"Charcot-Marie-Tooth,
or CMT, is the most common inherited neurological disorder, affecting
approximately 150,000 Americans. CMT is found world-wide in all races
and ethnic groups. It was discovered in 1886 by three physicians,
Jean-Marie-Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth. CMT patients
slowly lose [feeling in] their feet/legs and hands/arms as nerves
to the extremities degenerate. The muscles in the extremities become
weakened because of the loss of stimulation by the affected nerves.
Additionally, there is a loss of sensory nerve function." From:
http://www.charcot-marie-tooth.org/site/content/whatiscmt/index.asp
Accommodation ideas for
individuals with CMT:
Muscle weakness: An individual with CMT may benefit from a flexible
work schedule, liberal use of leave time, being allowed to work
from home, a reduction or elimination of physical exertion and workplace
stress, scheduled rest breaks away from the workstation, and ergonomic
workstation design. Ergonomic
equipment, adjustable workstations (office
and industrial),
and supine
workstations may also be useful.
Impairment of the hands and fingers: For computer access, speech
recognition, alternative
input devices, one-handed
keyboards, alternative
keyboards, expanded
keyboards, alternative
mice, and miniature
keyboards can help. Writing
aids; alternative telephone access; filing modifications such
as modified filing trays, Lazy-Susan
carousels, and automated filing systems; reachers;
page
turners; and book
holders may also be helpful. For access to tools, ergonomic
tools, tool
balancers, and anti-vibration
wraps and gloves
will often help increase gripping ability. For assistance with lifting,
compact
lifting devices, lift tables, and vaccuum
lifts are often used. For driving, steering
grips or hand
controls may be useful.
Lack of sensitivity to hot and cold, especially in the hands and
feet: Heated clothing and heaters, cooling
clothing, portable air conditioners, and fans are useful for
controlling work areas that fluctuate dramatically in temperature.
Impairment of the use of the legs and feet: A wheelchair
or scooter
may accommodate individuals who have difficulty moving around a
workplace. For building access, accessible parking, ramps,
stair
and chair
lifts, and elevators
are helpful. Implementing appropriate emergency
evacuation procedures may also be a benefit. Stand
lean stools and anti-fatigue
matting may assist with relieving fatigue for individuals who
have to stand for long periods.
Dealing with workplace stress: An individual with CMT may benefit
from reduction or elimination of stress in the current position,
transfer to a less stressful position, flexible schedule to recover
from any effects caused by workplace stress, and work at home to
avoid workplace stress.
Difficulty performing activities of daily living: Eating
aids, grooming
aids, and other independent
living aids may help.
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