Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center onAging with a Disability
Common Work Problems and Accomodations
There are many types of problems that persons with a disability experience at work. Most of these problems can be accommodated in some way. Appropriate accommodations can significantly improve work performance, making them beneficial to both the employee and the employer.
Examples of common work problems and possible accommodations are listed in this section. Keep in mind that accommodations must be tailored to the employee and the work environment to be most effective. The accommodations described in these examples are solutions that have proven to be useful to other employees, however they may or may not be the best solution for a specific employee. Resources that can be used to identify accommodations that are specific to an employee’s needs may be found in our Job Accommodations Fact Sheet.
Click on any of the topics below for a list of common problems and possible accommodations.
Parking spaces are too small for wheelchair users or are too far from worksite.
Accessible parking with easy access to the work area should be provided for all employees with disabilities. Minimum specifications for accessible parking may be found at www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas.htm
There are steps to climb from the parking lot to the worksite.
An accommodation could be a ramp to get around the steps or provision of an assigned parking spot at a location that it is accessible to the worksite. The solution will depend upon the specific problem and the situation at the worksite.
Doors are hard to open.
The closure mechanism on a door can usually be adjusted so the door swings open more easily. Automatic door openers can be an alternative. These can be activated by floor mats, switches or remote controls. If the doorknob is the problem, it can be replaced with a lever handle, or lever handles that fit over the doorknob can be used.
Doorway is too narrow.
An inexpensive solution may be to replace the door hinges with offset hinges. This can provide an additional 2 inches of clearance. If this is not enough, it may be necessary to structurally widen the doorway and replace the door.
Climbing steps or stairs is difficult or impossible.
Accommodating this problem can be difficult. In some cases, a ramp can be installed to get around steps. Another option is a stair lift that can be attached to the stairs. A vertical lift, called a porch lift, can be used in certain situations. Guidelines for ramps and lifts may be found at http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm. Installing an elevator is an option, but this may be considered to be an unreasonable cost by the employer. Procedural changes can be made to minimize use of stairs; e.g., meetings can be scheduled on the floor where you are, coworkers can be asked to carry material to a different floor, and you can arrange your schedule to avoid repeated use of stairs.
Using the restroom is difficult or impossible.
Companies with 15 or more employees are required by the ADA to provide accessible restrooms. Minimum requirements for accessible restrooms may be found at http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm. Accommodations that have worked include replacing a stall door with a curtain, making a larger stall by combining two stalls, or using a removable raised toilet seat.
Workspace is too small to maneuver wheelchair.
This can often be accommodated by rearranging furniture and equipment. If the area is only used occasionally, coworkers may be able to do the tasks that require access to that area. If these solutions do not work and if the situation is affecting job performance, then structural modifications should be considered.
On/off switch is hard to activate.
On/off switches or controls can sometimes be moved to a more convenient location. For example, a foot pedal can be moved so it can be operated by hand or an on/off switch can be replaced by a remote switch that is more accessible.
Using computer causes pain and/or fatigue.
Proper positioning of you and your computer is critical. A good chair is essential. Wrist or arm supports can also be helpful, as can frequent breaks during the day. For ergonomic information and guidelines related to computer use, consult:
Loading paper into printers and copiers is difficult.
Finding a convenient solution for this problem can be difficult. Since this is a task that only needs to be done occasionally, it may be best solved by arranging for a coworker or another person to do it.
Desk is too low for wheelchair.
If the desk is otherwise satisfactory, it can be raised by simply placing blocks under the desk legs or by attaching furniture leg extenders. If there are other problems with the desk, it may be a good idea to purchase a new desk which has adjustable height or to consider having a custom desk built.
There is insufficient space on desk.
This problem can often be solved by making more efficient use of desk space. Desk items can be rearranged and removed if not used frequently. Placing items on a lazy-susan or using desk top file organizers can make the items more accessible. In some cases, it may be necessary to purchase a larger desk or have a custom desk built.
Desk chair is uncomfortable.
A better seat cushion or small pillow used as a back rest can often make a major difference. In many cases, a new chair is the answer, and there are many ergonomic (adjustable) desk chairs to choose from. Be sure to try whatever chair you are considering and test the adjustable features.
Pulling files from a file cabinet is difficult.
Placing frequently used files in drawers that are most accessible will make retrieval easier. A simple solution for retrieving files may be to fashion handles on file folders using cable ties which are available at home improvement stores. Purchasing horizontal file cabinets or open top mobile files may make access easier.
Fatigue interferes with work, especially later in the day.
This is a major problem for many individuals, and a difficult one to solve. A common solution is to slow down your pace throughout the day to avoid becoming overly tired. This often means working longer hours to complete work assignments. Taking rest breaks during the day and even a short nap in the afternoon can be a great help. Another solution may be to rearrange your work schedule so tasks that require creative thinking and concentration are done earlier in the day.
It is painful to hold the phone receiver during long calls.
A simple solution may be to attach a shoulder rest to the phone receiver. Another possibility is to use a speakerphone. If you use the phone frequently, you may wish to consider using a head set.
Repetitive tasks are very tiring.
In some cases, you may be able to change the task or take short breaks while doing the task. For example, if the problem is grading papers, you may be able to assign shorter or fewer essay questions and use more multiple-choice tests that can be machine read. Another solution is to request an assistant to help with the task.
It is difficult to work a fixed schedule.
Talk to your employer about having some flexibility in the hours or days that you work. You may also wish to discuss the possibility of working at home part of the time.
Walking long distances during the day is difficult.
Try to plan your day to reduce the number of times you have to walk to other parts of your building. This can be done by eliminating unessential tasks and combining two or three tasks into each trip. Ask coworkers to help out if they are going to the area where you would otherwise have to go. If these accommodations do not work, you may want to consider using a motorized scooter or power wheelchair.
Standing for long periods is difficult.
If possible, try to sit part of the time. Stools and specialized sit-stand supports can be used to provide relief. It may be possible to exchange work tasks with coworkers to reduce those tasks that require standing.
Sitting for long periods is painful.
A good chair can improve sitting tolerance. Taking regular short breaks to stand can also help. Setting a timer will help you remember to take breaks. Another solution may be to use a workstation that allows you to stand while performing certain activities.
Using a key or keycard to unlock doors is difficult.
Specialized handles can be attached to the key or keycard to make it easier to use. If the key/keycard does not have to be used frequently, an alternative accommodation is to ask a coworker for assistance.
Lifting or carrying items is difficult.
Possible accommodations include asking a coworker for assistance, using a wheeled cart to transport items, and breaking the load into smaller loads or rearranging the items to reduce the need to lift and carry.
Getting to work on time is a problem.
Talk to your employer about shifting your hours so you have more time to get ready for work. In some cases, it may be necessary to ask a family member to help or hire an attendant to assist you in the morning.
Handling a tray in the cafeteria is difficult.
Coworkers may be willing to assist you with this task. If there is no one available, ask a cafeteria employee to help you.
I need extra time for personal care.
Individuals with diabetes may need to eat frequently during the day, persons with spinal cord injury may need additional time in the restroom, and others may have to schedule regular visits to their doctors. Talk to your employer about a flexible schedule that will allow you to take time for your personal needs and make up the lost time.
Out-of-town business trips have become increasingly difficult.
Traveling can be especially difficult for a person with a disability. Make business trips a little easier by shipping as much of your baggage as possible directly to your destination, arranging your local transportation in advance, contacting the airline to let them know about special needs that you may have, and selecting hotels that have all necessary accommodations. If traveling continues to be difficult, you may wish to talk to your employer about ways to reduce the number of trips you are required to make or about having someone travel with you.
Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center on Aging with a Disability
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
7601 E. Imperial Hwy, Building 800-W
Downey, California 90242; (voice) 562-401-7402; (fax) 562-401-7011
webmaster: chuck.sanders@agingwithdisability.org
last updated 7/14/2008
