Can inability to write fast be considered a disability?

Question

When applying for a job, persons with disability can be given special considerations. I am not physically disabled; however, I just write really slow. If I write fast, other people won't be able to ready my handwriting. For this reason, I would like to request companies I am working with to allow me to use the computer (or an electric/manual typewriter to fill up forms. They contend that if a form is filled up by computer or by typewriter, the documents can be deemed to be falsified. The nature of my work/business require me to see patients and fill up reports. There is a lot of paperwork. I am using a lot of my time writing. And when I write for a long time, my back, neck, and right hand hurt. When a company refuses to allow me to use a computer/typewriter to document a report, can that be considered a denial of special consideration to an employee with a disability? Since I am paid on a per patient basis, I am not able to see more patients. Too much time on reports.

Answer 1

I don't know if this helps, but I had a doctor in Massachusetts who would fill out information on his computer for prescriptions. It was a special program, or possibly an online service. He could fill out the information on his computer, and the prescription would be ready and waiting when I got to the drug store. Anyway, there must be a way they could confirm that you have written the work you submit. It is probably a matter of cost. Proving you have a disability requiring special consideration will be the real trick.

Answer 2

Not likely.

I'm a bit stunned that they won't let you fill out automated forms though. The hospitals in my area (a small mid-west town) switched over to automated forms several years ago due to errors caused by illegible writing. As you're in the medical field, you already know how atrocious doctors' handwriting is.

Tell them it's a matter of patient safety and that you'll be using a computer or PDA with a keyboard whether they like it or not. You can always print a hard copy and sign it to prove that it was not altered.

Answer 3

Can the inability to walk slow be considered a disability?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Answer 4

if you print it out, and sign it on the bottom, then you are attesting you wrote it. what do you think Doctor do? someone transcribes reports for them and they sign it. you type your name on the bottom, then you sign it. typing is better in a way. there is no questions about a illegible mark you wrote in the chart