By James Potts: Complete Post through this link…
JAN regularly fields questions about accommodating employees with disabilities that create communication difficulties, such as the inability to communicate effectively and appropriately with others. The following are examples of the type of issues we hear about and potential avenues to work through them.
Communicating with Authority
Example: A high-level manager has trouble effectively communicating with his boss – the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the company. The manager can perform the essential functions of his job at a high level, but the frequent requirement to be on the phone or video conferencing with his boss negatively impacts his anxiety and makes it more difficult to keep up with his actual work tasks. Everyone is working from home so he cannot communicate in person, and the CEO’s management style while teleworking impacts his anxiety.
Communicating with Customers
Example: An employee with bipolar disorder works as a customer service representative at a call center and has trouble communicating appropriately when customers are demanding. The representative is very knowledgeable about the products her company sells, but she has been getting customer complaints about her tone and professionalism.
Communicating with Coworkers
Example: An employee had difficulty communicating with coworkers while adjusting to new medications for her medical condition. The employee explained that she was having trouble managing her emotions and wanted to be excused from directly interacting with colleagues for the next four weeks.
