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# JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

**Job Accommodations for People**

**with Cerebral Palsy**

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disorder caused by damage to the brain during or shortly after birth. CP is not progressive, communicable, inherited, or a primary cause of death. It is not a disease. Symptoms of CP may include muscle weakness, abnormal posture, poor muscle control and lack of coordination, muscle spasms or seizures, bladder and bowel incontinence, impaired speech, and cognitive limitations. 

The following is a quick overview of some of the job accommodations that might be useful for employees with CP. 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.

**Activities of Daily Living:**

· Place workstation close to accessible restrooms and break rooms 

· Allow the use of a personal care attendant 

· Allow a service animal in the workplace 

· Allow extra time for activities of daily living (ADL) 

**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

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

**Fine Motor:**

· Implement ergonomic workstation design 

· Provide 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 and 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

**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 

**Speech Impairment:**

· Provide a picture board or picture cards       

· 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

**Resources Specifically for People with Cerebral Palsy**

**American Academy for Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Medicine (AACPDM)**

6300 North River Road, Suite 727 

Rosemont, IL 60018-4226 

(847)658-1635 

http://www.aacpdm.org

**United Cerebral Palsy**

1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

Toll Free: (800)872-5827

Direct: (202)776-0406

TTY: (800)872-5827

Fax: (202)776-0414

http://www.ucpa.org

**Goodwill Industries International, Inc.**

15810 Indianola Drive

Rockville, MD 20855

Toll Free: (800)741-0186

Direct (301)530-6500

TTY: (301)530-9759

Fax: (301)530-1516

http://www.goodwill.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 Cerebral Palsy