Employees with Muscular 

Dystrophy 

Accommodation and Compliance Series
Practical Solutions • Workplace Success 

2 

Preface 

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a service of the Office of Disability 

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Authored by Linda Carter Batiste, J.D. Updated 03/23/10. 
Practical Solutions • Workplace Success 

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JAN’S ACCOMMODATION AND COMPLIANCE SERIES

Introduction 

JAN’s Accommodation and Compliance Series is designed to help employers determine 

effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA). Each publication in the series addresses a specific medical condition and 

provides information about the condition, ADA information, accommodation ideas, and 

resources for additional information. 

The Accommodation and Compliance Series is a starting point in the accommodation 

process and may not address every situation. Accommodations should be made on a 

case by case basis, considering each employee’s individual limitations and 

accommodation needs. Employers are encouraged to contact JAN to discuss specific 

situations in more detail. 

For information on assistive technology and other accommodation ideas, visit JAN's 

Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) at http://askjan.org/soar. 

Information about Muscular Dystrophy (MD) 

What is MD?

MD refers to a group of genetic diseases marked by progressive weakness and 

degeneration of the skeletal, or voluntary, muscles, which control movement. The 

muscles of the heart and some other involuntary muscles are also affected in some 

forms of muscular dystrophy, and a few forms involve other organs as well. The major 

forms of muscular dystrophy are myotonic, Duchenne, Becker, limb-girdle, 

facioscapulohumeral, congenital, oculopharyngeal, distal, and Emery-Dreifuss. All 

forms of muscular dystrophy are caused by gene defects (Muscular Dystrophy 

Association, 2001). 

What are the symptoms of MD? 

Individuals with MD usually exhibit contractures, a condition often associated with 

shortened muscles around the joints. Due to the abnormal and sometimes painful 

positioning of the joints, most individuals with MD have extreme fatigue and weakness 

as well as speech, mobility, and fine motor limitations. In addition, scoliosis, or curvature 

of the spine, is common (Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2001). 

Who gets MD? 

MD is generally inherited but in some cases no family history of the disease may exist. 

MD can affect people of all ages. While some forms first become apparent in infancy or 

childhood, others may not appear until middle age or later (Muscular Dystrophy 

Association, 2001). 
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How is MD treated?

Moderate exercise programs and physical therapy can minimize contractures, and 

certain exercises may prevent or delay scoliosis. Surgery can sometimes be helpful in 

relieving muscle shortening. In addition, respiratory care for some individuals with MD 

may also help. Medications known as corticosteroids have been found to slow muscle 

destruction in some forms of MD, but can have serious side effects. Researchers are 

testing new corticosteroids that may have fewer side effects. The prognosis of MD 

varies according to the type of MD and the progression of the disorder (Muscular 

Dystrophy Association, 2001). 

MD and the Americans with Disabilities Act 

Is MD a disability under the ADA? 

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 

(EEOC, 1992). Therefore, some people with MD will have a disability under the ADA 

and some will not. 

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 such an impairment (EEOC, 1992). For more information about how to 

determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, visit 

http://askjan.org/corner/vol02iss04.htm. 
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Accommodating Employees with MD 

(Note: People with MD 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 MD 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: 

1. What limitations is the employee with MD experiencing? 

2. How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance? 

3. What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations? 

4. What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all 

possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations? 

5. Has the employee with MD been consulted regarding possible accommodations? 

6. Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee 

with MD to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine 

whether additional accommodations are needed? 

7. Do supervisory personnel and employees need training regarding MD? 

Accommodation Ideas: 

Activities of Daily Living: 

• Allow use of a personal attendant at work 

• Allow use of a service animal at work 

• Make sure the facility is accessible 

• Move workstation closer to the restroom 

• Allow longer breaks 

• Refer to appropriate community services 

Fatigue/Weakness: 

• Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress 

• Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation 

• Allow a flexible work schedule and flexible use of leave time 

• Allow work from home 

• Implement ergonomic workstation design 
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Fine Motor Impairment: 

• Provide alternative computer access 

• Provide alternative telephone access 

• Provide arm supports 

• Provide writing and grip aids 

• Provide a page turner and a book holder 

• Provide a note taker 

Gross Motor: 

• Provide a scooter or other mobility aid if walking cannot be reduced 

• Provide parking close to the work-site 

• Provide an accessible entrance 

• Install automatic door openers 

• Provide an accessible route of travel to other work areas used by the employee 

• Make sure materials and equipment are within reach range 

• Move workstation close to other work areas, office equipment, and break rooms 

Medical Treatment Allowances: 

• Provide flexible schedules 

• Allow a self-paced workload with flexible hours 

• Allow employee to work from home 

• Provide part-time work schedules 

Speech Impairment: 

• Provide speech amplification, speech enhancement, or other communication 

device 

• Use written communication, such as email or fax 

• Transfer to a position that does not require a lot of communication 

• Allow periodic rest breaks 

Stress Intolerance: 

• Develop strategies to deal with work problems before they arise 

• Provide sensitivity training to coworkers 

• Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for support 

• Provide information on counseling and employee assistance programs 
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Situations and Solutions: 

An engineer with MD had difficulty grasping frequently used files. He was 

accommodated with a desktop carousel. 

A student with MD was limited in her use of the computer. She was accommodated 

with the Magic Wand Keyboard, a miniature computer keyboard and mouse. The 

keyboard worked with the slightest touch of a wand and no force was needed to activate 

the keys. 

A staff employee with MD who operated a power chair with a joystick was having 

difficulty opening doors. The individual could not grasp door handles and was 

accommodated with automatic door openers. 

A physician with MD was having problems getting up from a seated position after 

consulting with patients. The individual was accommodated with a lift cushion for his 

chair. 

A counselor was having difficulty performing psychological evaluations due to cognitive 

limitations. Her manager agreed to provide written job instructions when possible, and 

make memory aids such as schedulers or organizers readily available. 

A service worker was having difficulty maintaining a full workday due to fatigue. The 

individual was accommodated with periodic rest breaks away from the workstation, a 

flexible work schedule, flexible use of leave time, parking close to the work-site, and 

periodic work from home. 

A technical writer with MD was having difficulty reaching her workstation. The individual 

was accommodated with a flat screen monitor, monitor arm, keyboard tray, footrest, 

headset, and strategically placed filing racks. 

A secretary with MD was restricted from typing information into her computer due to fine 

motor limitations. She was accommodated with speech recognition. 

A manager with MD was having difficulty with daily living needs. The individual was 

allowed to bring her service animal to work and provided an accessible restroom. 

A lawyer with MD was having difficulty climbing stairs. He was accommodated with a 

stair lift. 

An office worker with MD who distributed mail was having difficulty carrying mail to 

workstations. He was accommodated with a cart. 

A writer with MD had severe hand weakness and was limited in her ability to use the 

keyboard. The individual was accommodated with a miniature keyboard with light touch 

features. 
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Products: 

There are numerous products that can be used to accommodate people with limitations. 

JAN's Searchable Online Accommodation Resource at http://askjan.org/soar is 

designed to let users explore various accommodation options. Many product vendor 

lists are accessible through this system; however, JAN provides these lists and many 

more that are not available on the Web site upon request. Contact JAN directly if you 

have specific accommodation situations, are looking for products, need vendor 

information, or are seeking a referral. 
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Resources 

Job Accommodation Network 

West Virginia University 

PO Box 6080 

Morgantown, WV 26506-6080 

Toll Free: (800)526-7234 

TTY: (877)781-9403 

Fax: (304)293-5407 

jan@askjan.org 

http://askjan.org 

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free consulting service that provides 

information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and 

the employability of people with disabilities. 

Office of Disability Employment Policy 

200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-1303 

Washington, DC 20210 

Toll Free: (866)633-7635 

TTY: (877)889-5627 

Fax: (202)693-7888 

http://www.dol.gov/odep/ 

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is an agency within the U.S. 

Department of Labor. ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment 

opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to 

employment. 

Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy Society 

3 Westwood Road 

Lexington, MA 02420 

Direct: (781)860-0501 

Fax: (781)860-0599 

Phone: (781)275-7781 

http://www.fshsociety.org 

Encourages and promotes scientific and clinical research and development through 

education of the general public, governmental bodies, and the medical profession. 

International Myotonic Dystrophy Organization 

PO Box 1121 

Sunland, CA 91041-1121 

Toll Free: (866)679-7954 

Direct: (818)951-2311 

info@myotonicdystrophy.org 
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http://www.myotonicdystrophy.org 

This site is devoted to information about Myotonic Dystrophy (MD) and Congenital 

Myotonic Dystrophy (CMyD), both forms of muscular dystrophy. Also contained in this 

site is information on Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (Thompsen's disease), which is a 

separate condition but in some cases having similar symptoms. 

Muscular Dystrophy Association 

3300 East Sunrise Drive 

Tucson, AZ 85718 

Toll Free: (800)572-1717 

mda@mdausa.org 

http://www.mdausa.org 

MDA provides comprehensive medical services to tens of thousands of people with 

neuromuscular diseases at some 240 hospital-affiliated clinics across the country. The 

Association's worldwide research program, which funds over 400 individual scientific 

investigations annually, represents the largest single effort to advance knowledge of 

neuromuscular diseases and to find cures and treatments for them. In addition, MDA 

conducts far-reaching educational programs for the public and professionals. 

Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada 

2345 Yonge Street 

Suite 900 

866MUSCLE8 

Toronto, ON M4P 2-E5 

Toll Free: (866)MUS-CLE8 

Direct: (416)488-0300 

Fax: (416)488-7523 

http://www.mdac.ca 

MDA of Canada is a national voluntary agency that is committed to funding leading 

research to find the causes, treatments, preventions, and cures for MD. 

Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, Inc. 

3951 N. Meridian Street, Suite 100 

Indianapolis, IN 46208 

Toll Free: (800)544-1213 

Direct: (317)923-6333 

Fax: (317)923-6334 

http://www.mdff.org 

The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, Inc. provides services, resources, home 

medical equipment, and adaptive devices to help people with MD. 

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
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National Institutes of Health 

1 AMS Circle 

Bethesda, MD 20892-3675 

Toll Free: (877)22N-IAMS 

Direct: (301)495-4484 

TTY: (301)565-2966 

Fax: (301)718-6366 

niamsinfo@mail.nih.gov 

http://www.niams.nih.gov 

The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 

is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and 

musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry 

out this research, and the dissemination of information on research progress in these 

diseases. 

National Organization for Rare Disorders 

55 Kenosia Avenue 

PO Box 1968 

Danbury, CT 06813-1968 

Toll Free: (800)999-6673 

Direct: (203)744-0100 

TTY: (203)797-9590 

Fax: (203)798-2291 

orphan@rarediseases.org 

http://www.rarediseases.org/ 

NORD is a unique federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping 

people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. 

NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through 

programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. 

Parent Project for Muscular Dystrophy Research 

1012 North University Boulevard 

Middletown, OH 45042 

Toll Free: (800)714-5437 

Direct: (513)424-0696 

Fax: (513)425-9907 

info@parentprojectmd.org 

http://www.parentdmd.org 

The Parent Project for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Inc. is committed to expedite a 

treatment and cure for Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy. 
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References 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (1992). A technical assistance manual on 

the employment provisions (title I) of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Retrieved September 5, 2008, from http://askjan.org/links/ADAtam1.html 

Muscular Dystrophy Association. (2001). Facts about Muscular Dystrophy (MD). 

Retrieved July 6, 2005, from http://www.mdausa.org/publications/fa-md.html 
Practical Solutions • Workplace Success 

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This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a 

contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment 

Policy (DOL079RP20426). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the 

position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, 

commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of 

Labor.