Thursday, February 21, 2019

Returning to Work After Mild Stroke

I'm just focusing on one section which shows you the many many failure points of your doctor in getting you recovered enough to return to work.  Your doctor is responsible for you not needing any of these accommodations. 

THIS IS YOUR DOCTORS' RESPONSIBILITY!

Returning to Work After Mild Stroke

Shannon L. Scott, OTD, OTR/L
,
Suzanne Perea Burns, PhD, OTR/L
,
Jaclyn Schwartz, PhD, OTR/L
,
Mark Kovic, OTD, OTR/L

What are reasonable accommodations?

Some people need reasonable accommodations, supportive services, and a gradual return to work plan. The Americans with Disabilities Act18 protects employees by preventing discrimination on the basis of disability and requires employers (with 15 or more employees) to provide reasonable accommodations. Requests for accommodations must be made in writing. Table 1 shows some common problems experienced by people with mild stroke and some potential accommodations. Table 2 shows some additional resources that may be useful after a mild stroke.
Table 1Common problems after stroke and potential work accommodations
Work-Related Problems Common in Mild StrokePotential Accommodations
Oversensitivity to external stimuli such as noise or lightsPrivate office, desk light instead of overhead fluorescent lights
Difficulty concentrating when there is noise and/or distractionsQuiet work area, headphones, or ear plugs
Difficulty resuming tasks if interruptedUninterrupted hours
Needing longer time to process information and instructionsGetting written instructions for all assignments, ability to record meetings, extended deadlines
Difficulty remembering detailsAssistive technology such as the use of a notebook or smartphone to take notes, written checklists
Difficulty completing more than 1 task at a timeOrganizing tasks into smaller steps, job sharing
Delays in recognizing errors in work and problem solvingFlow charts, regular reviews with assigned colleague or mentor
Difficulty staying organized and meeting deadlinesAssistive technology such as the use of a smartphone at work to remind you of deadlines and meetings
Not being able to work as long due to mental and/or physical fatigueIncreased breaks, shorter work days, or a gradual return to work schedule
Becoming easily stressed and overwhelmedIncreased breaks, job restructuring for essential job functions only
HeadachesQuiet work areas, more frequent breaks
Problems with visionAssistive technology such as different glasses or computer programs
Conflicts with coworkers and colleagues19Sensitivity training for supervisors and staff, approved breaks for stress management, allotted time for calls to counselors, individual or group psychotherapy for skill training in areas of communication and emotional regulation
Weakness and/or decreased coordination on 1 side of the bodyHands-free telephone systems, ergonomic workstations, modified keyboards, voice recognition software
Poor schedule flexibilityConsistent work hours that allow you to keep a consistent sleep schedule and morning and evening routine
Altered ability to driveAbility to work from home or adjust work hours to allow for use of public transportation

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