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About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, slowly progressive neurological condition. PD can produce various symptoms such as resting tremors on one side of the body, slowness of movement, stiffness of limbs, gait or balance problems, small cramped handwriting, lack of arm swing, decreased facial expression, lowered voice volume, feelings of depression or anxiety, episodes of feeling "stuck in place" when initiating a step, slight foot drag, increase in dandruff or oily skin, and less frequent blinking and swallowing.
JAN's Effective Accommodation Practices (EAP) Series: Executive Functioning Deficits is a publication detailing accommodations for individuals with limitations related to executive functioning. These ideas may be helpful in determining accommodations.
Parkinson's Disease and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA has a general definition of disability that each person must meet. A person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment. For more information about how to determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, see How to Determine Whether a Person Has a Disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Accommodating Employees with Parkinson's Disease
People with Parkinson’s disease 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 Parkinson’s disease will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.
Questions to Consider:
- What limitations is the employee experiencing?
- How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance?
- What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?
- What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?
- Has the employee been consulted regarding possible accommodations?
- Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional accommodations are needed?
- Do supervisory personnel and employees need training?
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Decreased Stamina/Fatigue
- Accessories for Scooters
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- All-Terrain Scooters
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Elevating Wheelchairs
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Flexible Schedule
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Job Restructuring
- Low Task Chair
- Mechanic's Seats and Creepers
- Multi-Purpose Carts
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Scooters
- Stand-lean Stools
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Walkers
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Executive Functioning Deficits
- Apps for Concentration
- Apps for Memory
- 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
- Memory Software
- 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
- Wall Calendars and Planners
- Written Instructions
Memory Loss
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Apps for Memory
- Electronic Organizers
- Job Coaches
- Memory Software
- Professional Organizers
- Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials
- Reminders
- Social Skill Builders
- Support Person
- Verbal Cues
- Wall Calendars and Planners
- Written Instructions
Mental Confusion
- Electronic Organizers
- Job Coaches
- Marginal Functions
- On-site Mentoring
- PDAs, Notetakers, and Laptops
- Professional Organizers
- Reminders
- Social Skill Builders
- Supervisory Methods
- Training Modifications
- Written Instructions
Organizing/Planning/Prioritizing
- Applications (apps)
- Apps for Organization/ Time Management
- Color-coded Manuals, Outlines, and Maps
- Electronic Organizers
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Job Coaches
- Job Restructuring
- On-site Mentoring
- Organization Software
- Personal On-Site Paging Devices
- Professional Organizers
- Reminders
- Supervisory Methods
- Task Identification
- Task Separation
- Timers and Watches
- Wall Calendars and Planners
- Written Instructions
Overall Body Coordination
- Canes
- Convex Mirrors
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Long-Handled Mirrors
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Rollators and Rolling Walkers
- Scooters
- Telescoping Cameras
- Walkers
- Walkers with Seats
Overall Body Weakness/Strength
- Move Items/People
-
Workspace Access
- Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Elevating Wheelchairs
- Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Foldable / Transport Wheelchairs
- Forearm Supports
- Grab Bars
- Independent Living Aids
- Large-Rated Scooters
- Large-Rated Wheelchairs
- Office Chairs with Brakes and Locking Casters
- Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Stair Lifts
- Stand-lean Stools
- Stand-up Wheelchairs
- Toileting Aids
- Walkers
- Walkers with Seats
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Spasm/Tic/Tremor/Blinking
- Accessible Software for Webbing
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Alternative Input Devices
- Alternative Keyboards
- Alternative Mice
- Alternative Mice - Limiting Tremors
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device
- Auto-dialers
- Book Holders
- Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices
- Compact Material Handling
- Door Knob Grips and Handles
- Eating Aids
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Expanded Keyboards
- Extra Grip Gloves
- Forearm Supports
- Grip Aids
- Hands-free Telephones
- Job Restructuring
- Keyguards
- Money Handling Products
- On-Screen Keyboards
- One-Handed Keyboards
- Outgoing Voice Amplification - Telephone
- Padded Edging
- Page Turners
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Personal On-Site Paging Devices
- Protective Eyewear
- Scribe/Notetaker
- Speech Recognition Software
- Switches
- Tongue Touch Keyboards/Mice
- Tool Balancers
- Typing / Keyboarding Aids
- Vacuum Lifts
- Vacuum Pickup Tools
- Voice Amplification
- Voice Recognition Memory Devices
- Word Prediction/Completion and Macro Software
- Writing Aids
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
Take Medication
- Flexible Schedule
- Medication Reminders
- Policy Modification
- Rest Area/Private Space
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Unable to Work Alone
- Alerting Devices
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Apps for Memory
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Disability Awareness/Etiquette Training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Plan of Action
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
Walking
- Accessories for Scooters
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- All-Terrain Scooters
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Boat Access
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Foldable / Transport Wheelchairs
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Large-Rated Scooters
- Large-Rated Wheelchairs
- Low Task Chair
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Reclining Wheelchairs
- Rollators and Rolling Walkers
- Scooters
- Scooters for Small Stature
- Stair Assists
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Van Conversion
- Walkers
- Walkers for Tall Individuals
- Walkers with Seats
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchairs for Small Stature
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
By Work Related Function
Commute
- Flexible Schedule
- Ridesharing/Carpooling
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transportation Assistance
- Van Conversion
- Walkers
Off Site Access
- Accessible Vehicles
- Accessories for Scooters
- All-Terrain Scooters
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Flexible Schedule
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Low Task Chair
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Scooters
- Stair Assists
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transportation Assistance
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
Parking
Safety Standards
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Aerial Lifts
- Alerting Devices
- Body Protection
- Break Reminder Software
- Custom Shoes
- Cut and Puncture Resistant Gloves and Sleeves
- Designated Responders
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Fall Protection
- Machine Guards and Shields
- Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices
- Plan of Action
- Rolling Safety Ladders
- Stair Tread/Textured Tape
- Task Rotation
- Vehicle Rear Vision System
- Workplace Safety
- Established Routes of Travel for Heavy Equipment/Vehicles
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
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
Situations and Solutions:

A teacher with Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty standing in front of the classroom to write on the board.
The individual was accommodated with a scooter and a laptop and PC projector. She was then able to remain seated while using the computer and projector to display information to the class.

A consultant with Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty getting to work on time.
He was accommodated with flexible scheduling so he could use public transportation.

A file clerk with Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty meeting the physical demands of the job, including walking between work areas, standing at filing cabinets, and carrying files.
The individual was accommodated with a power scooter with a basket and a stand/lean stool.

A supervisor with Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty managing fatigue.
The employer provided a private rest area with a cot so the individual could take breaks throughout the day.

A customer service representative with Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty manipulating his mouse, writing, standing to greet people, and communicating effectively.
He was accommodated with a trackball, writing aid, stool with lift cushion, and speech amplification.

A secretary with Parkinson’s disease and hand tremors was having difficulty using a keyboard, writing, manipulating manuals, and filing.
She was accommodated with a keyguard, typing aid, page turner, and open files.

A technician with Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty concentrating.
The employee's supervisor provided written job instructions when possible and allowed the individual to have periodic rest breaks. In addition, she was moved to a corner cubical where distractions were minimized with strategically placed baffles.

An engineer with Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty concentrating and communicating.
The individual was accommodated with a quiet office free from distractions. In addition, her supervisor implemented a policy of scheduled interruptions with written reminders and assignments. The individual was also provided with a communication device.

An office assistant with tremors and fatigue caused by Parkinson’s disease was having difficulty typing the number of words per minute required by her employer.
The individual rearranged her workstation to reduce distractions and her employer offered flexible scheduling. Her word processing software was programmed with macros to reduce keystrokes and she was given speech recognition software.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Parkinson's Disease
Publications
Accommodation and Compliance Series
Consultants' Corner Articles
Events Regarding Parkinson's Disease
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Remote Monthly Series Training
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DEAM - A Disability Inclusion Intervention: What DE Members Need to Know to Move the Inclusion Needle ForwardApril 26, 2018
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DMEC - ADA Basics: Competence Builds ConfidenceApril 30, 2018
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DMEC - Who Wants to Be an ADA Guru?May 1, 2018
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ADA Symposium - Unpacking the Reasonable Accommodation Conversation: Achieving Win/Win OutcomesJune 20, 2018
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Lead Consultant — ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
-
DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceApril 30, 2018
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DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceMay 1, 2018
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DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceMay 1, 2018
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APSE Employment First, Employment for All National ConferenceJune 26, 2018
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APSE Employment First, Employment for All National ConferenceJune 27, 2018
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
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JAN - Current Events in AccommodationFebruary 13, 2018
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JAN - Fostering Deaf Success: Attracting, Engaging and Retaining Deaf and Hard of Hearing EmployeesMarch 13, 2018
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JAN - Ask the JAN Psychiatric TeamMay 15, 2018
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JAN - The USBLN’s Going for Gold (GFG) Program: Lessons Learned for Increasing Hiring of People with DisabilitiesJune 12, 2018
-
ADA UpdateJuly 17, 2018
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Co-Director
- Kylie Baker and Robert Siebert of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) Neighborhood
Presentations
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Sarah Small , Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Transcripts
Presentations
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
- Leslie Wilson, M.S., US Business Leadership Network’s Vice President, Workplace Initiatives
- Deb Dagit, Deb Dagit Diversity LLC
Transcripts
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
- Jeanne Goldberg, Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Transcripts
Presentations
Handouts
Other Information Regarding Parkinson's Disease
External Links
- Coping with Cognitive Declines at Work
- EEOC's Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Frequently Asked Questions: A Guide to Parkinson’s Disease
- Parkinson’s and Employment
- PART 1630—Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Planning Daily Activities With Parkinson’s Disease
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- Alzheimer's Association
- American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc.
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
- Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
- Mayo Clinic
- MedlinePlus
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
- National Association for Continence
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Institute on Aging
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
- National Parkinson Foundation
- Parkinson Society Canada
- Parkinson's Institute, The
- Remedy's Health Communites
- The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs