I am a retired NY teacher (union) and I never felt singled out at all. I always disclosed RA to the nurse in my medical file. I told other people as time went on because I got worse. I am an advocate for unions, as I felt protected. I would tell someone in charge of your personal file. But I also think you should ask a lawyer about it as well. I feel it's harder for people working in an environment without union protection. A lawyer would be the next best option.

Ellie,
This is going to come off a really negative. I apologize in advance!
Once people “LABEL YOU” I find you can never get back up.
I may fall down because of my chronic disease all the time but I get back up every time!
LABELS
Too much of the time within six minutes of meeting me for the first time.
I will encourage you to not disclose a chronic disease.
Why?
“You poor thing!“
So I’m not human I am a thing?
“There’s something wrong with him“
True - are you going to treat me different because of it?
In my life 10 times out of 10 you will be treated different.
Sorry for being so negative!

Stress or certain foods cause joint pain and other symptoms. Maybe seeing someone to help deal with stress would help. I never did that but should have.

Also I only ate natural foods for about 4 days (was supposed to do for 10) but then I introduced other foods and could tell immediately which ones bothered me the most. MSG and bacon or likely all processed meats and baked potatoes caused symptoms but I was eating those foods daily. When I stopped eating them often, the pain in my joints was far less and I find I can eat them occasionally without a problem.

I feel for you. I try my best to stay positive and I believe the mind is extremely powerful. However, validation is also vital. I find it isn't fair we are so young and have to adjust to a geriatric lifestyle. Have you decided what you are going to do?
I want you to feel validated so here is a little bit about me: I'm the first to attend college in my family of 5 siblings. I've enjoyed working more than the average person. I obtained my Master's degree in 2016 and then became licensed in my field but wasn't able to work in my field for more than 5 months due to the deformity. My boss was understanding but her mother had RA so I was fortunate. A couple co workers who didn't know about my RA thought I was being "lazy or favored," when I arrived late or worked from home during flares.I didn't want to explain myself or the RA to those people bc I didn't feel safe enough. Even though my boss was understanding I couldn't work full-time, and then I was unable to work part-time. I took a year off in 2020 and I've learned a lot about myself and I believe the RA will become more manageable as I balance my stress, food intake, supplements, support; etc. I hope this encourages you! We are here for you!