Challenging the System: How to Manage Workplace Discrimination with Julie Harris

Workplace discrimination against neurodivergent individuals and those with invisible disabilities is a widespread reality, often occurring behind closed doors where HR policies meet individual needs. In this episode, I am joined by Julie Harris, who shares her powerful, lived experience of navigating seizures, workplace discrimination, and the EEOC mediation process.We dive deep into the legal realities of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specifically the often-misunderstood concept of "undue hardship" and the importance of the interactive process. Whether you are currently facing challenges at work or simply want to better understand your rights, this conversation provides the practical knowledge and encouragement you need to advocate for yourself confidently.Key TakeawaysThe Right to the Interactive Process: Employers are legally required to engage in an "interactive process" when you request an accommodation, working together to identify an effective solution.Demystifying "Undue Hardship": The burden of proof for "undue hardship" lies with the employer, not the employee. It has a specific legal definition involving significant difficulty or expense, and for large companies, costs under $500 rarely meet this threshold.The "TurboTax of Employment": Julie introduces her new, web-based tool designed to guide employees through the accommodation request process, generate templates, and flag potential retaliation, making advocacy more accessible.Dismantling Internal Ableism: Julie opens up about the importance of addressing the ableism we often direct at ourselves—judging our need for rest or our changing capacity—and reframing accommodation requests as essential tools for success rather than signs of a deficit.To get a copy of Julie’s book, Boldly Belong: The Power of Being YOU in a Disabling Society, go to https://a.co/d/0j8gvk6vTo reach Julie, email her at [email protected] always, if you enjoyed today’s episode, Invisible Disabilities & Workplace Discrimination: Challenging the System with Julie Harris, then please remember to like, subscribe and share this podcast episode, because the more it is shared, the more people can find Living with FASD and learn more about the many and varied effects of Prenatal Alcohol Effects.If you want to reach Patti to discuss either FASD training or life coaching: https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation . Email Patti at [email protected] get Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD - www.books.by/yourfasdcoach  ResourcesEEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) - https://www.eeoc.gov/Ernest Employee - Advocacy Tool (Upcoming) - https://ernestemployee.comLinkedIn Profile of Julie Harris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-harris/Disability Rights and Law Resources - https://www.ada.gov/