# JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

**Job Accommodations for People**

**with Fibromyalgia**

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic condition that causes widespread pain and severe fatigue. Fibromyalgia is often considered a syndrome because it is a set of signs and symptoms that occur together, affecting muscles and their attachments to bones.  It is not a true form of arthritis and does not cause deformities of the joints.  It is, however, a form of soft tissue or muscular rheumatism.  Deep muscular pain is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia.  Usually starting at the neck and shoulders and spreading to other parts of the body over time, the pain varies according to the time of day, weather, sleep patterns, and stress level.  People with fibromyalgia experience extreme tenderness when pressure is applied to the knees, thighs, hips, elbows, and neck.  People with fibromyalgia are also likely to have sleep disorders; severe changes in mood and thinking, including depression and chronic anxiety; headaches; impaired memory; irritable bowel syndrome; multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome; restless legs; skin and temperature sensitivity; and tingling similar to the symptoms of cumulative trauma disorders. 

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

· Prioritize job assignments and provide 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 and flexible use of leave time

· Allow work from home

· Implement ergonomic workstation design

**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 

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

# Migraine Headaches:

· Provide task lighting

· Eliminate fluorescent lighting

· Use computer monitor glare guards

· Reduce noise with sound absorbent baffles/partitions, environmental sound machines, and headsets 

· Provide alternate work space to reduce visual and auditory distractions

· Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy

· Provide air purification devices

· Allow flexible work hours

· Allow periodic rest breaks

· Allow work from home

# Respiratory Difficulties: 

· Provide adjustable ventilation 

· Keep work environment free from dust, smoke, odor, and fumes 

· Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy and a “smoke free” building policy

· Avoid temperature extremes 

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

· Redirect air-conditioning and heating vents

· Provide adequate exhaust systems to remove fumes from office machines

· Allow individual to wear a respirator mask

· Allow work from home

**Skin Irritations:**

· Avoid infectious agents and chemicals

· Provide protective clothing

**Sleep Disorder:**

· Allow flexible work hours and frequent breaks 

· Allow work from home

# Temperature Sensitivity:

· Modify work-site temperature and maintain the ventilation system

· Modify dress code 

· 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 Fibromyalgia**

**American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, Inc.**

6380 E. Tanque Verde

Tucson, AZ 85715

Direct: (520)733-1570

Fax: (520)290-5550

http://www.afsafund.org 

kthorson@afsafund.org

**Fibromyalgia Network**

PO Box 31750

Tucson, AZ 85751-1750

Toll Free: (800)853-2929

Fax: (520)290-5550

http://www.fmnetnews.com/ 

inquiry@fmnetnews.com

**National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc.**

PO Box 160

Linden, VA 22642-0160

Toll Free: (866)725-4404

Fax: (866)666-2727

http://www.fmpartnership.org

Updated 4/19/11. 

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 Fibromyalgia