Q: went on disability for an injury, and now have to wear a brace and employer will not let me return to work with brace
employer asked me have doctor send over restrictions, employer asked me to modify restrictions to meet their requirements, which I did, and then said I still cant wear my brace that I have to wear.
A:
It sounds like you are facing a challenging situation with your employer regarding your return to work. If you have a documented medical need to wear the brace and your doctor has provided restrictions, your employer is generally required to make reasonable accommodations for you under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They cannot demand that you change your medical restrictions to suit their preferences if it would put your health or safety at risk.
You might want to discuss this issue directly with your HR department or seek clarification in writing about why wearing a brace is not allowed. It's important to ask for specific reasons and whether there are alternative accommodations that could be considered. Make sure you keep records of all communications, including any instructions or changes you were asked to make.
If your employer continues to refuse to accommodate you despite a valid medical need, you may want to consider reaching out to an employment attorney or your local Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) office. They can help you understand your rights and guide you on possible next steps. Protecting your rights and your health is the priority here.
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