Legal Question in Disability Law in Florida

Re: What do I do to qualify for ADA?

There are two separate issues here - getting a dog and holding a job. I am not familiar with psychiatric assistance dogs, but if there is a group that provides them, then simply call and find out what you need to do to qualify. I imagine they will need a doctor's report from your doctor and other medical documentation.

As for a job, you are only entitled to accommodation under the ADA if you are a qualified indivdual with a disability - meaning you are substantially limited in a major life activity such as walking, talking, seeing, hearing, thinking or even working in a broad range of jobs, and, if so, can do a job with or without reasonable accommodation. For example, if you would need to bring your dog to work and could then work, that would be a reasonable accommodation unless the dog would be disruptive or unsafe for some reason.

When you apply for work you can "self-identify" - tell them you need an accommodation, the reason you need it (you don't have to give a diagnosis, just the problem, although panic attacks are both), and what you suggest as an accommodation (for example, bringing the dog, or being allowed to take breaks when attacks begin).

These are very complicated issues, there are no short answers, and each case has to be viewed on its own merits as it unfolds.

First and foremost, I advise counseling or some other way to get your condition under control. I know many people who have conquered panic attacks through medication (such as Xanax, Prozac, etc.), and counseling. So you should consider psychological and psychiatric help if you have not already.

Good luck!

Jeff Sheldon

The Sheldon Law Firm

Caveat: This is general advice only and should not be relied upon as legal advice because all facts and circumstances are not known to the author.