AskJan.org is an American website with a whole raft of information for employers and individuals on workplace accommodations. Some of the content, particularly that around legislation isn’t relevant here in Australia but don’t let that distract you from the resources that might help you at work.
The top 3 resources are:
- How to have a conversation to disclose a disability or medical condition
- How to request or negotiate accommodations in the workplace
- A to Z or Disabilities and Accommodations
More on the A to Z list… this incredible list can be searched by disability/condition, by limitation, by work-related function, by topic or by accommodation. Although there is no specific listing for “neurological condition” or “Functional Neurological Disorder” (or the outdated term of “Conversion Disorder”), being a little creative, you can still get the good stuff.
Searching by disability, I selected “Multiple Sclerosis” as many of us experience symptoms that are similar to MS. Heading to the bottom of the page is a list of Accommodation Ideas under the following headings:
- Attentiveness/Concentration
- Balancing
- Decreased Stamina/Fatigue
- Executive Functioning Deficits
- Low Vision
- Memory Loss
- Organising/Planning/Prioritising
- Temperature Sensitivity
Sound familiar anyone? I expanded the list on Memory Loss and found links to ideas on:
- Additional Training Time/Training Refreshers
- Apps for Memory
- Calendars and Planners
- Electronic Organisers
- Job Coaches
- Memory Software
- Professional Organisers
- Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials
- Reminders
- Social Skill Builders
- Support Person
- Verbal Cues
- Visual Schedulers
- Written Instructions
Then each heading leads to another page with more details. We’ve included a quick screenshot of Memory Apps to give you an idea.
If your symptoms are closer to Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke or Tourette’s then look under those headings instead (or as well).
We’re not suggesting this resource will solve all your problems but it might spark some ideas to start a conversation with your employer or employment provider.
You can also find other general, cognitive, movement and sensory resources under the Resources tab.
If you’ve come across some other helpful resources to help you stay at work or return to work, please share them with us at [email protected].