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About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain. As ALS progresses, the motor neurons that span from the brain to the spinal cord to the muscles are destroyed, leading to loss of muscle control. This can lead to involuntary muscle movements as well as the inability to speak, swallow, and breathe. Two types of ALS are known: Familial (which is inherited) and Sporadic. Sporadic is the most common, comprising almost 95% of ALS cases. Around 20,000 people in the US have ALS and most are diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 70.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA has a general definition of disability that each person must meet. A person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment. For more information about how to determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, see How to Determine Whether a Person Has a Disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Accommodating Employees with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease
People with limitations from ALS may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people with ALS will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.
Questions to Consider:
- What limitations is the employee experiencing?
- How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance?
- What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?
- What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?
- Has the employee been consulted regarding possible accommodations?
- Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional accommodations are needed?
- Do supervisory personnel and employees need training?
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Decreased Stamina/Fatigue
- Accessories for Scooters
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- All-Terrain Scooters
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Elevating Wheelchairs
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Flexible Schedule
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Job Restructuring
- Low Task Chair
- Mechanic's Seats and Creepers
- Multi-Purpose Carts
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Scooters
- Stand-lean Stools
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Walkers
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Overall Body Coordination
- Canes
- Convex Mirrors
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Long-Handled Mirrors
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Rollators and Rolling Walkers
- Scooters
- Telescoping Cameras
- Walkers
- Walkers with Seats
Overall Body Weakness/Strength
- Independent Living
- Mobility Aids
- Office Equipment
- Other
Spasm/Tic/Tremor/Blinking
- Access Information
- Gripping and Grasping
- Lifting
- Other
- Phone
Stress Intolerance
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
By Work Related Function
Access Information
- Accessible Mobile Phones
- Accessible Telephones
- Adjustable Desk Top Workstations for Office Settings
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Alternative Input Devices
- Alternative Keyboards
- Alternative Mice
- Alternative Mice - Limiting Tremors
- Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices
- Eye Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices
- Head Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices
- Keyguards
- Large Button Phones
- On-Screen Keyboards
- One-Handed Keyboards
- Prism Glasses/Bed Spectacles
- Screen Reading Software and Training
Communicate
-
In-Person/Remote
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Assistive Listening Devices (personal)
- Assistive Listening Devices and Sound Field System
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device
- Bone Conduction Technology
- CART Services - Remote
- CART Services
- Interpreter
- Neckloops
- On-site Mentoring
- Verbal Responses
- Video Remote Interpreting Services (VRI)
- Other
-
Phone
- Accessible Telephones
- Bluetooth Products
- Braille Telephones
- Braille TTY
- Captioned Telephone Calls
- Cellular Telephone Technology: Deaf & Hard of Hearing
- Hands-free Telephones
- Headsets - Computer (USB, VOIP etc.)
- Headsets - Hearing Aid Compatible, Amplification
- Outgoing Voice Amplification - Telephone
- Hearing Carry Over (HCO) TTYs
- Telecoil Compatible Headsets
- Talking Telephones
- Telephone Amplification
- TTYs (Text Telephones)
- Voice Amplification
- Voice-Carry-Over (VCO) Telephones
- Video Relay Services (VRS)
Commute
- Flexible Schedule
- Ridesharing/Carpooling
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transportation Assistance
- Van Conversion
- Walkers
Manipulate Items
- Adjustable Drafting Tables
- Adjustable Massage Tables
- Aerial Lifts
- Anti-vibration Gloves
- Anti-vibration Tool Wraps
- Auto-dialers
- Automated Filing Systems
- Automatic Door Openers
- Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment
- Compact Mobile Cranes
- Deburring Tools
- Electric Scissors
- Electric Stapler
- Electronic Organizers
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Folding Steps
- Graphics Design Software
- Grip Aids
- Hair Scissors
- Height Adjustable Table Legs
- Large-Rated Small Step Ladders
- Light Switch Extension Handles
- Mechanic's Seats and Creepers
- Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment
- Pipettes
- Professional Organizers
- Rolling Safety Ladders
- Sewing Aids for Individuals with Vision Impairment
- Stair Assists
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
- Talking Money Identifier
- Test Tube Holders
- Tool Balancers
- Vacuum Lifts
- Vacuum Pickup Tools
- Wheelchair Trays
Move Items/People
- Adjustable Exam Tables
- Aerial Lifts
- Animal Lift Tables
- Ball Transfer Tables
- Battery Powered Lift Tables
- Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment
- Carts
- Compact Material Handling
- Compact Mobile Cranes
- Engine Lifts and Lift Plates
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Grab Bars - Toilet Hinged Arm Support
- Hair Scissors
- Large-Rated Small Step Ladders
- Lifting Aids
- Light Switch Extension Handles
- Manhole Cover Lifts
- Multi-Purpose Carts
- Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment
- Pipettes
- Pool Lifts
- Proper Lifting Techniques
- Rolling Safety Ladders
- Spring-Loaded Carts
- Stainless Steel Carts and Worktables
- Swing Away Grab Bars
- Tire Handling
- Transfer Aids
- Transfer Sheets
- Trashcans
- Vacuum Lifts
- Vacuum Pickup Tools
- Walk-up Changing Tables
Off Site Access
- Accessible Vehicles
- Accessories for Scooters
- All-Terrain Scooters
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Flexible Schedule
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Low Task Chair
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Scooters
- Stair Assists
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transportation Assistance
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
Operate Equipment/Vehicles
- Accessible Software for Webbing
- Adjustable Drafting Tables
- Adjustable Massage Tables
- Anti-vibration Gloves
- Anti-vibration Seats
- Anti-vibration Tool Wraps
- Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices
- Convex Mirrors
- Deburring Tools
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Gear Shift Adapter/Extension
- Hand Controls
- Height Adjustable Table Legs
- Joystick Driving Systems
- Long-Handled Mirrors
- Mechanic's Seats and Creepers
- Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment
- Seat Belts & Seat Belt Extenders
- Swivel Seats and Seat Extenders
- Talking Cash Register
- Talking Coin Counter/Sorter
- Talking Credit Card Terminal
- Telephone Flasher
- Telescoping Cameras
- Van Conversion
- Vehicle Rear Vision System
- Wheelchair Lifts
Parking
Policies
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Physical/Social Distancing Signage
- Policy Modification
- Reassignment
- Service Animal
- Sleep Alerting Devices
- Strobe Lights
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Touchless Faucets
Stress
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Coaches
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Monitor Mirrors
- Odor Control
- On-site Mentoring
- Service Animal
- Simulated Skylights and Windows
- Strobe Lights
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Uninterrupted Work Time
Work Site Access
- Accessible Toilets and Toilet Seats
- Accessories for Scooters
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings
- All-Terrain Scooters
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Automatic Door Openers
- Boat Access
- Braille and/or ADA Signage
- Door Knob Grips and Handles
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Flexible Schedule
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- High Visibility Floor Tape and Paint
- Low Task Chair
- Portable Ramps
- Ramps
- Scooters
- Service Animal
- Smart Locks/Keyless Entry Locks
- Stair Assists
- Stair Tread/Textured Tape
- Support Animal
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Van Conversion
- Walkers
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Lifts
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Work Station Access
- Accessories for Scooters
- Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment
- Adjustable Desk Top Workstations for Office Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- All-Terrain Scooters
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Articulating Keyboard Trays
- Assist Lift Cushions
- Chair Mats
- Chairs for Little People
- Chairs for People who are Tall
- Dual Monitors
- Elevating Lift and Office Chairs
- Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Expanded Keyboards
- Forearm Supports
- Forward Leaning Chairs
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Large-Rated Chairs
- Low Task Chair
- Monitor Mirrors
- Monitor Risers
- Mousing Surfaces
- Stair Assists
- Stand-lean Stools
- Supine Workstations
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
- Work Platforms
- Zero Gravity (reclining) Chairs
Situations and Solutions:

A customer service representative for a financial institution had ALS and his symptoms were being exacerbated by stress.
The noisy work environment and commute to work brought on additional stress to the employee. After calling JAN and better understanding its obligation to accommodate, the employer permitted this employee to work at home. The employee was able to continue working without exacerbating his condition.

A clerk at a local government was experiencing weakening speech due to Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Her job required her to communicate to coworkers and the public. Following a JAN consultation, the employer ended up providing the employee with a portable text communication device along with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device which enabled her to communicate effectively in the workplace.

A university had offered a nursing instructor position to an applicant with ALS who used a wheelchair.
The university called JAN to better understand what modifications they needed to make to the physical work-site and learn what products could be used for the new hire. JAN suggested automatic door openers, a height adjustable table to teach from, and explained parking as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.

An office worker in a hospital was experiencing muscle weakness in his neck and arms due to ALS
His employer called JAN looking for product ideas, specifically information on ergonomic chairs with a high back, neck rest, and arm rests. JAN was able to e-mail a vendor list for equipment so the employer could make an informed decision.

An insurance underwriter with ALS had general body weakness, he was no longer able to work in the standard office workstation.
The employer purchased a supine workstation which enabled the employee to continue to do his job from the reclined position. This permitted the employer to retain a qualified employee and helped maintain productivity.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease
Publications
Accommodation and Compliance Series
Consultants' Corner Articles
Articles
- No Articles available for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease
Blog Posts
- No Blog Posts available for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease
Events Regarding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Remote Monthly Series Training
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DEAM - A Disability Inclusion Intervention: What DE Members Need to Know to Move the Inclusion Needle ForwardApril 26, 2018
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DMEC - ADA Basics: Competence Builds ConfidenceApril 30, 2018
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DMEC - Who Wants to Be an ADA Guru?May 1, 2018
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ADA Symposium - Unpacking the Reasonable Accommodation Conversation: Achieving Win/Win OutcomesJune 20, 2018
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Principal Consultant — ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
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DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceApril 30, 2018
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DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceMay 1, 2018
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DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceMay 1, 2018
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APSE Employment First, Employment for All National ConferenceJune 26, 2018
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APSE Employment First, Employment for All National ConferenceJune 27, 2018
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
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JAN - Fostering Deaf Success: Attracting, Engaging and Retaining Deaf and Hard of Hearing EmployeesMarch 13, 2018
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JAN - Ask the JAN Psychiatric TeamMay 15, 2018
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JAN - The USBLN’s Going for Gold (GFG) Program: Lessons Learned for Increasing Hiring of People with DisabilitiesJune 12, 2018
-
ADA UpdateJuly 17, 2018
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Ask the Cognitive TeamAugust 21, 2018
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Co-Director
- Kylie Baker and Robert Siebert of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) Neighborhood
Presentations
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Sarah Small , Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Transcripts
Presentations
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
- Leslie Wilson, M.S., US Business Leadership Network’s Vice President, Workplace Initiatives
- Deb Dagit, Deb Dagit Diversity LLC
Transcripts
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
- Jeanne Goldberg, Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Transcripts
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Sarah Small , Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Other Information Regarding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease
External Links
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- ALS Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies
- Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- MedlinePlus
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Jewish Health