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About Lupus
Lupus is a widespread and chronic autoimmune disease that, for unknown reasons, causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissue and organs, including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, or skin. The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. In an autoimmune disease like lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissue. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self." There are several forms of lupus: cutaneous, systemic, drug-induced, neonatal, and overlap syndrome or mixed connective tissue disease.
Although lupus can affect any part of the body, the most common symptoms are achy joints, frequent fevers, arthritis, fatigue, skin rashes, kidney problems, chest pain with deep breathing, a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheek and nose, photosensitivity, impaired vision, Raynaud's phenomenon, and seizures. No single set of symptoms is uniformly specific to lupus and no laboratory test can prove lupus conclusively; symptoms may disappear for no apparent reason and remain in remission for weeks, months, or even years.
Lupus 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 Lupus
People with lupus 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 lupus 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
Attentiveness/Concentration
- Alerting Devices
- Alternative Lighting
- Applications (apps)
- Apps for Memory
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Electronic Organizers
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- Job Coaches
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Noise Canceling Headsets
- Personal On-Site Paging Devices
- Professional Organizers
- Sound Absorption and Sound Proof Panels
- Task Separation
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Timers and Watches
- Uniterrupted "Off" Work Time
- Verbal Cues
- Wall Calendars and Planners
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
- Written Instructions
Balancing
- Aerial Lifts
- All-Terrain Scooters
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Canes
- Crutches
- Evacuation Devices
- Fall Protection
- Grab Bars
- Grab Bars - Toilet Hinged Arm Support
- Leg Extenders for Walkers
- Padded Edging
- Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Rolling Safety Ladders
- Rollators and Rolling Walkers
- Scooters
- Stair Assists
- Stair Lifts
- Swing Away Grab Bars
- Toileting Aids
- Walkers
- Walkers for Tall Individuals
- Walkers with Seats
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
Handling/Fingering
- Accessible Software for Webbing
- Adjustable Drafting Tables
- Adjustable Massage Tables
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Alternative Input Devices
- Alternative Keyboards
- Alternative Mice
- Anti-vibration Gloves
- Anti-vibration Tool Wraps
- Articulating Keyboard Trays
- Automated Filing Systems
- Book Holders
- Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices
- Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment
- Compact Material Handling
- Deburring Tools
- Electric Scissors
- Electric Stapler
- Electronic Organizers
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Expanded Keyboards
- Extra Grip Gloves
- Forearm Supports
- Graphics Design Software
- Grip Aids
- Hair Scissors
- Handheld Computers (General)
- Height Adjustable Table Legs
- Keyguards
- Light Switch Extension Handles
- Miniature Keyboards
- Money Handling Products
- On-Screen Keyboards
- One-Handed Keyboards
- Page Turners
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Pipettes
- Professional Organizers
- Scribe/Notetaker
- Speech Recognition Software
- Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
- Talking Money Identifier
- Test Tube Holders
- Typing / Keyboarding Aids
- Vacuum Pickup Tools
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Trays
- Writing Aids
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 Contrast/High Visibility Paint and Tape
- 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/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
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
Pain
- Accessible Software for Webbing
- 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 Supports
- 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 Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Personal Air Cleaner (Neckworn)
Seizure Activity
- Designated Responders
- Disability Awareness/Etiquette Training
- Fall Protection
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Modified Break Schedule
- Modified Lighting
- Padded Edging
- Plan of Action
- Policy Modification
- Protective Eyewear
- Rest Area/Private Space
- Rolling Safety Ladders
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Timers and Watches
- Transportation Assistance
- Voice Recorders
- Wall Calendars and Planners
- Workplace Safety
- Written Instructions
Skin Rash/Blisters/Sores
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device
- Disability Awareness/Etiquette Training
- Job Restructuring
- Odor Control
- Outgoing Voice Amplification - Telephone
- Policy Modification
- Voice Amplification
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
Suppressed Immune System
- Disability Awareness/Etiquette Training
- Hand Protection
- Policy Modification
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Temperature Sensitivity
- Air Deflectors
- Cold Resistant Gloves
- Cooling Clothing
- Fans
- Flexible Schedule
- Heated Clothing
- Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products
- Heated Gloves
- Portable Air Conditioners
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Vent Covers
- Workstation Space Heaters
Toileting/Grooming Issue
- Accessible Toilets and Toilet Seats
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Flexible Schedule
- Grab Bars - Toilet Hinged Arm Support
- Grooming and Dressing Aids
- Independent Living Aids
- Modified Break Schedule
- Swing Away Grab Bars
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Toileting Aids
- Transfer Aids
- Transfer Sheets
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
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
Light
- Alternative Lighting
- Anti-Glare Filters for Fluorescent Lights
- Flexible Schedule
- Fluorescent Light Tube Covers
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- LED Light Filters
- Lighting Gel Filters
- Modified Lighting
- Non-Fluorescent Lighting
- Personal Visors
- Simulated Skylights and Windows
- Sun/UV Protective Clothing
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transparent Window Shades
- UV Protection Shelters
- Vehicle Window Tinting and Shades
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
Parking
Stress
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- On-site Mentoring
- Service Animal
- Simulated Skylights and Windows
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
- Task Rotation
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Uninterrupted Work Time
Situations and Solutions:

A college professor with lupus requested the accommodation of an office with windows to utilize natural lighting.
Because professors with more seniority were offered the offices with windows, the employer wasn’t sure if, because of a union agreement, it would be possible to override the seniority issue. JAN suggested the use of full-spectrum lighting that has nearly the same effect as the natural lighting and can be found in task lighting, desk and floor lamps, light boxes, and torchieres, as well as replacement bulbs for existing lighting. The college decided to change out the lighting in stages and consult with the employee and her doctor to determine how that could be done effectively.

A health care worker with lupus had low vision.
She was having difficulty viewing her computer screen and paper copies. The individual was accommodated with a large monitor, screen magnification software, hand/stand magnifier for paper copies, and a closed circuit television system.

A corporate trainer with lupus had difficulty standing and walking when giving presentations.
The individual was accommodated with a scooter for getting around the work-site and a stand/lean stool to support her weight when standing.

An insurance clerk with arthritis from systemic lupus erythematosus was experiencing pain in her back, neck, and hands from sitting for long periods of time doing computer work.
She was accommodated with speech recognition software, an ergonomic chair, and an adjustable sit/stand workstation.

An engineer with lupus was having difficulty completing all of his work in the office due to fatigue.
The individual was accommodated with frequent rest breaks, a flexible schedule, and work from home on a part-time basis.

A claims representative with lupus was sensitive to fluorescent light in his office and to the radiation emitted from his computer monitor.
The overhead lights were changed from fluorescent to broad spectrum by using a special filter that fit onto the existing light fixture. The individual was also accommodated with a glare guard and flicker-free monitor.

An executive secretary with lupus had severe back pain due to arthritis.
The individual was accommodated with an adjustable height workstation to alternate between sitting and standing, an adjustable keyboard and mouse tray, and an ergonomic chair with lumbar support.

A systems analyst with lupus had migraine headaches.
The individual was moved from a cubicle office to a separate workspace away from distractions and noise. He was then able to use task lighting instead of overhead fluorescent lighting and adjust the temperature control when necessary.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Lupus
Publications
Accommodation and Compliance Series
Consultants' Corner Articles
Related Disabilities
Articles
- No Articles available for Lupus
Blog Posts
Events Regarding Lupus
- 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:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Lead Consultant — ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
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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 - 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
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ADA UpdateJuly 17, 2018
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Ask the Cognitive TeamAugust 21, 2018
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
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
- Jeanne Goldberg, Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Transcripts
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Sarah Small , Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Other Information Regarding Lupus
External Links
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
- American Chronic Pain Association
- Arthritis Foundation
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Lupus Canada
- Lupus Foundation of America
- Lupus Research Institute
- Mayo Clinic
- MedlinePlus
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Jewish Health
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
- Office on Women's Health
- Remedy's Health Communites
- The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- The Lupus Initiative