# 

# JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

**Job Accommodations for People**

**with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome**

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is a disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Persons with CFS must often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. In addition to these key defining characteristics, patients report various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. In some cases, CFS can persist for years. 

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

**Concentration Issues:**

· Provide written job instructions, prioritized assignments, and more structure

· Allow flexible work hours and allow a self-pace workload

· Allow periodic rest periods to reorient 

· Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers 

· Minimize distractions 

· Reduce job stress 

**Depression and Anxiety:**

· 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

# Fatigue/Weakness:

· Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress

· Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation

· Allow a flexible work schedule, leave time, and work from home

· Implement ergonomic workstation design

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

# Migraine Headaches:

· Provide task lighting, eliminate fluorescent lighting, and use glare guards

· Reduce noise with sound absorbent baffles/partitions, headsets, etc. 

· Provide alternate work space to reduce visual and auditory distractions

· Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy and air purification devices

· Allow flexible work hours, periodic rest breaks, and work from home

**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 and sun-protective agents to block UV rays

· Install low wattage overhead lights and task lighting 

· Replace fluorescent lighting with full spectrum or natural lighting

· Eliminate blinking and flickering lights

· Install adjustable window blinds and light filters

**Sleep Disorder:**

· Allow flexible work hours, frequent breaks, and work from home 

# Temperature Sensitivity:

· Modify work-site temperature and dress code and maintain the ventilation system

· Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation and redirect vents

· Allow flexible scheduling and work from home during extremely hot or cold weather 

· Provide an office with separate temperature control

**Resources Specifically For People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome**

**American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome**

515 Minor Ave. Suite 18

Seattle, WA 98104

Direct: (206)781-3544

http://www.aacfs.org 

**The Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Association of America**

PO Box 220398

Charlotte, NC 28222--0398

Toll Free: (800)442-3437

Direct: (704)365-2343

Fax: (704)365-9755

http://www.cfids.org

**The International Association for CFS/ME**

27 N. Wacker Drive Suite 416Chicago, IL 60606

Direct: 847-258-7248 Fax: 847-579-0975 

http://www.iacfsme.org

Updated 3/22/10. 

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 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome