I have PPMS and have no use of my right side of my body, and limited left side use. If it wasn't for the Bioness, I'd be confined to a wheelchair. However, even with the Bioness, I can't walk far distances and need to be wheeled around if going anywhere.
My question/dilemma is this: I love my boss. He is the most understanding boss when it comes to this disease. I am still working 40 hours a week, some at the office and some at home. However, his boss, the CFO, is not as understanding, as she requires me to participate in events that are not possible for me.
Two months ago, I was required to attend a ropes course day. I had asked if it would be ok for me to work at the office instead, but she made me go. Because I was unable to do anything, I sat by myself for 4 hours in the building, while everyone else was off doing the activities. While leaving to go back to the office, I was dragging my feet while my boss helped me to the car. Now, I get an e-mail today saying we are to help at an event at a mall on a week night, after working all day, from either 4:30 to 6:30 or 6:30 to 8:30. We are required to help set up, tear down and help with food.
I e-mailed my boss saying I could not participate in this event, as I would require being dependent on someone and would need to be wheeled around, even to the bathroom. Because I'm not able to push a wheelchair, I have a transport wheelchair, I would be stuck in one spot for hours. Not only that, but living in Florida, and it still being very warm at night, the temperature will be hard for me to endure.
And, as my fellow MSers know, getting up at 6 and home at 9pm will be too taxing on me. I'm afraid to lose my job by not attending, as it is required, but I know, physically, it's not impossible, but will be extremely difficult. Just getting there, 45 min drive, and having someone come wheel me to the area, will be exhausting for me.
I am definitely not trying to use my disabilities as an excuse to excuse myself, but I know my limits. What are your thoughts? Wouldn't that look bad on the company if they fired me, knowing I can't contribute due to my mobility issues? It seems they are making me go only because of spite. Sitting alone for 4 hours on the ropes day was hard. I didn't see the point in me going since I wasn't involved at all with the group.
** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **
My question/dilemma is this: I love my boss. He is the most understanding boss when it comes to this disease. I am still working 40 hours a week, some at the office and some at home. However, his boss, the CFO, is not as understanding, as she requires me to participate in events that are not possible for me.
Two months ago, I was required to attend a ropes course day. I had asked if it would be ok for me to work at the office instead, but she made me go. Because I was unable to do anything, I sat by myself for 4 hours in the building, while everyone else was off doing the activities. While leaving to go back to the office, I was dragging my feet while my boss helped me to the car. Now, I get an e-mail today saying we are to help at an event at a mall on a week night, after working all day, from either 4:30 to 6:30 or 6:30 to 8:30. We are required to help set up, tear down and help with food.
I e-mailed my boss saying I could not participate in this event, as I would require being dependent on someone and would need to be wheeled around, even to the bathroom. Because I'm not able to push a wheelchair, I have a transport wheelchair, I would be stuck in one spot for hours. Not only that, but living in Florida, and it still being very warm at night, the temperature will be hard for me to endure.
And, as my fellow MSers know, getting up at 6 and home at 9pm will be too taxing on me. I'm afraid to lose my job by not attending, as it is required, but I know, physically, it's not impossible, but will be extremely difficult. Just getting there, 45 min drive, and having someone come wheel me to the area, will be exhausting for me.
I am definitely not trying to use my disabilities as an excuse to excuse myself, but I know my limits. What are your thoughts? Wouldn't that look bad on the company if they fired me, knowing I can't contribute due to my mobility issues? It seems they are making me go only because of spite. Sitting alone for 4 hours on the ropes day was hard. I didn't see the point in me going since I wasn't involved at all with the group.
** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **
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