On This Page
About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
ME/CFS is a complex illness, and symptoms of ME/CFS may seem similar to many other illnesses. ME/CFS requires three symptoms:
- Not being able to participate in routine activities that were possible before becoming ill, such as work, school, social life, and/or personal life, that:
- Lasts for more than 6 months
- Is accompanied by fatigue that is:
- Often serious
- Just started (not lifelong)
- Not the result of ongoing activities
- Not from more than usual effort
- Not made better by rest
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM). Worsening of symptoms after physical, mental, or emotional effort that would not have caused a problem before the illness. Symptom onset can be immediate or delayed for hours or days. This is sometimes referred to as “crashing” by people with ME/CFS.
- Unrefreshing sleep. People with ME/CFS may not feel better even after a full night of sleep (e.g., feeling just as tired upon waking up as before going to bed).
In addition, at least one of the following symptoms is also required:
- Impaired memory or ability to concentrate. People with ME/CFS may have trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions.
- Orthostatic intolerance (symptoms that occur while standing or sitting upright). People with ME/CFS may feel lightheaded or dizzy when standing upright and may even faint.
OTHER COMMON SYMPTOMS:
- Muscle pain
- Pain in the joints without swelling or redness
- Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
- A sore throat that is frequent or recurring
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Genitourinary symptoms
- Sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and smell
- Chills and night sweats
- Visual disturbances
- Nausea
- Allergies or sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, or medications
Disease onset can be either gradual or sudden, and the course can be unpredictable and varies by individual. Some individuals report that even everyday activities (e.g., grocery shopping, attending medical appointments) can worsen their symptoms. The effects of ME/CFS can be substantially limiting.
Currently, there are no medications approved specifically for the treatment of ME/CFS. However, healthcare providers can treat the symptoms and comorbid conditions. Techniques to help individuals cope with the disease can also improve their quality of life.
Managing PEM should be considered to limit symptoms. During PEM, other symptoms may get worse or first appear, including difficulty thinking, problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, feeling dizzy, or severe fatigue. PEM can start immediately after the exertion or be delayed for hours or days. It may take days, weeks, or longer to recover from a crash. Sometimes individuals may not be able to leave their home or even get out of bed during crashes. People with PEM may not always be able to predict what will cause a crash or how long it will last. Practicing pacing strategies to minimize and manage PEM can lead to stabilization or improvements in pain, sleep, fatigue, cognition, and other symptoms. It can also prevent worsening of these symptoms. Pacing activity may improve quality of life considerably and even increase function.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a definitive list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities," (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such 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 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
People with ME/CFS 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 ME/CFS 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?
- 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
Dizziness
- Alerting Devices
- Alternative Lighting
- Fall Protection
- Flexible Schedule
- Modified Break Schedule
- Padded Edging
- Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices
- Protective Eyewear
- Rollators and Rolling Walkers
- Scooters
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Vehicle Rear Vision System
Memory Loss
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Apps for Memory
- Calendars and Planners
- Electronic Organizers
- Job Coaches
- Professional Organizers
- Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials
- Reminders
- Social Skill Builders
- Support Person
- Verbal Cues
- Visual Schedulers
- 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
Noise Sensitivity
- Alerting Devices
- Communicate Another Way
- Communication Access Technologies
- Fans
- Hearing Protection
- Noise Abatement
- Noise Canceling Earbuds
- Noise Canceling Headsets
- Real-time and Off-line Captioning Services
- Sound Absorption and Sound Proof Panels
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Organizing/Planning/Prioritizing
- Applications (apps)
- Apps for Organization/ Time Management
- Calendars and Planners
- 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
- Visual Schedulers
- Written Instructions
Overall Body Weakness/Strength
- Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Animal Lift Tables
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Battery Powered Lift Tables
- Compact Material Handling
- Elevating Wheelchairs
- Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Fall Protection
- Foldable / Transport Wheelchairs
- Forearm Support
- Grab Bars
- Hands Free Resuscitation Devices
- Independent Living Aids
- Large-Rated Scooters
- Large-Rated Wheelchairs
- Lift Tables
- Linen Carts
- Modified Break Schedule
- Multi-Purpose Carts
- Office Chairs with Brakes and Locking Casters
- Patient Lifts (General)
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment
- Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Stair Lifts
- Stand-lean Stools
- Stand-up Wheelchairs
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Toileting Aids
- Walk-up Changing Tables
- Walkers
- Walkers with Seats
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Pain
- 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 Support
- 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
Photosensitivity
- Alternative Lighting
- Anti-Glare Filters for Fluorescent Lights
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Fluorescent Light Tube Covers
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- LED Light Filters
- Light Filtering Glasses
- Lighting Gel Filters
- Sun/UV Protective Clothing
- Vehicle Window Tinting and Shades
Sleeping/Stay Awake
- Apps for Sleep/ Fatigue
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Modified Break Schedule
- Sleep Alerting Devices
- Strobe Lights
Standing
- Accessories for Scooters
- Adjustable Drafting Tables
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings
- All-Terrain Scooters
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Assist Lift Cushions
- Elevating Lift and Office Chairs
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Flexible Schedule
- Grab Bars
- Handheld Computers (General)
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Low Task Chair
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Proper Sitting / Standing Techniques
- Scooters
- Stair Assists
- Stand Aids
- Stand-lean Stools
- Stand-up Wheelchairs
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Van Conversion
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
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
- Physical/Social Distancing Signage
- 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
Use of Mobility Aids
- Accessories for Scooters
- Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment
- Adjustable Massage Tables
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings
- Automatic Door Openers
- Boat Access
- Door Knob Grips and Handles
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Evacuation Devices
- Flexible Schedule
- Height Adjustable Table Legs
- Job Coaches
- Light Switch Extension Handles
- Monitor Risers
- Pool Lifts
- Portable Ramps
- Ramps
- Spring-Loaded Carts
- Stair Lifts
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Threshold Ramps
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Accessible Lecterns
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Lifts
- Work Platforms
By Work Related Function
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
Noise
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Fans
- Flexible Schedule
- Folding Wall Partitions and Room Dividers
- Noise Abatement
- Noise Canceling Headsets
- Strobe Lights
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
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
Policies
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Physical/Social Distancing Signage
- Policy Modification
- Reassignment
- Service Animal
- Sleep Alerting Devices
- Strobe Lights
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Touchless Faucets
Stress
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Coaches
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Monitor Mirrors
- Odor Control
- On-site Mentoring
- Service Animal
- Simulated Skylights and Windows
- Strobe Lights
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Uninterrupted Work Time
Temperature
- Air Deflectors
- Cold Resistant Gloves
- Cooling Clothing
- Fans
- Flexible Schedule
- Foot Warmers
- Heat Resistant Gloves
- Heated Clothing
- Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products
- Heated Gloves
- Modified Break Schedule
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Vent Covers
- Workstation Space Heaters
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
Work Station Access
- Accessories for Scooters
- Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment
- Adjustable Desk Top Workstations for Office Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- All-Terrain Scooters
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Articulating Keyboard Trays
- Assist Lift Cushions
- Automatic Door Openers
- Chair Mats
- Chairs for Little People
- Chairs for People who are Tall
- Dual Monitors
- Elevating Lift and Office Chairs
- Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Expanded Keyboards
- Forearm Support
- Forward Leaning Chairs
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Large-Rated Chairs
- Low Task Chair
- Monitor Mirrors
- Monitor Risers
- Mousing Surfaces
- Proper Sitting / Standing Techniques
- Stair Assists
- Stand-lean Stools
- Supine Workstations
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
- Wheelchairs
- Work Platforms
- Zero Gravity (reclining) Chairs
Situations and Solutions:
The following situations and solutions are real-life examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every workplace but give you an idea about the types of accommodations that are possible.
A customer service representative with chronic fatigue syndrome and memory and concentration problems had difficulty answering some customer questions.
She was accommodated with written materials to help her remember information and a private office to reduce distractions.
A teacher with chronic fatigue syndrome had difficulty meeting the physical demands of her job and was exhausted by early afternoon.
She was provided with a teacher’s aid, her off-hour was moved to the afternoon, and she was excused from afternoon recess duty.
A student with chronic fatigue syndrome had difficulty keeping up with class notes.
He was accommodated with a laptop computer to use in class.
An employee with sickle cell anemia has disclosed that they are experiencing limitations due to chronic fatigue.
The individual has noticed that the quality of her work suffers near the end of their shift and is requesting accommodations to help with this. The employer agrees to modify the individual’s schedule so that she has a 1-2 hour break in the middle of the shift as an accommodation so that the individual can rest before resuming the work shift. To accomplish this, the employer extends the individual’s shift end-time so the individual works a normal amount of hours despite this long break.
A flight attendant with chronic fatigue syndrome was missing a lot of work due to fatigue.
Her doctor recommended that she reduce the amount of traveling she was doing. She wanted to continue working full-time so requested reassignment to an office job.
A school psychologist with chronic fatigue syndrome was having difficulty working at full production.
She was allowed to schedule appointments in the morning, which gave her uninterrupted time in the afternoon to complete paperwork. She was also allowed to schedule several short rest breaks throughout the day and use of sick leave as needed.
A therapist with chronic fatigue had difficulty maintaining the stamina needed to work full time
Part of the problem was that she had a difficult commute to and from work every day. She asked her employer if she could telework two times a week and do her paperwork on those days. Her employer had never had an employee telework before so decided to allow it on a trial basis to determine whether it would work. After trying it for a month, the employer agreed to allow the employee to continue teleworking.
An operating-room nurse with chronic fatigue syndrome had difficulty rotating schedules.
She was accommodated with a permanent day schedule.
A design engineer with chronic fatigue syndrome had difficulty working full-time.
He was allowed to work-at-home three days a week.
A daycare director with chronic fatigue syndrome had difficulty getting to work on time and maintaining a full-time schedule.
She was allowed a later start time and a part-time schedule.
A social worker with chronic fatigue syndrome experienced headaches and photosensitivity.
Accommodations included changing the lighting in her workstation from fluorescent lighting to task lighting, adding a glare guard to her computer monitor, providing window blinds, and implementing other workstation changes to enhance ergonomics.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Publications
Consultants' Corner Articles
Articles
- No Articles available for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Blog Posts
Events Regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Webcast Series Training
-
ADA & Workplace Accommodations - Episode #44May 5, 2022
-
The ADA and Workplace Accommodation for Employees with Voice DisordersJanuary 31, 2024
-
Low-Key AT: Less-Obvious Options for Entry-Level WorkersMarch 16, 2022
-
Accessibility as a Key to InclusionJuly 25, 2022
-
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2023?February 2, 2023
-
Together Again: AT for Travel and Inclusive EventsFebruary 3, 2023
-
2023 CSUNMarch 17, 2023
-
ATIA 2024 ConferenceJanuary 25, 2024
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
-
Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team: Challenging Mental Health ScenariosMay 11, 2021
-
Accessibility & Accommodations: How Employers & HR Professionals Can Prepare for Emerging Tech in the WorkplaceMay 20, 2021
-
Accommodating Public Safety Workers with DisabilitiesJune 8, 2021
-
ADA UpdateJuly 13, 2021
-
AT Update: What’s new in 2021August 10, 2021
-
Ask JAN! Expert Q&AOctober 14, 2021
-
Return to Work After COVID-19 – Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive LimitationsNovember 18, 2021
-
Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune DisordersDecember 9, 2021
-
Next-Level Accommodation and ADA ChallengesJanuary 13, 2022
-
ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned: Stay at Work/Return to Work EditionFebruary 10, 2022
-
Ergonomics for TeleworkersMarch 1, 2022
-
Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning DeficitsMarch 17, 2022
-
Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal DisordersApril 14, 2022
-
Accommodation and ADA Considerations: Reproductive Disorders and PregnancyMay 12, 2022
-
Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?June 9, 2022
-
ADA UpdateJuly 14, 2022
-
AT Update 2022August 11, 2022
-
Accommodation Solutions for Sleep DisordersSeptember 22, 2022
-
Building a Disability-Inclusive OrganizationOctober 13, 2022
-
Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with DisabilitiesNovember 10, 2022
-
Ask JAN! Q&AJanuary 12, 2023
-
Supports and Services: Accommodations with a HeartbeatFebruary 9, 2023
-
What You Should Know About the Impact of Long COVID in the WorkplaceMarch 9, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent WorkersApril 13, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor LimitationsMay 11, 2023
-
What to Do When Performance and Conduct Factor Into the Accommodation EquationJune 8, 2023
-
ADA Update 2023July 13, 2023
-
Assistive Technology (AT) Update: What’s New in 2023August 10, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions: Substance Use DisorderSeptember 14, 2023
-
The Way I See It: Accommodation Process Perspectives from Different Points of ViewOctober 12, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions: Respiratory Conditions, Allergies, & Fragrance SensitivityNovember 9, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions for Employees with Intellectual DisabilitiesDecember 12, 2023
-
ADA and Beyond Compliance Considerations: Medical DocumentationJanuary 11, 2024
-
Ask JAN! Q&A: Sensory Team EditionMarch 14, 2024
-
Accommodating Employees with Diverse Cognitive and Neurological NeedsApril 11, 2024
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Director of Collaborations, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Bill Curtis-Davidson, Co-director of PEAT
- Martez Mott, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Ability Group, Microsoft Research
- Tina Park, Ph.D., Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI
Presentations
Transcripts
This session, produced in collaboration with JAN and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), will introduce the potential impact of emerging tech on accommodations. Participants will learn how employers and HR professionals can help plan for an accessible workplace of the future, including the procurement of accessible technologies and potential accommodation needs of people with disabilities. PEAT, funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, will interview technology leaders to find out how AI and XR will change the way we work and what these technologies could mean for the employment of people with disabilities.
This event takes place on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
Speaker Bios:
Bill Curtis-Davidson is a Co-Director and Sr. Consultant on Emerging Tech Accessibility at PEAT. In this role, he works to advance the accessibility of emerging workplace technologies, including XR and AI, to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He partners with the disability community, tech companies, and the public to advance adoption of inclusive design and promising practices for tech accessibility. He serves on the External Advisory Board of the GA Tech Human-Computer Interaction Degree Program.
Martez Mott is a Senior Researcher in the Ability Group at Microsoft Research. His research is focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating intelligent interaction techniques that improve the accessibility of computing devices for people with diverse motor and sensory abilities. His current research focuses on identifying and overcoming accessibility barriers embedded in the design of virtual and augmented reality systems. Martez is passionate about improving diversity in the CS and HCI communities. He co-chaired the 2020 CHI Mentoring Workshop (CHIMe), is serving on the steering committee for CHIMe 2021, and co-founded the Black Researchers @ Microsoft Research group. Martez received his Ph.D. in Information Science from the Information School at the University of Washington. Prior to attending UW, he received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University.
Tina M. Park is currently a Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI, developing evidence-based methodologies for incorporating a more diverse range of stakeholders in the design and development of artificial intelligence. Prior to joining PAI, Tina has led efforts to cultivate supportive intellectual spaces for scholars of color at Brown University and nationwide. She has presented at top international conferences in her field such as the American Sociological Association, the Social Science History Association, the Population Association of America, and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tatum Storey, Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg is a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Julie Davis , Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg - Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Christy McCune , Consultant - Sensory Team
Presentations
Handouts
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Presentations
Transcripts
Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Ellice is an Extension Associate with the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. She provides content development, training and technical assistance for EARN. As an Extension Associate, she provides national technical assistance and training on topics related to disability and employment, and U.S. disability policy. Her areas of focus include employer practices to support workforce disability inclusion, demand-side strategies to improve employer engagement among disability service providers and evidence-based practices to support post-school success for youth with disabilities.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Terri Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC)
- Bryon Bass, Senior Vice President Workforce Absence and Disability Practice Leader, Sedgwick
- Susanne Bruyere, Co-Director and Co-Principal Director, Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant — Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts, Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Batiste, Director of Publications and Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Lore Lee, Consultant
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant - Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant – Sensory/Motor Teams
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Other Information Regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
External Links
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Topic Overview
- Could You Have ME/CFS?
- Disability and ME/CFS
- EEOC's Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Guidance Under the ADA
- Managing Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) in ME/CFS
- Managing Specific Symptoms of ME/CFS: Orthostatic Intolerance, Sleep Problems, Pain, and Memory/Concentration Problems
- ME/CFS Assessment Overview
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): The Need to Raise Awareness
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management
- Other Supportive Strategies for Living with ME/CFS
- PART 1630—Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Stop. Rest. Pace: Pacing and Management Guide for ME/CFS
- What Are ME/CFS Symptoms?
- What is ME/CFS?
- Work: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- American Chronic Pain Association
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Arthritis Foundation
- Bateman Horne Center of Excellence
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Institute for Chronic Pain
- International Association for CFS/ME
- Mayo Clinic
- MedlinePlus
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
- Office on Women's Health
- Open Medicine Foundation
- The Enviromental Illness Resource
- The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Action Network (#ME)
- The Solve ME/CFS Initiative
- U.S. ME/CFS Clinician Coalition
- Workwell Foundation