The Center for Patient Partnerships
Self-Advocacy Tools
Employment Issues
If you, a family member, or friend has a life-threatening or serious chronic illness, you may also be dealing with the additional burdens associated with Employment. The following resources may help.
Securing medical leave
- Your Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993: Summary of the Act - Who are covered employees and employers? What notice is required? What must an employer do and not do? What remedies are available? How and when to file an action.
- FMLA Complaint Form: Complaint and process form. Available from State of Wisconsin Department of Work Force Development, Equal Rights Division, 201 E. Washington Ave., Room 300A, PO Box 8928, Madison, WI 53708, 608-266-6860.
- FMLA Handout: Summary of the Act - Who are covered employees and employers? What notice is required? What must an employer do and not do? What remedies are available? How and when to file an action.
Understanding or Securing Health Care Benefits through an Employer
- Top Ten Ways to Make Your Health Benefits Work for You: This brochure produced by the U.S. Department of Labor provides key tips when considering benefits and when life changes occurs (e.g. family status changes, new jobs, retirement)
See also Selecting and Understanding Medical Insurance Coverage
Accomodations while in treatment
- Americans with Disabilities Act : An overview of Title I, II and III of the Act - Includes the Act's definition of disability, employer and employee, outlines employer compliance requirements, covered employment practices, exceptions and the process of filing a complaint.
- Wisconsin Lawyer - The Scope of Disability Law in Wisconsin: A summary of two Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions considered major court victories for disabled workers - the authors conclude that an employee's inability to perform key job-related responsibilities is not sufficient justification under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act to deny a requested accommodation.
- U.S. Department of Labor - Equal Opportunity Employment - Disability : Overview of federal laws and regulations protecting individuals with disabilities - Rehabilitation Act of 1973, American with Disabilities act, Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistant Act and Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
Maintaining employment during illness
- On the Job with Cancer - From the Mayo Clinic. Managing common workplace challenges as you return to work after cancer treatment or continue to work after your cancer diagnosis
- Your Employment Rights As A Cancer Survivor : How employment discrimination laws protect cancer survivors; How to avoid discrimination and How to enforce your legal rights.
- Working it Out: Your Employment Rights as a Cancer Survivor, Barbara Hoffman, JD: Tips on how to lessen the chance of facing discrimination because of cancer history when seeking employment.
Evaluating career options and opportunities
- Tips and Resources for Changing Jobs After Cancer: Tips and resources on what you should know and say when looking for a new job.
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