I have functional neurological disorder, also known as FND. FND affects everyone differently, but for me it includes brain fog, fatigue, bladder issues, sensory symptoms (aka parasthesia) and problems with temperature regulation – I often feel too hot in general while also having cold hands and feet. I saw a LOT of different specialists before being referred to the neurologist who diagnosed me.
These things can affect me at work. So I sometimes need support that others don’t, or need to ask for things to be changed – otherwise known as requesting reasonable adjustments.
Reasonable adjustments are about making things fair
Asking for reasonable adjustments doesn’t mean you’re asking for favouritism or are less able to do your job. Like the rest of the world, many aspects of the working world were set up without any consideration for people with health problems and chronic illnesses.
So you might need to ask for some things to be done differently, if they’re making your life harder or stopping you from being able to do things. That’s not asking for special treatment. Just removing some of the extra barriers in your way. Anyone else can ask for the same things if they also need them.
Guaranteed interviews
I’m currently looking for a new job. Some employers offer a guaranteed interview if you’re disabled and your application shows you meet the essential criteria for the job, as part of the Disability Confident scheme. This is so they don’t miss out on recruiting talented people!
Employers who offer this will ask if you want to be considered under the scheme. When I searched about this online, I found a lot of people were reluctant to say yes despite being eligible. So I want to clear up some misconceptions.
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- You’re still getting an interview on merit. They’re not interviewing you just because you applied under the scheme – it also means you’re a viable candidate. Some people say “I didn’t tick the box because I didn’t want that to be the only reason I got an interview.” But it won’t ever be the only reason.
- You’re not getting an unfair advantage by being guaranteed an interview. This is just one way to counteract all the barriers and disadvantages you have to deal with, and make things less unfair for you.
Changes to job interviews
However they’re conducted, job interviews are unusual situations. There may be things about them that disadvantage you, often without any bearing on your ability to do the job. (Unless your job involves answering questions while people write hidden scores down.)
Right now, I’m applying for jobs knowing the interviews will be virtual. I’ve been asking for these adjustments, explaining that it’s due to a neurological condition:
- At least three days’ notice, so I can plan ahead and save my energy.
- To be able to see the questions in writing during the interview as I sometimes forget what people have just said, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Information about anything else that’s involved, like doing a task, as early as possible so I can let them know about any adjustments needed for that.
I’ve had one virtual interview so far. It was much better for me than having to physically go anywhere, as I could save all my energy for the actual interview.
It was also my first time ever asking for these adjustments. I was worried about how they’d react and whether I’d get what I needed, and almost talked myself out of asking at all.
In fact, the employer contacted me beforehand to say they’d been thinking about how else they could help and had some further suggestions. They offered:
- To send me the questions an hour before, so I could take in what they said.
- To type any follow-up questions in the chat window.
- To type anything else for me if I asked.
Not all employers will be this helpful but I felt really glad I had asked. I don’t know if I got the job but, whatever the outcome, this employer has really helped me feel confident about asking for what I need.
What helps me at work
FND affects my everyday working life, and I’ve gradually learned what support I need from my employer. Absolutely none of these things actually affect my ability to do my job!
What we’ve agreed:
- If I’m off sick, I can tell them in an email rather than having to phone. Making phone calls is really difficult if I’m unwell and exhausted, and might stop me being able to rest.
- I need to get important instructions in writing, not just verbally in meetings. Which is just good practice anyway really.
- It’s ok if I need to have my camera off during virtual meetings.
- I always need to be able to sit down, so no meetings where everyone stands up and no ‘walking meetings’ (this is less relevant right now).
Unfortunately employers do vary in terms of how supportive they are and how willing they are to make changes. But always remember that reasonable adjustments aren’t about favouritism or unfair treatment – they’re about making things less unfair than they already are.
This post is anonymous at the author’s request. We publish it with thanks.
Useful links & resources:
Reasonable adjustments at interviews: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/ask-for-adjustments-at-interview/
Disability Confident Scheme: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
About FND:
