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# JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

**Job Accommodations for People with**

**Huntington’s Disease**

Huntington’s disease (HD) results from genetically programmed degeneration of brain cells, called neurons, in certain areas of the brain. This degeneration causes uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties, and emotional disturbance. HD is a familial disease, passed from parent to child through a mutation in the normal gene. Each child of an HD parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the HD gene. Some early symptoms of HD are mood swings, depression, irritability or trouble driving, learning new things, remembering a fact, or making a decision. As the disease progresses, concentration on intellectual tasks becomes increasingly difficult and the person may have difficulty feeding himself or herself and swallowing. The rate of disease progression and the age of onset vary from person to person. 

One out of every 10,000 Americans has HD. Because most individuals affected by HD exhibit symptoms between the ages of 30 to 50 years of age, many are likely to be employed when first diagnosed. The following is a quick overview of some of the job accommodations that might be useful for people with HD. For a more in depth discussion, access JAN's publications at http://askjan.org/media/atoz.htm.   To discuss an accommodation situation with a consultant, contact JAN directly.

**Cognitive Impairment:**

· Provide written job instructions when possible

· Prioritize job assignments 

· Allow flexible work hours 

· Allow periodic rest breaks to reorient 

· Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers

· Minimize distractions and provide more structure

· Allow a self-paced workload 

· Reduce job stress 

**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 and work from home

· Implement ergonomic workstation design

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

**Fine Motor:**

· Implement ergonomic workstation design, including arm supports

· Provide alternative computer access and keyguard

· Provide alternative telephone access 

· Provide writing and grip aids 

· Provide a page turner and a book holder 

· Provide a note taker

**Gross Motor:**

· Reduce walking or provide a scooter or other mobility aid 

· 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

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

# Depression and Mood Swings:

· Reduce distractions in work environment 

· Provide to-do lists and written instructions 

· Remind employee of important deadlines and meetings 

· Allow time off for counseling 

· Provide clear expectations of responsibilities and consequences 

· Provide sensitivity training to co-workers 

· Allow breaks to use stress management techniques 

· Develop strategies to deal with work problems before they arise 

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

· Provide information on counseling and employee assistance programs

**Cognitive Impairment:**

· Provide written job instructions when possible 

· Prioritize job assignments 

· Allow flexible work hours 

· Allow periodic rest breaks to reorient 

· Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers 

· Minimize distractions 

· Allow a self-paced workload 

· Reduce job stress 

· Provide more structure

**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

**Resources Specifically for People with Huntington’s Disease**

**Hereditary Disease Foundation**

3960 Broadway, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10032

Direct: (212)928-2121

TTY: (212)928-2172

cures@hdfoundation.org

http://www.hdfoundation.org

**Huntington's Disease Advocacy Center**

http://www.hdac.org

**Huntington's Disease Society of America**

505 Eighth Avenue

Suite 902

New York, NY 10018

Toll Free: (800)345-HDSA

Direct: (212)242-1968

http://www.hdsa.org

Updated 3/23/10.

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.

Fact Sheet Series

Job Accommodations for People with Huntington’s Disease