Light

Alternative lighting, such as incandescent lighting and LED light fixtures provide adequate task light without harmful UV radiation. LED lights are becoming more widely available. Contact the following companies for information regarding these products:

Filters for fluorescent lights allow the fluorescent to more closely resemble natural sunlight, and reduces reflective and veiling glare.

Employees who experience limitations in concentration may need a flexible schedule in order to work optimally during hours of increased attentiveness. Flexible schedules can also be used to have a period of mental rest in order to refocus and reorient into his/her work. Examples of a flexible schedule would be adjusting starting and ending times of the workday, combining regularly scheduled breaks to create one extended break or dividing large breaks into smaller segments, and allowing work to be completed during hours when the employee is most mentally alert.

Fluorescent light tube covers are clear or tinted mylar sleeves that fit over straight standard-sized fluorescent bulbs. The tube covers may be used to help darken the bulbs to lessen the intensity of the brightness of the light, and may mask the contrast between the light and the dark during the flickering of the lights. The tough mylar film sleeve protects the bulb and adds a safety factor as well. The fluorescent light covers can be cut easily with scissors to fit smaller sizes or be combined to fit larger ones. The fluorescent light covers are reusable and outlast many bulb changes.

Individuals who experience eye strain or fatigue may benefit from natural light. If it is not possible to situate the worker near a natural light source, alternative lighting may be an accommodation solution. Full Spectrum Lighting or Full Spectrum Light Filters (for covering fluorescent lighting) may reduce glare from overhead lights by simulating a natural light source and blocking ultraviolet rays. To learn more about this type of lighting and to select an appropriate lighting source for the situation, please contact the following vendors and manufacturers.

LED light filters are clear or tinted covers that fit over variously shaped LED light sockets. The covers may be used to help lessen the intensity of the brightness of the light.  Different colour filters allow for varying hues of softer light to be achieved.

Lighting gel filters can be used with overhead fluorescent bulbs to provide a softer diffused light source. They are available in a full spectrum of colors and in various degrees of diffusion.

People with various limitations, including those with epilepsy and migraines, may have seizures or headaches due to light sensitivity, which can be exacerbated by light sources such as computer screens or fluorescent lights. Learn more about photosensitivity and accommodations that may be helpful: Photosensitivity.

Incandescent or non-fluorescent lighting is generally considered to be more natural lighting that provides consistent light levels and enables users with light sensitivity to work more productively in some industrial and office settings.

Safety shielding for the face and eyes to protect against heat and flashing lights.

Simulated skylights and windows can brighten a dark space and add depth to a small area. Pictures are placed into window frames that are backed by lighting to improve aspects of the work area.

Sun protective clothing may be needed when job functions require an individual to work outdoors frequently.

Telework, within certain fields, can be an excellent alternative for employees who have conditions that make it difficult for them to leave their home or reliably travel to a place of work. Employers should consider if a job can be made compatible with telework for their employees and communicate their expectations and requirement for the job to be performed out of home. Allowing work from home during worksite or office construction; extremely hot, cold, or inclement weather; or parking renovations could be a reasonable accommodation.

Transparent window shades reduce energy costs, eliminate glare, protect from UVA-UVB rays, and provide interior fade protection, while preserving the view.

UV shelters, such as tents or umbrellas, may be needed when job functions require an individual to work outdoors frequently. Contact the following companies for information regarding the protective gear they offer:

Ultraviolet radiation can pass through ordinary window glass, so filtering out these harmful rays can be paramount to the health of those who are photosensitive.  UV tinting is available through many dealers and auto-body shops.  It is important to note that some states have regulations on the how dark the windshield and front vehicle windows are allowed to be.  The following vendors can give prices and product information: