Workplace Accommodations for People with Parkinson's

By law, people with Parkinson’s are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act against discrimination in employment practices.  This law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees, as long as they do not impose an “undue hardship” on the employers’ business.  A “reasonable accommodation” is defined as “any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions.”

Some examples of workplace accommodations that can be helpful for people with Parkinson’s include the provision of adaptive computer equipment, such as an ergonomic work station, voice recognition software or a trackball.  Mobility devices, such as a scooter or cane, or speech amplifiers, might be requested.  Depending on the nature of the job and company, requests for a more flexible work schedule, or reversion to a part-time arrangement, or telecommuting might be options.  Accommodations to help deal with cognitive problems could include arranging for a workspace away from noise or other distractions and such memory aids as schedule planners and written instructions.

A good  source of information about workplace accommodations is the Job Accommodations Network (JAN).  JAN is a free consulting service that is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Its services are “designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by 1) providing individualized worksite accommodations solutions, 2) providing technical assistance regarding the ADA and other disability related legislation, and 3) educating callers about self-employment options.”

Visit the JAN homepage at www.jan.wvu.edu and be sure to check out the section on “Accommodating Parkinson's Disease” at www.jan.wvu.edu/media/PD.html.  The staff at JAN is also available for free consultations by phone at (800) 526-7234.

The above is excerpted from “Working with Parkinson’s Disease” by Linda Herman, from an upcoming issue of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation newsletter.