Accommodating individuals with traumatic brain injury: An analysis of employer-initiated cases handled by the Job Accommodation Network

Abstract

Abstract. BACKGROUND:The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has provided customized accommodation information to employers, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives (e.g., family, rehabilitation counselors, union representatives) since 1983. For each inquiry where such information is sought, detailed records are maintained regarding the type of inquiries made and the information provided. OBJECTIVE:The objective of the current study is to present a descriptive analysis of the employer-initiated cases related to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) handled by the accommodation specialists at JAN during the five years from 2012 through 2016. METHODS: Records related to instances of TBI as recorded by the JAN accommodation specialists were reviewed. Information pertaining to the type of business, occupational category, limitations being experienced by the individual, and issues discussed with the accommodation specialist are presented. RESULTS:The type of businesses and the occupational categories indicated by the employer were broad ranging, although there was a preponderance of cases in the area of Public Administration. Limitations related to cognition were the most frequent for which employers sought accommodation information. The largest category for the type of issues discussed was related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-pertinent legislation. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of employers seeking accommodation information for individuals who have incurred a TBI is very low (0.5%). Findings support those of other authors such as Ponsford and Spitz (2015), in that accommodation information was most frequently requested for individuals in professional (i.e., office-type jobs), rather than for laborer positions.

Indexes for motor performance assessment in job integration/reintegration of people with neuromuscular disorders: A systematic review

“…This concept is supported by these people's contextual ability to maintain an effective motor strategy by adopting different compensatory behaviors during the disease, despite disease progression and motor decline (19)(20)(21)(22). Neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spastic paraplegia, cerebellar ataxia, dystonia, traumatic spine and brain lesions, and encephalitis are degenerative and acquired neurological diseases that can impact motor function throughout working age and severely limit workers' autonomy and efficiency (6,(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). Therefore, workers with neurological illnesses may have motor impairment in numerous motor domains, including hand function, balance, and locomotion, placing a significant burden on society in terms of lower job productivity and expense.…”