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About Hepatitis
There are several types of hepatitis and each has different modes of transmission, symptoms, and treatment. The most prevalent types are hepatitis A, B, & C:
- Hepatitis A is the most common type of Hepatitis. It is a liver disease that occurs when infected by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). HAV is transmitted through a fecal-oral route either by person-to-person transmission between household contacts or sex partners or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Bloodbourne transmission is rare. Hepatitis A is highly contagious if you are in close personal contact with an infected individual. The CDC Department of Health and Human Services publishes a list of infectious and communicable diseases transmitted through handling the food supply. Pathogens that can cause disease after an infected person handles food include the hepatitis A virus. No other type of hepatitis can be transmitted through the food supply. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.
- Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. HBV is transmitted by contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. It is NOT spread through food, water, or by causal contact. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
- Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is transmitted by direct contact with infected blood. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
Hepatitis 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 Hepatitis
People with hepatitis 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 hepatitis 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?
Key Accommodations
Fatigue/Weakness: Individuals with Hepatitis may experience decreased stamina or fatigue, making it challenging to perform physically demanding tasks or tolerate extended work hours.
- Flexible leave
- Modified schedule
- Consider access to the facility (ramps, parking, etc.)
- Frequent rest breaks
- Reduce or eliminate strenuous activity
- Flexibility to sit or stand (adjustable workstation)
- Provide a rest area with cot
- Job sharing
Cognitive Complications: Impaired cognitive function may result in memory loss, difficulty managing time, organizational limitations, and executive dysfunction.
- Provide written job instructions and prioritize assignments
- Increase job structure
- Use of day planner or electronic organizer
- Minimize distractions
Psychological Implications: Adjusting to having a disability, as well as the impact on one’s life may result in decreased tolerance for stressors in the workplace.
- Identify stressors and reduce stress
- Educate coworkers, but keep person and his/her condition confidential
- Allow telephone calls to emotional supports
- Open-door policy to supervisor
- Time off for counseling or therapy
- Provide praise and positive reinforcement
Other Considerations:
- Work from home options
- Reassignment. Reassignment is typically considered if the employee can no longer perform the essential functions of their job (either with or without accommodations).
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Decreased Stamina/Fatigue
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Job Restructuring
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Stand-lean Stools
- Task Rotation
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- 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
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
Take Medication
By Work Related Function
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
Safety Standards
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Cut and Puncture Resistant Gloves and Sleeves
- Designated Responders
- Machine Guards and Shields
- Plan of Action
- Workplace Safety
Stress
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Flexible Schedule
- Counseling/Therapy
- 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
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
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 computer programmer with Hepatitis B was experiencing fatigue and nausea, which resulted in problems commuting.
The employer provided a modified schedule and gave the employee an option to work from home.
A factory worker with Hepatitis C, receiving treatment for six months, was experiencing flu like symptoms with extreme fatigue.
The employer provided a modified schedule so that the employee could attend doctor's visits and also leave when symptoms were exacerbated.
A food service worker disclosed Hepatitis C to her employer. The employer was concerned that the employee would risk transmission through the food supply.
The employee provided a note from her doctor, indicating that Hepatitis C was "NOT transmitted through the food supply," and that the individual was "safe to perform the essential job functions." Note: Hepatitis A is a food borne illness, but Hepatitis C is not.
An account representative was out of leave due to treatment for Hepatitis C.
The employee wanted to return to work, but due to side effects of treatment, could not maintain the stamina needed to visit clients. The employer reassigned the employee to another account representative position that did not require travel.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Hepatitis
Publications
Consultants' Corner Articles
Events Regarding Hepatitis
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Webcast Series Training
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ADA & Workplace Accommodations - Episode #44May 5, 2022
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The ADA and Workplace Accommodation for Employees with Voice DisordersJanuary 31, 2024
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Low-Key AT: Less-Obvious Options for Entry-Level WorkersMarch 16, 2022
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Accessibility as a Key to InclusionJuly 25, 2022
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Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2023?February 2, 2023
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Together Again: AT for Travel and Inclusive EventsFebruary 3, 2023
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2023 CSUNMarch 17, 2023
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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
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Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team: Challenging Mental Health ScenariosMay 11, 2021
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Accessibility & Accommodations: How Employers & HR Professionals Can Prepare for Emerging Tech in the WorkplaceMay 20, 2021
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Accommodating Public Safety Workers with DisabilitiesJune 8, 2021
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ADA UpdateJuly 13, 2021
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AT Update: What’s new in 2021August 10, 2021
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Ask JAN! Expert Q&AOctober 14, 2021
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Return to Work After COVID-19 – Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive LimitationsNovember 18, 2021
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Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune DisordersDecember 9, 2021
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Next-Level Accommodation and ADA ChallengesJanuary 13, 2022
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ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned: Stay at Work/Return to Work EditionFebruary 10, 2022
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Ergonomics for TeleworkersMarch 1, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning DeficitsMarch 17, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal DisordersApril 14, 2022
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Accommodation and ADA Considerations: Reproductive Disorders and PregnancyMay 12, 2022
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Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?June 9, 2022
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ADA UpdateJuly 14, 2022
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AT Update 2022August 11, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Sleep DisordersSeptember 22, 2022
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Building a Disability-Inclusive OrganizationOctober 13, 2022
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Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with DisabilitiesNovember 10, 2022
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Ask JAN! Q&AJanuary 12, 2023
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Supports and Services: Accommodations with a HeartbeatFebruary 9, 2023
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What You Should Know About the Impact of Long COVID in the WorkplaceMarch 9, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent WorkersApril 13, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor LimitationsMay 11, 2023
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What to Do When Performance and Conduct Factor Into the Accommodation EquationJune 8, 2023
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ADA Update 2023July 13, 2023
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Assistive Technology (AT) Update: What’s New in 2023August 10, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions: Substance Use DisorderSeptember 14, 2023
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The Way I See It: Accommodation Process Perspectives from Different Points of ViewOctober 12, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions: Respiratory Conditions, Allergies, & Fragrance SensitivityNovember 9, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Employees with Intellectual DisabilitiesDecember 12, 2023
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ADA and Beyond Compliance Considerations: Medical DocumentationJanuary 11, 2024
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Ask JAN! Q&A: Sensory Team EditionMarch 14, 2024
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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
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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
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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
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Handouts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
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Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
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Presenters:
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Julie Davis , Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
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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
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Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
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Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
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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)
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Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant — Sensory/Motor Teams
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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
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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
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Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
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Transcripts
Other Information Regarding Hepatitis
External Links
- Disclosing Hep C Status in the Workplace
- EEOC's Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Guidance Under the ADA
- HCSP Fact Sheet: A Guide for Employers and Coworkers
- Hepatitis A Questions and answers for the Public
- Hepatitis C in the Workplace
- PART 1630—Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American Liver Foundation
- American Sexual Health Association
- CDC National Center for Infectious Disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- GIKids
- Hepatitis B Foundation
- Hepatitis C Association Inc
- Hepatitis C Support Project
- Hepatitis Education Project
- Hepatitis Foundation International
- Immunization Action Coalition
- Mayo Clinic
- MedlinePlus
- National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
- Office on Women's Health
- The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- World Health Organization