Ally Bain

I'm the Ally behind Ally's Law, or the Restroom Access Act, and plan to continue my advocacy in a career involving law and nonprofit.

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

Sorry to hear that, and thank you so much for your advocacy and leadership!

[Amanda E DeVaughn @a_devaughn]

I have Crohns & my intestines ruptured in 08 & I’ve had half my intestines removed. Yesterday I was denied the use of @ChickfilA’s bathroom on Montgomery Hwy in Hoover. I will be leading the charge to get @Allys_Law passed in Alabama. @CrohnsColitisFn

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

Have you or someone you know been denied restroom access? I want to hear your stories and get more media attention to lift up our voices and emphasize the need for greater #restroomaccess. Email me at [email protected]. #AllysLaw #RestroomAccessAct

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

Thank you, @CrohnsColitisFn, @IBDonCampus, @IBDHelpCenter, and everyone else who participated in the #IBDchat. I am fortunate to be part of such an active community of patients, caregivers, and other advocates.

[Crohn's & Colitis Foundation @CrohnsColitisFn]

Special thanks to @Allys_Law, @IBDonCampus, & @IBDHelpCenter for all they do for #IBD patients. #IBDChat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

@CrohnsColitisFn A10: Communicate those hesitations, and the reasons for them, with your loved ones and/or medical team. It might help to name those and then build your request for accommodations based on what makes the most sense for you. #IBDchat

[Tina Aswani-Omprakash, MPH @ownyourcrohns]

A9: By offering us unconditional love and support and by helping us advocate for what we need in school or at work. Also by helping us coordinate our appts, meals and being a shoulder to lean on when we are tired and frustrated with #IBD. #IBDChat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

@CrohnsColitisFn A8: I cope by knowing I never have to cope alone. My support network, the people who are there unconditionally, help take on the weight and the worry, and are also there to celebrate the successes. #IBDchat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

@BarrySchoedel @CrohnsColitisFn @BarrySchoedel, I am very fortunate that my employer sees those as accommodations and understands that these appointments are health-related and therefore critical. #IBDchat

[IBDHelpCenter @IBDHelpCenter]

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also has helpful information about disability discrimination: https://t.co/EFVQI8PoO0 . #IBDchat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

@CrohnsColitisFn A5: The @IBDHelpCenter & @CrohnsColitisFn, as well as your medical team, may also have suggestions and advice for requesting accommodations at work / school. It is good to communicate as early as possible and follow up with school officials or your employer if necessary. #IBDchat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

I agree, @Empoweringpts9. I had a 504 Plan while in school. Since I was young, my mom helped me get that in place by speaking with my teachers and counselors. We were told it is harder to get a 504 Plan once in high school, so it's better to request accommodations early. #IBDchat

[Empowering Patients,LLC • Alison @Empoweringpts9]

@CrohnsColitisFn A4: Implement accommodations before a patient needs them so they’re there as a backup. Just because they’re there, doesn’t need you HAVE to utilize them, but you don’t want to be scrambling when you NEED them. ##IBDChat

[IBDHelpCenter @IBDHelpCenter]

Many IBD patients may request reasonable accommodations during a flare. The Job Accommodation Network has a listing of accommodation ideas that may be helpful to those with a gastrointestinal disorder: https://t.co/CFRQfceE7R . #IBDchat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

A3: Diagnosed at 11 and just starting 6th grade, I did not realize the stigma so often tied to #IBD and shared with most people. #AllysLaw passed when I was in high school, and I wanted to share my story & show my connection to the cause. But, each person gets to decide. #IBDchat

[Crohn's & Colitis Foundation @CrohnsColitisFn]

Q3: It can be difficult to disclose to your peers or co-workers about your experience with #IBD. How have you decided when/who to disclose to in the past? #IBDchat

[IBDHelpCenter @IBDHelpCenter]

Disclosing your IBD diagnosis with peers or co-workers is a personal decision. Everyone is different and you can decide who, what, and when to disclose about your experience with IBD. #IBDchat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

@Minute_answer Thank you, @Minute_answer. I know that people in Canada have advocated for similar legislation, but I am not sure of its status. I am happy to work together to advocate for its enactment if not already in place. #IBDchat

[Ally Bain @Allys_Law]

A2: I have always had a strong support network, including my family, friends, medical team, and the @CrohnsColitisFn community. I had a 504 plan in place throughout school and spoke with my supervisor and HR when I started working. I have found early communication is key.

[Crohn's & Colitis Foundation @CrohnsColitisFn]

Q2: How have you overcome the challenge you have faced at school or work? #IBDchat

[Crohn's & Colitis Foundation @CrohnsColitisFn]

@IBDHelpCenter is the Foundation’s Irwin M. and Suzanne R. Rosenthal #IBD Resource Center based out of our national HQ in #NYC. #IBDchat

[Crohn's & Colitis Foundation @CrohnsColitisFn]

@IBDonCampus is the Foundation’s National Council of College Leaders. #IBDchat

[Crohn's & Colitis Foundation @CrohnsColitisFn]

As an #IBD patient, you are entitled to reasonable accommodations both in school & places of employment. #IBDchat