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About Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS, is a life-long disease that compromises the body’s immune system, making it difficult to fight-off illnesses and other diseases. HIV infection leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) when the CD4 cells, also known as T Cells, of the immune system are destroyed to the point where the body cannot fight off infections and diseases. AIDS in the final stage of HIV infection. Due to improved treatment, many individuals with HIV continue to work without needing any accommodations.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 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 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
People with HIV/AIDS 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 who are aging 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
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Elevating Wheelchairs
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Scooters
- Stand-lean Stools
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Walkers
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Dietary Needs
Low Vision
- Accessible Mobile Phones
- Accessible Telephones
- Apps for Individuals with Vision Impairment
- External Computer Screen Magnification
- Head-mounted Magnifiers
- Large Button Phones
- Large Visual Display for Telephone
- Lighted Reading Glasses
- Low Vision Office Supplies
- Magnification (Hand or Stand)
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Systems - Scan
- Portable Video/Electronic Magnifiers
- Screen Magnification and Screen Reading Combined
- Screen Magnification Software
- Sewing Aids for Individuals with Vision Impairment
- Tactile Timepieces/Watches
- Talking Alarm Clocks
- Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
- Talking Blood Glucose Monitors
- Talking Blood Pressure Monitors
- Talking Cash Register
- Talking Color Detector
- Talking Copier
- Talking Money Identifier
- Talking Scales
- Talking Telephones
- Talking Watches
Memory Loss
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Apps for Memory
- Electronic Organizers
- Memory Software
- Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials
- Reminders
- Support Person
- Verbal Cues
- Wall Calendars and Planners
- Written Instructions
Nausea
Photosensitivity
- Alternative Lighting
- Anti-Glare Filters for Fluorescent Lights
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Fluorescent Light Tube Covers
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- LED Light Filters
- Lighting Gel Filters
- Sun/UV Protective Clothing
- Vehicle Window Tinting and Shades
Respiratory Distress/Breathing Problem
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Air Cleaners - Chemical/Odor Removal
- Air Cleaning Systems
- Air Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Carpet Alternatives, Sealants, and Sustainable Flooring
- Flexible Schedule
- Floor Cleaning/Stripping Products - Chemical Sensitivity
- Low/No Odor Paints and Stains
- Masks - Smoke Allergy
- Odor/Fragrance/Chemical Masks
- Personal Air Cleaner (Neckworn)
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
- Respirator Masks
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Skin Rash/Blisters/Sores
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Disability Awareness/Etiquette Training
- Job Restructuring
- Policy Modification
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
Suppressed Immune System
- Disability Awareness/Etiquette Training
- Hand Protection
- Policy Modification
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Temperature Sensitivity
- Air Deflectors
- Cold Resistant Gloves
- Cooling Clothing
- Fans
- Flexible Schedule
- Heated Clothing
- Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products
- Heated Gloves
- Portable Air Conditioners
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Vent Covers
- Workstation Space Heaters
Toileting/Grooming Issue
- Accessible Toilets and Toilet Seats
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Flexible Schedule
- Grab Bars - Toilet Hinged Arm Support
- Grooming and Dressing Aids
- Independent Living Aids
- Modified Break Schedule
- Swing Away Grab Bars
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Toileting Aids
- Transfer Aids
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
By Work Related Function
Light
- Alternative Lighting
- Anti-Glare Filters for Fluorescent Lights
- Flexible Schedule
- Fluorescent Light Tube Covers
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- LED Light Filters
- Lighting Gel Filters
- Modified Lighting
- Non-Fluorescent Lighting
- Personal Visors
- Simulated Skylights and Windows
- Sun/UV Protective Clothing
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transparent Window Shades
- UV Protection Shelters
- Vehicle Window Tinting and Shades
Stress
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Monitor Mirrors
- On-site Mentoring
- Service Animal
- Simulated Skylights and Windows
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Uninterrupted Work Time
Temperature
- Air Deflectors
- Cold Resistant Gloves
- Cooling Clothing
- Fans
- Flexible Schedule
- Foot Warmers
- Heat Resistant Gloves
- Heated Clothing
- Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products
- Heated Gloves
- Modified Break Schedule
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Vent Covers
- Workstation Space Heaters
Situations and Solutions:

A secretary with HIV could only go to the HIV clinic during work hours.
The employer provided the employee with a flexible work schedule, so that she could go to the clinic for medical attention and counseling. The employee made up the hours throughout the week by staying later and by coming in early.

A computer operator was experiencing weight loss and gastrointestinal limitations as a result of having HIV.
She was provided with an ergonomic chair with extra padding and began to change seating positions often. This prevented her from getting sores from sitting in one position for prolonged periods of time. Employee’s workstation was also moved closer to a restroom to provide her better access. Total cost to move employee to another workstation was virtually nothing.

A pharmacist was having difficulties standing for eight hours a day on a tile floor.
This employee was responsible for filling prescriptions for medication. The work area was carpeted using extra padding, which assisted in reducing fatigue and a sit/stand/lean stool was purchased to assist employee when standing. Employee was also permitted to take frequent rest breaks throughout the day. This was possible since the employee cut his lunch hour down to 30 minutes, which provided him with 30 minutes that could be used at other times of the day whenever a break was needed. Also another pharmacist was available to cover his breaks.

A machine operator was experiencing difficulties remembering the steps involved in changing a part on his machine.
The employer provided the employee with a step by-step checklist and directions explaining how to do this.

An accountant was experiencing eye sensitivity to fluorescent light in her office.
As a result, she was unable to clearly view her computer screen or written materials due to glare. The accommodation solutions were to lower the wattage in the overhead lights, provide task lighting, and a computer screen glare guard.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Publications
Accommodation and Compliance Series
Consultants' Corner Articles
Articles
- No Articles available for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Blog Posts
- No Blog Posts available for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Events Regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- 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
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APSE - Employer Resource PanelJune 27, 2018
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USBLN - JAN Academy 2018: Developing a NextGen Disability Inclusive WorkplaceJuly 9, 2018
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EXCEL - Beyond the Diagnosis: A Transparent Look at Job Accommodations for Mental HealthJuly 10, 2018
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ILG - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive WorkplacesAugust 2, 2018
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DMEC - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive WorkplacesAugust 9, 2018
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FDR - Disability Inclusion and Reasonable AccommodationsAugust 13, 2018
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AK State HR Conference - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive WorkplacesSeptember 21, 2018
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Lead Consultant — ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presentations
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
- Derek Shields, EARN
- Dexter Brooks, EEOC
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
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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
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EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 10, 2018
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EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 10, 2018
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EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 11, 2018
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EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 12, 2018
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ILG National Conference - Navigating the Waves of ChangeAugust 1, 2018
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ILG National Conference - Navigating the Waves of ChangeAugust 2, 2018
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DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 6, 2018
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DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 6, 2018
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DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 7, 2018
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DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 8, 2018
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DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 9, 2018
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
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TransitionMay 9, 2017
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JAN - R U Ok?October 17, 2017
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JAN - Give Us Your Challenging, Your Bewildering, Your Unusual ADA IssuesNovember 14, 2017
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JAN - Ask the JAN Motor TeamDecember 12, 2017
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JAN - PAS and the New Section 501 Affirmative Action RequirementsJanuary 10, 2018
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
- Lori Golden, EY Abilities Strategy Leader, Americas Talent Team
- Mike Weiner, LMSW, Associate Director EY Assist, Ernst & Young, LLP
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Lead Consultant — ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Lead Consultant, Motor Team
- Matthew McCord , Consultant – Mobility Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
- Anupa Iyer, Esq., CLMS, Policy Advisor, Office of Federal Operations (OFO), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Presentations
Transcripts
Additional Notes:
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Other Information Regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
External Links
- EEOC's HIV Infection, Helping Patients with HIV Infection Who Need Accommodations at Work
- EEOC's HIV Infection, Your Legal Rights in the Workplace Under the ADA
- EEOC's Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- En Defensa de los Derechos de las Personas con VIH/SIDA
- HIV and Aids and The Workplace: What You Should Know
- HIV/AIDS Disability Employment Policy Resources Page
- HIV/AIDS in the Workplace
- Living with HIV Infection: Your Legal Rights in the Workplace Under ADA
- Questions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act And the Rights of Persons with HIV/AIDS To Obtain Occupational Training and State Licensing
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Psychological Association
- American Sexual Health Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Hepatitis Foundation International
- MedlinePlus
- National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- National Institute on Aging
- Office on Women's Health
- Remedy's Health Communites
- The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- World Health Organization