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About Long COVID
According to the Centers for Disease Control, some people who have had COVID-19 can experience long-term effects, known as post-COVID conditions or Long COVID and its associated conditions. Long COVID can include a wide range of ongoing health problems and can last weeks, months, or years.
There is no test to diagnose Long COVID, and people may have a wide variety of symptoms that could come from other medical conditions. Also, while most people with Long COVID have evidence of infection or COVID-19 illness, in some cases a person with post-COVID conditions may not have tested positive for the virus or known they were infected. This can make it difficult for health care providers to recognize and diagnose Long COVID.
Some people experience multiorgan effects that can involve many body systems, including the heart, lung, kidney, skin, and brain. As a result of these effects, people who have had COVID-19 may be more likely to develop new health conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, or neurological conditions compared with people who have not had COVID-19.
Long COVID 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).
For more information about Long COVID as a disability see:
- What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, section N.
- HHS and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Guidance on "Long COVID" as a Disability Under the ADA (titles II and III), Section 504, and Section 1557.
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?
Key Accommodations:
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Provide an alternative mask
- Allow removal of mask when appropriate
- Reduce the physical demands of the job
- Allow rest breaks
- Reduce workplace triggers
- Allow time for medical treatment such as use of a nebulizer or inhaler
- Restructure the job to remove marginal job functions
- Develop a plan of action to deal with sudden exacerbations
- Allow telework
- Allow leave for treatment
Tiredness or fatigue
- Allow rest breaks
- Provide an ergonomic workstation
- Allow a flexible schedule
- Restructure the job to remove marginal job functions
- Allow telework
Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes called "brain fog")
- Provide a quiet workspace
- Allow use of noise cancellation or white noise
- Provide uninterrupted work time
- Provide memory aids such as flowcharts and checklists
- Allow the use of apps for concentration, memory, and organization
- Allow rest breaks
- Restructure the job to remove marginal functions to allow focus on essential job duties
- Allow telework
Depression or anxiety
- Allow a flexible schedule
- Allow rest breaks
- Provide a rest area/private space to manage symptoms
- Allow a support animal
- Allow a support person
- Identify and reduce workplace triggers
- Allow leave for treatment
Insomnia
- Allow rest breaks to take quick naps
- Allow a flexible schedule
- Keep the workstation temperature on the cool side
- Allow cold drinks at the workstation
- Allow telework
Fast-beating or pounding heart (known as heart palpitations)
- Allow rest breaks
- Control the workstation temperature
- Provide an ergonomic workstation
- Allow drinks at the workstation
- Develop a plan of action to deal with sudden exacerbations
- Allow telework
- Allow leave for treatment
Joint or muscle pain
- Allow rest breaks
- Reduce the physical demands of the job
- Provide an ergonomic workstation
- Allow a flexible schedule
- Restructure the job to remove marginal job functions
- Allow telework
- Allow leave for treatment
Headache
- Reduce workplace triggers
- Provide alternative lighting
- Reduce glare
- Allow a flexible schedule
- Allow telework
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Coughing Excessively
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Noise Abatement
- Policy Modification
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
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
Executive Functioning Deficits
- Apps for Concentration
- Apps for Memory
- Calendars and Planners
- Checklists
- Color Coded System
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Extra Time
- Flexible Schedule
- Form Generating Software
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- Job Coaches
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Noise Canceling Earbuds
- Noise Canceling Headsets
- On-site Mentoring
- Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials
- Reminders
- Sound Absorption and Sound Proof Panels
- Speech Recognition Software
- Sun Boxes and Lights
- Sun Simulating Desk Lamps
- Timers and Watches
- Written Instructions
General Cognition
Headache
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Alternative Lighting
- Anti-Glare Filters for Fluorescent Lights
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- Job Restructuring
- Lighting Gel Filters
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Non-Fluorescent Lighting
- Task Lighting
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Low Vision
- Accessible Mobile Phones
- Accessible Telephones
- Apps for Individuals with Vision Impairment
- External Computer Screen Magnification
- Head-mounted Magnifiers
- High Visibility Floor Tape and Paint
- 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
- Stair Tread/Textured Tape
- Tactile Timepieces/Watches
- Talking Alarm Clocks
- Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
- Talking Blood Glucose Monitors
- Talking Blood Pressure Monitors
- Talking Cash Register
- Talking Coin Counter/Sorter
- Talking Color Detector
- Talking Copier
- Talking Credit Card Terminal
- Talking Money Identifier
- Talking Scales
- Talking Telephones
- Talking Watches
Nausea
- Flexible Schedule
- Mini Refrigerators/ Electric Coolers
- Odor Control
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Pain
- Accessories for Scooters
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- All-Terrain Scooters
- Alternative Input Devices
- Alternative Keyboards
- Alternative Mice
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Anti-vibration Gloves
- Anti-vibration Seats
- Anti-vibration Tool Wraps
- Automated Filing Systems
- Automatic Door Openers
- Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment
- Carts
- Chairs with Head Support
- Compact Material Handling
- Electronic Organizers
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Fans
- Flexible Schedule
- Forearm Support
- Gooseneck and Other Telephone Holders
- Hair Scissors
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Headsets
- Light Switch Extension Handles
- Low Task Chair
- Mechanic's Seats and Creepers
- Modified Break Schedule
- Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment
- Pipettes
- Professional Organizers
- Scooters
- Scribe/Notetaker
- Service Animal
- Speech Recognition Software
- Spring-Loaded Carts
- Stand-lean Stools
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Strobe Lights
- Supine Workstations
- Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
- Talking Money Identifier
- Telescoping Cameras
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Van Conversion
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
- Workstation Space Heaters
- Writing Aids
Respiratory Distress/Breathing Problem
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Air Cleaners - Chemical/Odor Removal
- Air Cleaning Systems
- Air Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device
- Carpet Alternatives, Sealants, and Sustainable Flooring
- Escape Hoods
- Flexible Schedule
- Floor Cleaning/Stripping Products - Chemical Sensitivity
- Low/No Odor Paints and Stains
- Mask Brackets and Frames
- Masks - Respirator
- Masks – General/Chemical/Allergen
- Odor Control
- Outgoing Voice Amplification - Telephone
- Personal Air Cleaner (Neckworn)
- Personal On-Site Paging Devices
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Voice Amplification
Sleeping/Stay Awake
By Work Related Function
Commute
- Flexible Schedule
- Ridesharing/Carpooling
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transportation Assistance
- Van Conversion
- Walkers
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
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
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
Use Cognitive Function
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Color Coded System
- Counting/Measuring Aids
- Electronic Dictionaries
- Electronic Organizers
- Extra Time
- Fractional, Decimal, Statistical, or Scientific Calculators
- Job Coaches
- Line Guides
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- On-site Mentoring
- Personal On-Site Paging Devices
- Professional Organizers
- Reassignment
- Reminders
- Service Animal
- Social Skill Builders
- Support Person
- Training Modifications
- Uninterrupted Work Time
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 HR worker with Long COVID was experiencing shortness of breath, which was worsened by fatigue and stress.
As an accommodation, the employer allowed the employee to work a hybrid telework schedule and to take rest breaks when in the office.
An employee with Long COVID was having trouble sleeping.
Their healthcare provider recommended a set 40-hour work week and working from home. The employer granted the request on a trial basis to determine effectiveness.
A business consultant with Long COVID and anxiety was concerned about getting COVID again and having an exacerbation of their current symptoms.
Because their job duties involved face-to-face contact with clients, the employer allowed part-time telework and implemented protocols to limit the employee’s risk of exposure to COVID.
A customer service representative with Long COVID had respiratory issues, including frequent coughing.
They had difficulty talking on the phone for long periods of time. As an accommodation, they were reassigned to a customer service position where they performed job duties using online chat instead of on the phone.
A construction worker with Long COVID was unable to meet the physical demands of their job.
The employer allowed the employee to take a leave of absence for treatment and recovery.
A sales worker with Long COVID was experiencing brain fog and was having trouble recalling information about products when talking with customers over the telephone.
The employer provided an outline of the specifications for each product so the employee could refer to it during calls. The employer also allowed the employee one telework day a week to do paperwork.
A janitor has lasting symptoms of fatigue from having COVID-19.
They were allowed to take frequent, shorter breaks when they were overly tired. No cost.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Long COVID
Publications
Related Disabilities
Articles
Blog Posts
Events Regarding Long COVID
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Remote Monthly Series Training
No Upcoming Events for Long COVID.
Join JAN consultants and employment specialists for a discussion about the barriers employees with disabilities sometimes encounter when requesting and negotiating reasonable accommodations in the workplace, practical solutions for overcoming these barriers, and free resources available on the JAN website. This webcast will not only be useful for individuals with disabilities and service providers, but also for employers who may benefit from learning about the employee’s side of the accommodation process.
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
Slides - February 2021 - Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodations
Transcripts
Transcript - February 2021 - Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodations
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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
Job seekers with disabilities may have difficulty with any of the following tasks: hearing on the phone; communicating in face-to-face conversations or meetings; responding to alarms and signals; writing; typing; operating hand controls; using personal protective equipment; grasping small objects or tools; lifting, pushing, or pulling equipment or people; pinching or gripping objects; manipulating controls or a mouse; walking; standing; sitting; climbing stairs; balance; fatigue; seeing a computer screen or instruments; reading documents; driving; and memory. As a preference for wearable, mainstream, and non-obvious assistive technology has been anecdotally observed among younger workers with disabilities, this presentation will focus on strategies and technologies that can be implemented subtly. Scenarios including cost and benefit information from an ongoing study will be provided as available. Presenters will discuss case study examples illustrating effective accommodations in a range of entry-level work settings. Considering a range of accommodation options to balance individual preferences with employer priorities leads to successful accommodations that yield both tangible and intangible benefits to employers. Effective assistive technology accommodations benefit young and entry-level workers with disabilities by promoting independence and supporting their transition to active members of the workforce. As with other types of accommodation, AT also enhances productivity, morale, and workplace safety. Educators, service providers, and employers can support individuals by becoming familiar with what types of accommodations are effective for those considering typical entry-level jobs and the resources available to ensure successful employment. This session will examine common workplace situations and accommodation solutions related to individuals with various disabilities working in entry-level positions by providing real-life scenarios and AT options.
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Low-Key AT: Less-Obvious Options for Entry-Level Workers
"Accessibility as a Key to Inclusion” from 12:40 to 1:00 p.m. (ET) during the inaugural HUD Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Awareness Month program. The event is scheduled for Monday, July 25, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at HUD HQ, 451 7th Street SW, Washington, DC, in the Brook-Mondale Auditorium (BMA). This will be a hybrid event, and the option for virtual participation is available.
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Accessibility as a Key to Inclusion
In this session, speakers in the Transition and Workplace Accessibility Strand are invited to introduce themselves and provide a preview of their presentation while attendees are invited to bring examples of challenging accommodation scenario to the group for discussion following the session previews.
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Accommodations provide equal opportunity and social inclusion for people with disabilities and, if respectfully provided, can create an inclusive event, meeting, and/or training. Although social inclusion can pose challenges and appear daunting, utilizing resources and assistive technologies can enable employers to create a diverse an inclusive event while maintaining compliance with federal law. Social inclusion increases morale, ensures employees have the same access to workplace benefit and tools, and creates opportunities for development and advancement as non-disabled employees. This session will introduce a framework for inclusive event planning and suggestions for individualized accommodations.
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
Slides - Together Again: AT for Travel and Inclusive Events
Slides - Accommodating Hidden Disabilities with AT
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Get to Work! – Leveraging Workplace Flexibility to Improve Employee PresenceJune 16, 2020
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ADA UpdateJuly 14, 2020
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Effective use of a Support Person/Job Coach in the WorkplaceAugust 11, 2020
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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
Working 9 to 5 isn’t the only way to make a living anymore, and workplace policies related to when and where work is performed continue to evolve to allow employees the flexibility that is needed to be productive at work and also manage personal and disability-related needs. Workplace programs that allow for telework and flexible work schedules can enable all employees to balance work and non-work responsibilities. These programs can also normalize workplace flexibility, making the need to request disability-related accommodations a non-issue. This JAN training will explore ADA issues related to attendance, working at home, modified schedules, and workplace policies, and also offer accommodation solutions intended to improve employee presence.
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Slides - June 2020 - Get to Work! – Leveraging Workplace Flexibility to Improve Employee Presence
Transcripts
Transcript - June 2020 - Get to Work! – Leveraging Workplace Flexibility to Improve Employee Presence
Join the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and JAN as representatives provided participants with the latest developments in the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the workplace, some practical tips for compliance, and answers to tough ADA questions.
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
- Jeanne Goldberg is a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Presentations
Slides - July 2020 - What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws
Handouts
Speaker Biography - Jeanne Goldberg
Transcripts
Transcript - July 2020 - What You Should Know About COVID-19
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Director of Collaborations, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Janet D. Fiore, President, CEO C.,D.R. The Sierra Group Academy
Presentations
Slides - August 2020 - Effective use of a Support Person/Job Coach in the Workplace
Transcripts
Transcript - August 2020 - Effective use of a Support Person/Job Coach in the Workplace
(Original webcast in December 2020, updated March 2022) Whether you provide telework as a benefit of employment or approve it as a form of accommodation, the way we work at home is often vastly different than working at the worksite. As COVID-19 has disrupted most of the world’s workplace environments, it's important that we pay attention to our home work physical environment. Participants will gain knowledge about principles of universal design and practical strategies to make your physical environment more productive and safer. Topics such as environmental aspects, controls and tools, workstations, and computers, will be highlighted during the presentation.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Slides - Ergonomics for Teleworkers
Transcripts
Transcript - Ergonomics for Teleworkers
One year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to adopt a new normal, we reflect on the many adjustments made at work to keep everyone, including individuals with disabilities, working. The pandemic situation required employers to abandon a conventional perspective on where, when, and how work is performed and to adopt flexible policies and practices to meet business objectives. This session will offer ADA and job accommodation lessons learned along with practical strategies for engaging in the interactive accommodation process to address evolving workforce needs.
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Teri Weber, SVP, Spring Consulting Group
Presentations
Slides - March 2021 - ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned - COVID-19 Edition
Transcripts
Transcript - March 2021 - ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned - COVID-19 Edition
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.
Issues surrounding service and emotional support animals in the workplace continue to be confusing to both employers and employees with disabilities. This webcast will provide an overview of the most frequent questions JAN gets regarding service and emotional support animals and ADA information and practical guidance for addressing them.
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Slides - April 2021 - Service and Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace
Transcripts
Transcript - April 2021 - Service and Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace
Handouts
Additional Q+A - April 2021 - Service and Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace
May is National Mental Health Month. Join consultants Melanie and James as they discuss challenging accommodation scenarios in the workplace when employees with mental health conditions need assistance. Discover creative and effective modifications employers can provide to help maintain productive employees with diverse needs. Bring questions relating to the challenging situations you face in your workplace.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Slides - May 2021 - Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team Challenging Mental Health Scenarios
Transcripts
Transcript - May 2021 - Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team Challenging Mental Health Scenarios
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual and augmented reality (XR), will shape the workplace of the future. They will change how organizations hire, train, and support employees, including those with disabilities.
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
Slides - May 20 2021 - JAN PEAT GAAD Webinar
Transcripts
Transcript - May 20 2021 - JAN PEAT GAAD Webinar
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.
Public safety workers are defined as employees who protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. These front-line workers have a difficult and often dangerous job; having a disability can make these difficult jobs that much harder. As June celebrates National Safety Month, join us June 8th to discuss accommodation options specifically tailored to the difficulties people with disabilities face when employed in public safety occupations.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tatum Storey, Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Slides - June 2021 - Accommodating Public Safety Workers with Disabilities
Transcripts
Transcript - June 2021 - Accommodating Public Safety Workers with Disabilities
Join the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and JAN as representatives provided participants with the latest developments in the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the workplace, some practical tips for compliance, and answers to tough ADA questions.
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
Speaker Biography - Jeanne Goldberg
Presentations
Slides - July 2021 - ADA Update
Transcripts
Transcript - July 2021 - ADA Update
Are you wondering about what’s new in the world of assistive technology (AT)? Are you curious about trends related to accommodating with equipment and technology? Do you simply have a love of gadgets? Join JAN Lead Consultant Teresa Goddard and Senior Consultant Matthew McCord for an introduction to new and improved products and a discussion of how to apply them as workplace accommodations. Using real JAN case examples, we will discuss new accommodation approaches to a variety of accommodation challenges with a focus on new sensory technologies.
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Slides - August 2021 - AT Update
Transcripts
Transcript - August 2021 - AT Update
Reasonable accommodation and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) title I compliance issues can be challenging and complex. Do you have questions about trending accommodation and ADA issues? Can you benefit from expert guidance on navigating the interactive process? Ask JAN! We can help. JAN Principal and Lead Consultants will field on-demand questions and offer tips and best practices related to current accommodation and ADA trends and complexities. Questions may be submitted during the event or in advance at Training@AskJAN.org.
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
Slides - October 2021 - Ask JAN Expert Q+A
Transcripts
Transcript - October 2021 - Ask JAN Expert Q+A
Join JAN’s Cognitive/Neurological Team consultants Melanie Whetzel and James Potts for a discussion about returning to work during the pandemic. We will consider the pressing issues of anxiety, fear, and safety, telework and other accommodations, the cognitive side effects of recovering from COVID-19, and more. This training will be a live question-and-answer session but will include JAN accommodation examples to prompt thinking about the topics and generate questions. Submit your questions during the live event or in advance at Training@AskJAN.org.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
Presentations
Slides - November 2021 - Return to Work After COVID-19 – Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive Limitations
Transcripts
Transcript - November 2021 - Return to Work After COVID-19 Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive Limitations
Join JAN Lead Consultants Lisa Mathess and Teresa Goddard to explore workplace accommodations and AT options to keep your employees with autoimmune disorders safe and successful in the workplace. We will explore accommodations for a variety of limitations arising from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gastrointestinal diseases, Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and more. From fatigue to fine motor impairment and cognition to vision loss we will share real life accommodations for your consideration. Since autoimmune disorders can affect individuals differently, we will cover a range of common limitations include difficulty with activities of daily living, body fatigue and weakness, cognitive limitations, temperature sensitivity, gross and fine motor limitations, speech impairments, and vision issues. We will also discuss accommodation approaches tailored for roles in a variety of industries including administrative services, information technology (IT), manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
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
Slides - December 2021 - Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune Disorders
Transcripts
Transcript - December 2021 - Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune Disorders
The job accommodation and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance bar has risen to expert level, requiring a higher level of competence, ADA analysis, and engagement in the interactive accommodation process. Level up your ADA and accommodation game by learning practical ways to master complex accommodation and ADA situations involving engaging in the interactive process, addressing performance issues, modifying workplace policies, managing leave and attendance, and providing reasonable accommodations in a post pandemic world. JAN Principal Consultant Tracie DeFreitas will share expert guidance on accommodation, ADA, and interactive process strategies to help your team win the game.
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Slides - January 2022 - Next-Level Accommodations
Transcripts
Transcript - January 2022 - Next-Level Accommodation and ADA Challenges
Stay at Work/Return to Work (SAW/RTW) initiatives are designed to retain valued employees and enhance productivity. These initiatives can include temporary or permanent job accommodations such as modified scheduling, job restructuring, transitional work, and reassignment. Various employment laws can interplay when navigating SAW/RTW situations, making it challenging for employers to know best business practices. Join JAN Consultants for a discussion about lessons learned and practical Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidance related to various RTW/SAW issues.
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Slides - February 2022 - Stay at Work Return to Work
Transcripts
Transcript - February 2022 - Stay at Work Return to Work
Handouts
Q and A - February 2022 - Stay at Work Return to Work
(Original webcast in December 2020, updated March 2022) Whether you provide telework as a benefit of employment or approve it as a form of accommodation, the way we work at home is often vastly different than working at the worksite. As COVID-19 has disrupted most of the world’s workplace environments, it's important that we pay attention to our home work physical environment. Participants will gain knowledge about principles of universal design and practical strategies to make your physical environment more productive and safer. Topics such as environmental aspects, controls and tools, workstations, and computers, will be highlighted during the presentation.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Slides - Ergonomics for Teleworkers
Transcripts
Transcript - Ergonomics for Teleworkers
(Rescheduled from 3/10)
Executive functions are high-level mental processes or abilities that influence and direct more basic abilities like attention and memory. Join JAN Cognitive/Neurological Team consultants Melanie Whetzel and Alexis Popa for a discussion about accommodation solutions that address limitations affecting attention, time management, memory, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and getting to work on time. This training will be a live question and answer session but will include JAN accommodation examples to prompt thinking about the topics and generate questions about the difficulties you or your employees are experiencing on the job that involve attention, meeting deadlines, productivity standards, and more. Submit your questions during the live event or in advance at Training@AskJAN.org.
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Slides - March 2022 - Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning Deficits
Transcripts
Transcript - March 2022 - Executive Functioning
Join JAN’s Motor Team consultants Matthew McCord and Julie Davis in exploring workplace accommodations to assist your employees with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. We will explore accommodations that are commonly beneficial for individuals with a variety of limitations that can arise from GI disorders. From ways to increasing access to a restroom, strategies for managing workplace stress, considerations for ensuring supervisors treat these needs with dignity, and more.
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Julie Davis , Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Slides - April 2022 - Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal Disorders
Transcripts
Transcript - April 2022 - Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal Disorders
Likely a lesser-known fact, reproductive disorders affect millions of Americans each year. Maybe this is partly true because we don’t talk about, or take seriously enough, the impact of these types of disorders on work. What we do know is that job-related limitations associated with reproductive disorders can often be addressed by reasonable accommodations provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or related laws. This training will include information about common reproductive disorders, limitations, accommodations, and ADA considerations related to such impairments as endometriosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, cervical and ovarian cancers, menopause, and infertility. Pregnancy-related job accommodation issues will also be discussed.
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Slides - May 2022 - Accommodation and ADA Considerations: Reproductive Disorders and Pregnancy
Transcripts
Transcript - May 2022 - Accommodation and ADA Considerations - Reproductive Disorders and Pregnancy
Many employers understand it’s not their responsibility to furnish personal use items, those items needed both on and off the job, as a form of reasonable accommodation. But are there times a personal use item may evolve into a work-related item or accommodation? Perhaps. What about if an employee chooses not to use personal use items, do employers still have to consider reasonable accommodations? Perhaps. Join JAN Motor Consultants as they go over some common and not so common issues when deciphering between what is considered a personal use item and what is considered a reasonable accommodation in this JAN training.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Slides - June 2022 - Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?
Transcripts
Transcript - June 2022 - Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What's What?
Handouts
Follow-Up Questions and Answers - June 2022 - Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?
Attend this ADA Update training to learn from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) about the latest developments in the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the workplace, some practical tips for compliance, and answers to tough ADA questions.
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
Speaker Biography
Presentations
Slides - July 2022 - ADA Update
Transcripts
Transcript - July 2022 - ADA Update
Are you wondering about what’s new in the world of assistive technology (AT)? Are you curious about equipment and technology-related accommodation trends? Do you simply have a love of gadgets? Attend this training for an introduction to new and improved products and a discussion of how to apply them as workplace accommodations. JAN Consultants will discuss new accommodation approaches to a variety of accommodation challenges.
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Christy McCune , Consultant - Sensory Team
Presentations
Slides - August 2022 - AT Update
Handouts
Handout - August 2022 - AT Update Product Links
Handout - August 2022 - AT Update Follow-Up Q&A
Transcripts
Transcript - August 2022 - AT Update
(Rescheduled from Sept. 8)
Join JAN Cognitive/Neurological Team experts Melanie Whetzel and Alexis Popa for an informative and interactive session on sleep disorders. Employees and employers alike contact JAN for assistance combating sleep disorders – whether the issue is too much sleep and the inability to wake-up, falling asleep uncontrollably, sleeping on the job, or the total lack of sleep that compounds cognitive difficulties. This session is designed with specific JAN examples that will prompt thinking and help generate attendee questions.
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Slides - September 2022 - Accommodation Solutions for Sleep Disorders
Transcripts
Transcript - September 2022 - Accommodation Solutions for Sleep Disorders
Help your organization create a disability-inclusive workplace culture and meet diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) goals. Join this collaborative training brought to you by JAN and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN). Together, we’ll explore the core components of a disability-inclusive workplace and discuss practical strategies, developed with input from a range of employers with exemplary track records in disability employment, that can help any organization become disability-inclusive.
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Presentations
Slides - October 2022 - Building a Disability-Inclusive Organization
Transcripts
Transcript - October 2022 - Building a Disability-Inclusive Organization
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.
Join us for a timely and informative training about veterans with cognitive and mental health impairments and common accommodations that may be needed for success at work. Consultants James Potts and Melanie Whetzel will talk through real-life accommodation situations and solutions. As always, there will be plenty of time for questions.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Slides - November 2022 - Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with Disabilities
Transcripts
Transcript - November 2022 - Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with Disabilities
Ask JAN! We can help. During this live webcast, JAN consulting staff will discuss trending job accommodation and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) topics and answer attendee questions related to navigating the accommodation process.
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
Slides - January 2023 - Ask JAN! Q&A
Transcripts
Transcript - January 2023 - Ask JAN! Q&A
Sometimes the best accommodation approach is to implement an accommodation with a heartbeat! This training will cover the ins and outs of implementing supports and services as job accommodations. Heartbeat accommodations involve support provided by a human or animal and often include solutions like a service animal, job coach, or interpreter, but also can be accommodations like an emotional support animal, mentor, or support person.
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
Slides - February 2023 - Accommodations with a Heartbeat
Transcripts
Transcript - February 2023 - Accommodations with a Heartbeat
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in millions of people now experiencing chronic health conditions related to their initial COVID infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, post-COVID conditions, known as Long COVID, include a wide range of ongoing health issues that last for months or longer. Symptoms affect people in various ways, including the ability to work. Long COVID may be a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so employers need to ensure accommodation processes and practices are effective in retaining much-needed workers. Learn about the impact of Long COVID in the workplace, including recent findings from the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC), and receive tips for navigating the accommodation process, accommodation solutions, and practical resources from JAN and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN).
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
Biography - Byron Bass
Presentations
Slides - March 2023 - WYSK About Long COVID in the Workplace
Transcripts
Transcript - March 2023 - WYSK About Long COVID in the Workplace
What is neurodiversity? What disabilities and characteristics best describe someone who fits under this umbrella term? Is being neurodiverse a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? This JAN training focuses on neurodiversity in the workplace. Learn what this concept means and how individuals who are neurodiverse may be covered under the ADA. We’ll discuss disclosure, accommodations, performance, conduct, and more.
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Slides - April 2023 - Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent Workers
Transcripts
Transcript - April 2023 - Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent Workers
Join JAN Motor Team Consultants as they discuss accommodation ideas for fine motor limitations such as grip and grasping, reaching, and mousing and keyboarding. Many fine motor limitations can stem from an acute injury or medical condition or result from a lifelong impairment. Accommodation solutions, including assistive technologies, will be explored to address fine motor limitations relevant to working in various industries.
Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Slides - May 2023 - Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor Limitations
Transcripts
Transcript - May 2023 - Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor Limitations
Other Information Regarding Long COVID
External Links
- CDC Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions
- DHHS Long COVID
- DMEC Long COVID: Assessing and Managing Workforce Impact
- EEOC's Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- EEOC's What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, section N.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air in Buildings Challenge
- HHS and DOJ Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA (titles II and III), Section 504, and Section 1557
- HHS National Research Action Plan on Long COVID
- HHS Services and Supports for Longer-Term Impacts of COVID-19
- Lancet: Proposed Non-infectious Air Delivery Rates (NADR) for Reducing Exposure to Airborne Respiratory Infectious Diseases
- ODEP Coronavirus Resources: COVID-19 and Long COVID-19
- Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Clean Indoor Air Benefits Everyone
- OSTP Fact Sheet: Departments and Agencies Commit to Cleaner Indoor Air Across the Nation