add in workplace

Ledingham and the University of Arizona

My current experience:

As an adult with ADD in the workplace I have worked hard to compensate for my ADD disability. I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 39, and have received medical treatment, as well as undergone counseling to learn how to compensate for this disability.

In my position at the University of Arizona, I was very successful in managing the computer-based operation of the Biology Learning Center. Since starting with the University three years ago the number of students using the BLC increased from around 750 students to nearly 2500.

On Jan. 4th, 1996, I was surprised to be placed on investigative leave by the University of Arizona. My supervisors, Ken Williams, Richard Hallick and William Grimes claimed I had been using university computers without authorization to provide services for adults and children with Attention Deficit Disorder as well as for Boy Scouts.

The University confiscated the computers from my office containing the alleged "unauthorized" information the for ADD Adults, Boy Scouts and the internet-based world wide web information site I was developing.

At the present, since I do not know the exact nature of, or the extent of the charges which the university will ultimately accuse me of, I cannot provide further information at this time. The situation in which I find my self has much larger consequences for millions of people than simply myself.

If the larger context of day to day life, many individuals provide similar community or not-for-profit services using equipment, time or resources from their workplace. Similar types of services might be:

This situation should be a warning sign to anyone who may think that they are doing something good or charitable, only to find out that it is "not permitted" at their workplace. For those without a learning challenge a similar situation could result in the creation of problems very much like my own.

For millions of adults with learning challenges, staying on focus, controlling impulses, and making good decisions is something they face on a day-to-day basis. The majority of adults are unwilling, due to fear of being dismissed, to openly discuss their disability with the supervisors. As a result of this the majority of ADD adults receive no accommodation or assistance which would help them to be more successful at their jobs.

As a result of this it often becomes increasingly difficult for the ADD adult to deal effectively with stress and work requirements, and so they are at high risk for acting impulsively, without authorization, or in violation of policies that were never fully explained or understood by them.

The sad part of this situation is that ADD employees may often be some of the most creative people in the work force. Tragically their abilities are offend wasted or underused, and all to often abused, resulting in job histories of positions that lasted a year or less, and did little to help them achieve the success of which they are capable.

My situation is still under review, and the outcome is unknown. I welcome your comments, suggestions and personal stories. ledingham@aol.com

For more commentary on the most recent status check our my update as of 12/06/96. . .

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