ADD in the Workplace, by Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D.
- Work-site accommodations to consider (from the Job Accommodation Network, West Virginia University)
