Fibromyalgia and the ADA
When considering accommodations for people with FMS, the accommodation process must be conducted on a case-by-case basis. Symptoms caused by FMS vary, so when determining effective accommodations, the person's individual abilities and limitations should be considered and problematic job tasks must be identified. Therefore, the person with FMS should be involved in the accommodation process.
Not all people with FMS will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may need only a few accommodations.
ACCOMMODATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH FMS
(Note: People with FMS will develop some of these limitations/symptoms, but seldom develop all of them. Limitations will vary among individuals. Also note that not all people who have FMS will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may need only a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions exist as well.)
Concentration Issues:
Provide written job instructions when possible
Prioritize job assignments and provide more structure
Allow flexible work hours and allow a self-pace workload
Allow periodic rest periods to reorient
Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers
Minimize distractions
Reduce job stress
Depression and Anxiety:
Reduce distractions in work environment
Provide to-do lists and written instructions
Remind employee of important deadlines and meetings
Allow time off for counseling
Provide clear expectations of responsibilities and consequences
Provide sensitivity training to co-workers
Allow breaks to use stress management techniques
Develop strategies to deal with work problems before they arise
Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for support
Provide information on counseling and employee assistance programs
Fatigue/Weakness:
Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress
Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation
Allow a flexible work schedule and flexible use of leave time
Allow work from home
Implement ergonomic workstation design
Fine Motor Impairment:
Implement ergonomic workstation design
Provide alternative computer access
Provide alternative telephone access
Provide arm supports
Provide writing and grip aids
Provide a page turner and a book holder
Provide a note taker
Gross Motor Impairment:
Modify the work-site to make it accessible
Provide parking close to the work-site
Provide an accessible entrance
Install automatic door openers
Move workstation close to other work areas, office equipment, and break rooms
Migraine Headaches:
Provide task lighting
Eliminate fluorescent lighting
Use computer monitor glare guards
Reduce noise with sound absorbent baffles/partitions, environmental sound machines, and headsets
Provide alternate work space to reduce visual and auditory distractions
Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy
Provide air purification devices
Allow flexible work hours
Allow periodic rest breaks
Allow work from home
Respiratory Difficulties:
Provide adjustable ventilation
Keep work environment free from dust, smoke, odor, and fumes
Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy and a "smoke free" building policy
Avoid temperature extremes
Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation
Redirect air conditioning and heating vents
Provide adequate exhaust systems to remove fumes from office machines
Allow individual to wear a respirator mask
Allow work from home
Skin Irritations:
Avoid infectious agents and chemicals
Provide protective clothing
Sleep Disorder:
Allow flexible work hours and frequent breaks
Allow work from home
Temperature Sensitivity:
Modify work-site temperature and maintain the ventilation system
Modify dress code
Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation and redirect vents
Allow flexible scheduling and work from home during extremely hot or cold weather
Provide an office with separate temperature control
