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About Cataplexy
Cataplexy is the sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone or temporary paralysis that is often triggered by extreme emotion, such as laughter or fear. Cataplexy by itself is considered a rare disease. Most episodes are short in duration, lasting a few seconds up to five minutes. These episodes tend to have few, if any, residual effects. Some people with narcolepsy can have cataplectic attacks almost daily, while there are some people with narcolepsy that have never experienced cataplexy.
During a cataplectic attack the person will remain conscious; however, the person may experience jaw dropping, which can cause speech limitations, or eyelids drooping, which can interfere with vision. Other symptoms may include balance issues, upper extremity weakness, and/or collapsing.
While a cataplectic attack is usually very short in duration and leaves no residual effects, there may be symptoms that would require workplace accommodations. Some of the most common limitations stemming from a cataplectic attack are weakened speech, vision issues, trouble balancing, upper extremity weakness, and/or collapsing.
Cataplexy and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a definitive list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities," (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such 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 Cataplexy
People with cataplexy 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 cataplexy 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?
- 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
Balancing
- Living Independently
- Moving Around
- Working at Heights
- Working Safely
Handling/Fingering
- Industrial
-
Office Equipment
- Alternative Input Devices
- Alternative Keyboards
- Alternative Mice
- Articulating Keyboard Trays
- Book Holders
- Compact Material Handling
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Expanded Keyboards
- Forearm Support
- Grip Aids
- Keyguards
- Miniature Keyboards
- On-Screen Keyboards
- One-Handed Keyboards
- Page Turners
- Speech Recognition Software
- Scribe/Notetaker
- Typing / Keyboarding Aids
- Writing Aids
- Other
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
Walking
Weak Speech
By Work Related Function
Parking
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
- Articulating Keyboard Trays
- Assist Lift Cushions
- Chair Mats
- Chairs for Little People
- Chairs for People who are Tall
- Elevating Lift and Office Chairs
- Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Expanded Keyboards
- Forearm Support
- Forward Leaning Chairs
- Large-Rated Chairs
- Mousing Surfaces
- Stand-lean Stools
- Supine Workstations
- Zero Gravity (reclining) Chairs
Situations and Solutions:
The following situations and solutions are real-life examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every workplace but give you an idea about the types of accommodations that are possible.

An applicant disclosed that she has cataplexy and mentioned concerns with the on-the-job travel duties required for the position.
Occasional travel via rental car is listed as a function of the job to attend conferences. The employer agrees to arrange for transportation via bus instead of rental car if the applicant is selected for the position.

A paralegal would have weakness and numbness in her dominant hand immediately following a cataplectic attack.
To continue her case documentation, she was accommodated with a one-handed keyboard and speech recognition software.

A newspaper editor would temporarily have impaired speech shortly after a cataplectic attack.
To maintain constant communication with her colleagues, she was accommodated with an instant messaging program on her computer.

An accountant was experiencing stress due to an increased workload, resulting in more frequent cataplectic attacks.
To accommodate him, his employer restructured his position to only include the essential functions. The employer also referred him to the company Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help manage his stress.

A secretary with cataplexy would experience an attack after a fit of laughter, causing her to fall out of her chair.
She was accommodated with an office chair with arm rests and a lap belt so she would not fall to the floor.

A warehouse worker would collapse during a cataplectic attack.
To ensure workplace safety, his work area was covered with rubber matting to cushion his fall and he was provided a harness for times he had to climb up a ladder.

An employee diagnosed with cataplexy raised concerns about the large amount of walking needed to get to the printer from her workstation.
The employer moves the employee’s workstation to be closer to the location of the printer.

An applicant disclosed that she has cataplexy.
The employer is concerned with how to handle a situation should the applicant lose consciousness at work. The applicant and the employer sit down and create a plan of action so that if the applicant is chosen for the position, supervisors will know how to respond in the event this occurs.

A supervisor has noticed that occasionally an employee with cataplexy will slump over at his desk and fears that the employee will injure himself by falling out of the office chair.
The employee and supervisor agree that an office chair without wheels and larger armrests would reduce this possibility considerably. The employer decides to provide the employee a new chair as an accommodation.

An employee diagnosed with cataplexy reported that speaking with his supervisor can sometimes lead to his condition flaring up due to high levels of stress.
As an accommodation, the employer decides that the supervisor will correspond with the employee via e-mail rather than in person as much as possible.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Cataplexy
Publications
Consultants' Corner Articles
Articles
Blog Posts
- No Blog Posts available for Cataplexy
Events Regarding Cataplexy
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Remote Monthly Series Training
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Anna Saab (she/her) , Employment Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
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Low-Key AT: Less-Obvious Options for Entry-Level WorkersMarch 16, 2022
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Accessibility as a Key to InclusionJuly 25, 2022
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Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2023?February 2, 2023
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Together Again: AT for Travel and Inclusive EventsFebruary 3, 2023
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2023 CSUNMarch 17, 2023
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
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Ergonomics for TeleworkersDecember 8, 2020
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ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned: COVID-19 EditionMarch 9, 2021
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Service and Emotional Support Animals in the WorkplaceApril 13, 2021
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Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team: Challenging Mental Health ScenariosMay 11, 2021
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Accessibility & Accommodations: How Employers & HR Professionals Can Prepare for Emerging Tech in the WorkplaceMay 20, 2021
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Accommodating Public Safety Workers with DisabilitiesJune 8, 2021
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ADA UpdateJuly 13, 2021
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AT Update: What’s new in 2021August 10, 2021
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Ask JAN! Expert Q&AOctober 14, 2021
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Return to Work After COVID-19 – Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive LimitationsNovember 18, 2021
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Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune DisordersDecember 9, 2021
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Next-Level Accommodation and ADA ChallengesJanuary 13, 2022
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ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned: Stay at Work/Return to Work EditionFebruary 10, 2022
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Ergonomics for TeleworkersMarch 1, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning DeficitsMarch 17, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal DisordersApril 14, 2022
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Accommodation and ADA Considerations: Reproductive Disorders and PregnancyMay 12, 2022
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Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?June 9, 2022
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ADA UpdateJuly 14, 2022
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AT Update 2022August 11, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Sleep DisordersSeptember 22, 2022
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Building a Disability-Inclusive OrganizationOctober 13, 2022
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Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with DisabilitiesNovember 10, 2022
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Ask JAN! Q&AJanuary 12, 2023
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Supports and Services: Accommodations with a HeartbeatFebruary 9, 2023
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What You Should Know About the Impact of Long COVID in the WorkplaceMarch 9, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent WorkersApril 13, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor LimitationsMay 11, 2023
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What to Do When Performance and Conduct Factor Into the Accommodation EquationJune 8, 2023
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ADA Update 2023July 13, 2023
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Assistive Technology (AT) Update: What’s New in 2023August 10, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions: Substance Use DisorderSeptember 14, 2023
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Teri Weber, SVP, Spring Consulting Group
Presentations
Transcripts
Teri Weber, ACI is a Partner with Spring Consulting Group. She has over 10 years of experience in health and welfare plan strategy, design, pricing, and implementation. She also works with absence management programs, including disability, family medical leave and leave of absence tracking. Her areas of expertise have allowed her to work with diverse employers and vendors to streamline processes and programs to meet the needs of insurers, administrators, employers and employees. Teri is on the Board for the New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC) and recently served as lead editor for the Disability Management Employer Coalition’s (DMEC) Return to Work Program Manual. Prior to joining Spring, Teri worked with Watson Wyatt, Buck Consultants and AON Consulting. In addition she was an Account Manager with Health Direct, Inc. Teri earned a BS at the University of Connecticut and a MBA at the University of Massachusetts. She holds an ACI designation and is a licensed broker in the states of MA and CT.
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Director of Collaborations, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Bill Curtis-Davidson, Co-director of PEAT
- Martez Mott, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Ability Group, Microsoft Research
- Tina Park, Ph.D., Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI
Presentations
Transcripts
This session, produced in collaboration with JAN and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), will introduce the potential impact of emerging tech on accommodations. Participants will learn how employers and HR professionals can help plan for an accessible workplace of the future, including the procurement of accessible technologies and potential accommodation needs of people with disabilities. PEAT, funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, will interview technology leaders to find out how AI and XR will change the way we work and what these technologies could mean for the employment of people with disabilities.
This event takes place on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
Speaker Bios:
Bill Curtis-Davidson is a Co-Director and Sr. Consultant on Emerging Tech Accessibility at PEAT. In this role, he works to advance the accessibility of emerging workplace technologies, including XR and AI, to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He partners with the disability community, tech companies, and the public to advance adoption of inclusive design and promising practices for tech accessibility. He serves on the External Advisory Board of the GA Tech Human-Computer Interaction Degree Program.
Martez Mott is a Senior Researcher in the Ability Group at Microsoft Research. His research is focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating intelligent interaction techniques that improve the accessibility of computing devices for people with diverse motor and sensory abilities. His current research focuses on identifying and overcoming accessibility barriers embedded in the design of virtual and augmented reality systems. Martez is passionate about improving diversity in the CS and HCI communities. He co-chaired the 2020 CHI Mentoring Workshop (CHIMe), is serving on the steering committee for CHIMe 2021, and co-founded the Black Researchers @ Microsoft Research group. Martez received his Ph.D. in Information Science from the Information School at the University of Washington. Prior to attending UW, he received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University.
Tina M. Park is currently a Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI, developing evidence-based methodologies for incorporating a more diverse range of stakeholders in the design and development of artificial intelligence. Prior to joining PAI, Tina has led efforts to cultivate supportive intellectual spaces for scholars of color at Brown University and nationwide. She has presented at top international conferences in her field such as the American Sociological Association, the Social Science History Association, the Population Association of America, and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tatum Storey, Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg is a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Julie Davis , Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg - Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Christy McCune , Consultant - Sensory Team
Presentations
Handouts
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Presentations
Transcripts
Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Ellice is an Extension Associate with the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. She provides content development, training and technical assistance for EARN. As an Extension Associate, she provides national technical assistance and training on topics related to disability and employment, and U.S. disability policy. Her areas of focus include employer practices to support workforce disability inclusion, demand-side strategies to improve employer engagement among disability service providers and evidence-based practices to support post-school success for youth with disabilities.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Terri Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC)
- Bryon Bass, Senior Vice President Workforce Absence and Disability Practice Leader, Sedgwick
- Susanne Bruyere, Co-Director and Co-Principal Director, Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant — Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts, Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Batiste, Director of Publications and Services