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Mental Health Impairments
Accommodation Examples
- A rehabilitation counselor for a state agency with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has difficulty completing paper work on time because he is continually checking and rechecking it. He was encouraged by the JAN Consultant to make a checklist for each report and to check off items as they are completed. Then when he feels the urge to recheck the report he can do this quickly by using his checklist. Another accommodation implemented was to allow him time off the telephone each day to complete paperwork and file information.
- An administrative assistant in a social service agency has bipolar disorder. Her duties include typing, word processing, filing and answering the telephone. Her limitations include difficulties with concentration and short-term memory. Her employer provided her with assistance in organizing her work and a dual headset for her telephone that allowed her to listen to music when not talking on the telephone. This accommodation minimized distractions, increased concentration and relaxed the employee. Also, meetings were held with the supervisor once a week to discuss workplace issues. These meetings are recorded so she can remember issues that are discussed and she is able to replay the information to improve her memory.
- A repairperson who has severe depression needed to attend periodic work related seminars. The person had difficulty taking effective notes and paying attention in the meetings. The accommodation implemented was to provide a coworker with a notebook that made a carbon copy of each page written. At the end of the session, they would tear out the second copy of the notes and provide it to the repairperson. Since he was able to give full attention to the meetings, he was able to retain more of the information.
- An office manager who has been treated for stress and depression was unable to meet crucial deadlines. She had difficulty maintaining her concentration and staying focused when trying to complete assignments. She discussed her performance problems with her supervisor and accommodations were implemented that allowed her to organize her time. By scheduling "off" times during the week when she could work without interruptions. She was also provided a flexible schedule that gave her more time for counseling and exercise. The supervisor trained her coworkers on stress management and provided information about the company employee assistance program.
