Employees with Arthritis 

Accommodation and Compliance Series
Practical Solutions • Workplace Success 

2 

Preface 

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

Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. JAN makes documents available 

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The information is not intended to be legal or medical advice. If legal or medical advice 

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contact JAN. 

Authored by Beth Loy, Ph.D. Updated 03/22/10. 
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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 Arthritis 

How prevalent is arthritis? 

Arthritis affects 70 million Americans, or one in three people (National Arthritis 

Foundation, 2007). Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability 

(National Arthritis Foundation, 2008a). Arthritis typically affects more women than men, 

is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems, and is the nation’s leading cause 

of disability among Americans over age 15 (National Arthritis Foundation, 2008a). 

What is arthritis? 

Arthritis includes approximately 100 inflammatory and noninflammatory diseases that 

affect the body’s joints, connective tissue, and other supporting tissues such as 

tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and internal organs. There are more than 100 

different types of arthritis and the cause of most types is unknown (National Arthritis 

Foundation, 2008a).

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Swelling in one or more joints, early morning stiffness, recurring pain or tenderness in 

any joint, obvious redness and warmth in a joint, unexplained weight loss, fever, or 

weakness combined with joint pain that last more than two weeks are typical symptoms 

of arthritis. Skin, joint, kidney, lung, heart, nervous system, and blood cell infections may 

accompany fatigue and difficulty in sleeping. Evaluating arthritis requires an assessment 

of past history, current symptoms, blood tests, biopsies, and x-rays (National Arthritis 

Foundation, 2003). 
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What causes arthritis? 

Researchers have identified several risk factors for developing arthritis. For example, 

osteoarthritis is often blamed on genes that cause weakness in the cartilage. However, 

excessive physical stress and repeated injuries may also play a role. Genetic factors 

have been implicated in other disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and 

scleroderma. Another factor involved in certain kinds of arthritis is gender. Lupus, 

rheumatoid arthritis scleroderma, and fibromyalgia are found to be more common in 

women. This suggests that hormones may have a role in the development of these 

conditions (Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, n.d.). 

How is arthritis treated? 

Treatments for arthritis vary; exercising, medication, natural remedies, nutrition, and 

surgery may be helpful. There is no best treatment for everyone who has a particular 

type of arthritis, as each individual may respond differently to different treatments; 

emphasis is on improving function of joints and relieving pain (National Arthritis 

Foundation, 2008b). 

Arthritis and the Americans with Disabilities Act 

Is arthritis 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 arthritis 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 Arthritis

(Note: People with arthritis 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 arthritis 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 arthritis 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 arthritis been consulted regarding possible accommodations? 

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

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

whether additional accommodations are needed? 

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

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 

• Allow access to a refrigerator 

Fatigue/Weakness: 

• Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress 

• Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation 

• Allow a flexible work schedule, flexible use of leave time, and work from home 

• Implement ergonomic workstation design 
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• Provide a scooter or other mobility aid if walking cannot be reduced 

Fine Motor Impairment: 

• Implement ergonomic workstation design 

• 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 Impairment: 

• Modify the work-site to make it accessible 

• Provide parking close to the work-site 

• Provide an accessible entrance 

• Install automatic door openers 

• Provide an accessible restroom and break room 

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

• Modify the workstation to make it accessible 

• Adjust desk height if wheelchair or scooter is used 

• Make sure materials and equipment are within reach range 

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

Photosensitivity: 

• Minimize outdoor activities between the peak hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm 

• Avoid reflective surfaces such as sand, snow, and concrete 

• Provide clothing to block UV rays 

• Provide “waterproof” sun-protective agents such as sun blocks or sunscreens 

• Install low wattage overhead lights 

• Provide task lighting 

• Replace fluorescent lighting with full spectrum or natural lighting 

• Eliminate blinking and flickering lights 

• Install adjustable window blinds and light filters 

Skin Irritations: 

• Avoid infectious agents and chemicals 

• Avoid invasive procedures 

• Provide protective clothing 
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Sleep Disorder: 

• Allow flexible work hours 

• Allow frequent breaks 

• Allow work from home 

Stress: 

• 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 

 

Temperature Sensitivity: 

• Modify work-site temperature 

• Modify dress code 

• Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation 

• Allow flexible scheduling and flexible use of leave time 

• Allow work from home during extremely hot or cold weather 

• Maintain the ventilation system 

• Redirect air conditioning and heating vents 

• Provide an office with separate temperature control 

Situations and Solutions: 

A machine operator with arthritis had difficulty turning control switches. The small tabs 

were replaced with larger cushioned knobs and he was given gloves with non-slip dot 

gripping. These modifications enabled him to grasp and turn the knobs more effectively 

and with less force. 

A plant manager with arthritis was having difficulty moving throughout her plant to 

monitor assembly line workers. She was accommodated with a motorized scooter. 

A drafter with arthritis in his knees was having difficulty accessing his work-site. He was 

accommodated with a reserved parking space close to the building, a first floor office, 

and push pad activated power doors. 

A social worker with arthritis in her hands was having difficulty reading case summaries, 

manipulating paperwork, and taking notes. She was accommodated with a page turner, 

bookholder, writing aids, and the option to dictate reports to her clerical staff. 
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A receptionist with arthritis in his right hand due to an injury needed to input data into a 

computer. He was accommodated with a left-handed keyboard, an articulating 

keyboard tray, speech recognition software, a trackball, and office equipment for a 

workstation rearrangement. 

A laborer in a warehouse was having difficulty standing for long periods due to 

ankylosing spondylitis. As an accommodation he was transferred to a position within the 

warehouse that allowed him flexibility to stand, walk, and sit, as he needed. The 

employer also purchased a heated cushion for his chair, gave him a stand/lean stool, 

and provided him with a cart. 

A vice president with osteoarthritis had difficulty maintaining her stamina during the 

workday. To accommodate the fatigue, she was given a flexible schedule and allowed 

to come in later when necessary. Her employer also provided her with a recliner for her 

office so she could take additional rest breaks throughout the day. 

A forklift driver with rheumatoid arthritis had difficulty grasping the steering wheel. The 

forklift was fitted with a spinner ball to eliminate the need for grasping. 

A secretary with rheumatoid arthritis was limited in typing due to pain and stiffness in 

her hands due to cold temperatures. These symptoms were exacerbated in the winter 

months but occurred throughout the year due to the below average air temperature in 

her office. She was accommodated with a space heater, additional window insulation, 

and speech recognition software. 

An insurance clerk with arthritis from systemic lupus erythematosus was experiencing 

pain in her back, neck, and hands from sitting for long periods of time doing computer 

work. She was accommodated with speech recognition software, an ergonomic chair, 

and an adjustable sit/stand workstation. 

Products: 

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

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

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

lists are accessible through this system; however, upon request JAN provides these 

lists and many more that are not available on the Web site. 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 

Direct: (202)693-7880 

TTY: (202)693-7881 

Fax: (202)693-7888 

infoODEP@dol.gov 

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. 

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association

22100 Gratiot Ave. 

E. Detroit, MI 48021 

Direct: (586)776-3900 

aarda@aol.com 

http://www.aarda.org 

The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association is dedicated to the 

eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of suffering and the 

socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity through fostering and facilitating collaboration in 

the areas of education, research, and patient services in an effective, ethical, and 

efficient manner. 
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Arthritis Foundation

P.O. Box 7669 

Atlanta, GA 30357-0669 

Toll Free: (800)283-7800 

http://www.arthritis.org 

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to support research to find the cure for and 

prevention of arthritis and to improve the quality of life for those with arthritis. 

Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

130 A P Green, DC330.00 

One Hospital Drive 

Columbia, MO 65212 

Direct: (573)882-8097 

MARRTC@missouri.edu 

http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/~arthritis 

MARRTC is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center 

in the country. 

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

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. 

National Osteoporosis Foundation

1232 22nd Street N.W. 

Washington, DC 20037-1292 

Direct: (202)223-2226 

http://www.nof.org 

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is the leading nonprofit, voluntary health 

organization dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health in order to reduce the 

widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and associated fractures, while working to find a 

cure for the disease through programs of research, education and advocacy. 
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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 4, 2008, from http://askjan.org/links/ADAtam1.html 

Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (n.d.). General arthritis. 

Retrieved September 4, 2008, from 

http://marrtc.missouri.edu/conditions/general.html 

National Arthritis Foundation. (2007). Questions and answers. Retrieved September 4, 

2008, from http://ww2.arthritis.org/Resources/FAQ.asp 

National Arthritis Foundation. (2003). Arthritis 101. Retrieved September 4, 2008, from 

http://www.arthritis.org.sg/101/101.html 

National Arthritis Foundation. (2008a). Arthritis facts. Retrieved September 4, 2008, 

from http://www.arthritis.org/resources/gettingstarted/default.asp 

National Arthritis Foundation. (2008b). Principles of arthritis management. Retrieved 

July 1, 2005, from 

http://www.arthritis.org/resources/gettingstarted/management.asp 
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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.