Resources and Related Sites
Resources:
Health Conditions and Disabilities:
University of Iowa Campus Resources
Centers for Disabilities and Development
Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education and Research (ICATER)
Transit Services for Persons with Disabilities
Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity
If you are a person needing an accommodation, contact:
Employees and applicants- Faculty and Staff Disability Services
Students- Student Disability Services
Visitors- ADA Compliance Officer
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Job Accommodations Network (JAN)
Iowa Department of Human Services-Mental Health and Disability Services
Mental Health America (MHA)
National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)
World Health Organization (WHO)
When anxiety becomes excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, and has become disabling (NIMH).
There are five major types of anxiety disorders --
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
An anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it (NIMH).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away (NIMH).
Panic Disorder
An anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress (NIMH).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
An anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat (NIMH).
Social Anxiety Disorder
Also called Social Phobia, an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations (NIMH).
Limitations at Work
- difficulty concentrating
- restriction of activities
- repeatedly checking for errors,
- poor work relationships
- unrealistic job aspirations and expectations
- difficulty with change
Possible Accommodations
- Counseling and employee assistance programs
- Flexible work schedule
- Progress meetings between supervisor and employee to discuss issues and production
- Work breaks to practice stress management techniques
- Supervisor and employee establish written long-term and short-term goals
- Supervisor and employee develop strategies to deal with problems before they arise.
Resources
- Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America
- Iowa Department of Human Services-Mental Health and Disability Services
- Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Institute of Mental Health
Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by pervasive inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity and resulting in significant functional impairment (CDC).
There are three types of attention deficit disorders --
Predominantly Inattentive Type
It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The individual is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines (CDC).
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
The individual fidgets and talks a lot, finds it difficiult to sit still for long, or feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. It is hard for the individual to wait their turn or listen to directions (CDC).
Combined Type
Combinations of Inattentive Type and Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (CDC) .
Limitations at Work
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Difficulty with staying on task, attention, metal processes, working memory, verbal fluency, handling emotions, organization, speaking in turn.
Possible Accommodations
- Workplace with few distractions (i.e. private office, quiet cubicle).
- Headphones with “white noise” or classical music to block noise distractions.
- Job coach.
- Intermittent breaks such as a walk up the stairs or walk to the drinking fountain.
- Computer planning software
- Alarms or Buzzers.
- JAWS- Screen reading software that assists blind or individuals with visual impairments. With its internal software, speech synthesizer and the computer's sound card, information from the screen is read aloud. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays.
- Inspiration- A software tool designed to develop ideas and organize thinking. Graphic organizers are used to visually represent concepts and relationships to enhance learning.
- CoWriter- A word prediction program that helps individuals translate thoughts into sentences.
- Text Sound- Software program used to convert text to an audio file.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking- Speech recognition software is used mainly by individuals with physical or motor skill disabilities or mental/learning disabilities. Dragon converts speech into text.
- Kurzweil 3000- Document scanning, reading and writing solution designed for individuals with learning disabilities or reading difficulties. Also has the ability to create MP3 files.
- Resources
Resources
- Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
- Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Resource Center on ADHD
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes dramatic mood swings—from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between (NIMH).
Description -- Unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression (NIMH).
Limitations at Work
- Restlessness
- Poor relationships
- Distractibility
- Poor judgment
- Irritability
- Aggressive behavior
- Depression
Possible Accommodations
- Time off for counseling
- Self-paced work load
- Counseling and employee assistance programs
- Telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for needed support
- Flexible leave for health problems
- Allow the employee to make up time missed
- Weekly or monthly meetings between supervisor and employee to discuss workplace issues and production level
- Full spectrum lighting
Resources
- Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Iowa Department of Human Services-Mental Health and Disability Services
- Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Institute of Mental Health
Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration (WHO).
Forms of Depression -- disorder, dysthymic disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder. The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder (NIMH).
Major Depressive Disorder
Characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with an individual's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once–pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents an individual from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in an individual's lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout an individual's life (NIMH).
Dysthymic Disorder
Characterized by long–term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable an individual but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes (NIMH).
Limitations at Work
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Absenteeism
- Lost productivity
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Loss of energy
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Possible Accommodations
- Time off for counseling
- Flexible hours
- Job coaches
- Reduce work distractions
- Natural lighting or full spectrum lighting
- Job restructuring to include only essential functions
- Space enclosures or a private office
- Reminders for important deadlines
- Daily TO-DO lists and check items off as they are completed
- Tape record meetings
- Additional training time
- Written instructions
Resources
- Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Iowa Department of Human Services-Mental Health and Disability Services
- Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center
- Mindfulness-Based Programs
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Institute of Mental Health
Developmental Hearing Impairments
Hearing loss severity is based on how well a person can hear the frequencies or intensities most often associated with speech. Severity can be described as mild, moderate, severe, or profound (CDC).
There are two definitions of hearing impairment --
Deafness
Used to describe someone who has an approximately 90 dB or greater hearing loss or who cannot use hearing to process speech and language information, even with the use of hearing aids. (CDC)
Hard of Hearing
Used to describe people who have a less severe hearing loss than deafness. Unilateral loss: A loss that affects one ear. Bilateral loss: A loss that affects both ears.(CDC)
Limitations at Work
- Verbal communication limitations on ability to participate in workplace situations such as audio conferences, listening to and giving presentations, conferences, seminars.
- Use of audio devices (i.e. tapes, videos, internet audio, etc.)
Possible Accommodations
- Support personnel (i.e., note taker, sign language interpreter, secretary, co-worker to provide assistance).
- Amplified phone
- Job restructuring
- Assistive listening devices
- Real-time captioning
- TTY
- Prevent extraneous noise
- Request scripts of videos
Resources
- Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Association of Late-Deafened Adults Inc.
- Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
- National Association of the Deaf
- WilsonWeb’s ReadSpeak
A chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain (Mayo Clinic).
Description -- Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day.
- Widespread pain
- Fatigue and sleep disturbance
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Headaches and facial pain
- Heightened sensitivity
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Current thinking centers around a theory called "central sensitization." This theory states that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals.
Limitations at Work
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Sever mood changes
- Fatigue
- Motor impairment
- Respiratory difficulties
- Sensitive to office temperatures
Possible Accommodations
- Flexible schedule
- Periodic rests to reorient
- Breaks to use stress management techniques
- Counseling or employee assistance programs
- Reduced physical exertion
- Ergonomic workstation
- Alternative technology
- Arm supports
- Page turner
- Book holder
- Eliminate fluorescent lighting
- Reduce noise
- Air purification devices
- Adjustable ventilation
- Modified work-site temperature
- Office space with separate temperature control
- Various Input Devices- A trackball mouse that requires less arm and wrist motion than a conventional mouse as well as an Intellikeys alternative programmable keyboard.
- Typing Aids- Designed for people with a limited ability to grasp or poor motor skills/control that assists with typing.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking- Speech recognition software is used mainly by individuals with physical or motor skill disabilities or mental/learning disabilities. Dragon converts speech into text.
Resources
- American Academy of Pain Management
- American Pain Society
- National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
- National Fibromyalgia Association
- National Fibromyalgia Network
- National Pain Foundation
Headache is a symptom of a range of neurobiological disorders, including some of the most common and ubiquitous. Adults aged 20-50 years are the most likely sufferers but children and adolescents are affected too. The term headache disorder encompasses a number of conditions which vary in severity, incidence and duration (WHO).
Description -- The most common of headache disorders -- tension-type headache (TTH), migraine, cluster headache and the so-called chronic daily headache syndromes – cause substantial levels of disability (WHO).
Migraine
Adults with migraines describe episodic attacks with specific features:
- Headache that is moderate or severe in intensity, one-sided and/or pulsating, aggravated by routine physical activity.
- Duration is 2-3 days.
- Accompanying symptoms are nausea and/or intolerance of normal levels of light and sound. (WHO)
Tension Type Headache
As experienced by very large numbers of people, episodic TTH occurs, like migraine, in attack-like episodes. These usually last no more than a few hours, but can persist for several days. It is described as pressure or tightness, like a band around the head, sometimes spreading into or from the neck. It lacks the specific features and associated symptoms of migraine (WHO).
Cluster Headache
CH is one of a group of primary headache disorders of uncertain mechanism that are characterized by frequently recurring, short-lasting but extremely severe headache. Strictly one-sided intense pain develops around the eye once or more daily, mostly at night, until the pain diminishes after 30-60 minutes. The eye is red and waters, the nose runs or is blocked on the affected side and the eyelid may droop (WHO).
Limitations at Work
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Erratic behavior
- Attendance issues
- Difficulty maintaining concentration
Possible Accommodations
- Flexible schedule
- Anti-glare filter for computer monitor
- Wear sunglasses or anti-glare glasses in the work area
- Fluorescent light filters to existing fluorescent lights to create a more natural lighting
- Environmental sound machine to help mask distracting sounds
- Sound absorption panels
- Reduced use of fragrances
- Air purification systems
- Work from home
Resources
- American Council for Headache Education
- American Headache Society
- American Pain Society
- Headache Clinic-Department of Neurology (UI)
- Headache Central
- National Headache Foundation
- National Migraine Association
- National Pain Foundation
The term learning disability is used to describe the seeming unexplained difficulty a person of at least average intelligence has in acquiring basic academic skills (NCLD).
Learning disabilities can be divided into three broad categories: developmental speech and language disorders, academic skills disorders, and other. Each of these categories includes a number of more specific disorders, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and auditory perceptual and visual perceptual deficit (JAN).
Limitations at Work
- Difficulties in reading, writing, speech, listening, mathematics, organizational skills
Possible Accommodations
- Reading machines
- Reading pen
- Color coded manuals and outlines
- Computer screen reading software
- Speech recognition software
- Word prediction software word processor
- Note taking system
- Taped presentations, meetings, etc.
- Calculators
- Computer Assisted Design and Instruction software
- Talking calculators
- Day planners, Personal Information Managers, e-mail, electronic organizers
- JAWS- Screen reading software that assists blind or individuals with visual impairments. With its internal software, speech synthesizer and the computer's sound card, information from the screen is read aloud. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays.
- Kurzweil 3000- Document scanning, reading and writing solution designed for individuals with learning disabilities or reading difficulties. Also has the ability to create MP3 files.
- Inspiration- A software tool designed to develop ideas and organize thinking. Graphic organizers are used to visually represent concepts and relationships to enhance learning.
- CoWriter- A word prediction program that helps individuals translate thoughts into sentences.
- Text Sound- Software program used to convert text to an audio file.
Resources
- Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control & Prevention (ADHA)
- International Dyslexia Association
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
- Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- National Resource Center on ADHD
- WilsonWeb’s ReadSpeak
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks components of the body as if they're foreign (Mayo Clinic).
Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable and varies in severity. In some people, multiple sclerosis is a mild illness, but it can lead to permanent disability in others.
Whatever the multiple sclerosis cause or trigger, the disease occurs in four main patterns (Mayo Clinic).
Relapsing Remitting
Characterized by clearly defined flare-ups, followed by periods of remission. The flare-up typically appears suddenly, lasts a few weeks or months, and then gradually disappears. Most people with MS have this form at the time of diagnosis (Mayo Clinic).
Primary Progressive
People with this less common form of multiple sclerosis experience a gradual decline, without periods of remission (Mayo Clinic).
Secondary Progressive
More than half the people with relapsing remitting MS eventually enter a stage of continuous deterioration referred to as secondary progressive MS. Sudden relapses may occur, superimposed upon the continuous deterioration that characterizes this type of multiple sclerosis (Mayo Clinic).
Progressive Relapsing
People with this less common form of multiple sclerosis experience a gradual decline, without periods of remission (Mayo Clinic).
Limitations at Work
- Mobility
- Numbness
- Pain
- Loss of vision
- Speech disorders
- Hearing problems
- Stiffness
- Difficulty in remembering, thinking, and reasoning
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination
Possible Accommodations
- Personal attendant at work
- Accessible facility
- Workplace close to restroom
- Written job instructions
- Flexible schedule
- Memory aids
- Scooter or mobility aid
- Alternative technology
- Arm supports
- Writing aids
- Parking close to work site
- Reduced worksite temperature
- Cooling clothing
- Speech amplifier
- Written communication
- Magnified written material
- Screen reading software
- Various Input Devices- A trackball mouse that requires less arm and wrist motion than a conventional mouse as well as an Intellikeys alternative programmable keyboard.
- Typing Aids- Designed for people with a limited ability to grasp or poor motor skills/control that assists with typing.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking- Speech recognition software is used mainly by individuals with physical or motor skill disabilities or mental/learning disabilities. Dragon converts speech into text.
- Inspiration- A software tool designed to develop ideas and organize thinking. Graphic organizers are used to visually represent concepts and relationships to enhance learning.
Resources
- American Academy of Pain Management
- American Pain Society
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Inc.
- National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- National Pain Foundation
A personality disorder must fulfill several criteria. A deeply ingrained, inflexible pattern of relating, perceiving, and thinking serious enough to cause distress or impaired functioning is a personality disorder (MHA).
There are 3 categories of personality disorder:
Cluster A
- Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Cluster B
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Cluster C
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Dependent Personality Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Histrionic personality disorder
Limitations at Work
- Poor work relationships
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Inattentiveness
- Restlessness
- Need for constant approval
- Extreme dependency
- Inflexible
- Angry or aggressive outbursts
- Argumentative
- Impulsiveness
- Hypersensitive to rejection
- Inability to handle criticism
Possible Accommodations
- Flexible scheduling
- Supervisor and employee progress meetings to discuss workplace issues and production levels
- Time off for counseling
- Job coach
- Reduced distractions in work area
- Supervisor and employee establish written long-term and short-term goals
- Supervisor and employee develop strategies to address problems before they arise
- Nonmandated work related social functions
- Counseling and employee assistance programs
Resources
- Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
- Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center
- Iowa Department of Human Services-Mental Health and Disability Services
- Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Institute of Mental Health
Sleep disorders are neurological conditions that can affect sleep in a variety of ways (JAN). There are many different types of sleeping disorders with varying symptoms.
The most common types of sleep disorders are insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift- work type.
Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by an inability to initiate or maintain sleep. It may also take the form of early morning awakening in which the individual awakens several hours early and is unable to resume sleeping (CDC).
Narcolepsy
Excessive daytime sleepiness combined with sudden muscle weakness is the hallmark signs of narcolepsy (CDC).
Sleep Apnea
Individuals with sleep apnea characteristically make periodic gasping or “snorting” noises, during which their sleep is momentarily interrupted. Those with sleep apnea may also experience excessive daytime sleepiness, as their sleep is commonly interrupted and may not feel restorative (CDC).
Shift Work
A primary complaint of insomnia or excessive sleepiness temporally associated with a work period that occurs during the habitual sleep phase.
Limitations at Work
- Slow reaction time
- Lack of motivation
- Increased job stress
- Agitation
- Argumentativeness
- Less productive
- Increases the onset of more serious health conditions
Possible Accommodations
- Flexible work schedule
- Breaks for rest time
- Devices such as a Doze Alert or other alarms to stay alert
- Natural lighting or full spectrum lighting
- Posted instructions with frequently used equipment
- Tape record verbal instruction or meetings
- Request a shift change
- Additional times to learn new responsibilities
Resources
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- American Sleep Apnea Association
- National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
- National Sleep Foundation
- Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation
Vision impairment means that a person's eyesight cannot be corrected to a "normal" level (CDC).
Low Vision
Visual Acuity of 20/70 and 20/400, with the best possible correction. Visual acuity is the clearness of one’s vision.
Visual field of 20 degrees or less. Loss of visual field is where the eye cannot see as wide an area as usual without moving the eyes or turning the head. (WHO)
Blindness
Visual acuity worse than 20/400, with the best possible correction.
Visual field of 10 degrees or less.
“Legal blindness” is defined as a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse, with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. (WHO)
Limitations at Work
- Difficulty with reading material on paper and computer
- Issues with transportation
- Accessibility around workplace
- Utilizing workplace resources (bathroom, break room, etc.)
Possible Accommodations
- Magnifier
- Optical character recognition system
- Allow breaks to rest eyes
- Alternative optical wear
- Screen reading software
- Computer Braille display
- Audio recorders
- Form guides
- Braille note takers/organizers
- Allow use of service animals
- Mobility training
- Mobility aids
- Improve lighting
- Traveling partner (e.g. portable GPS system)
- Company transportation
- Employee carpool
- Internet text based web browser
- Provide screen reader
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Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV) - The CCTV is a valuable magnification tool for low vision users. It has the ability to enlarge text based documents for easier reading.
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Large Screen TV/Monitor- Displays enlarged fonts and images for people with low vision working on a computer.
- Braille Display- A tactile device placed under a standard keyboard that is used with a screen reader and enables a student with vision impairments to read the contents of the computer screen.
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JAWS- Screen reading software that assists blind or individuals with visual impairments. With its internal software, speech synthesizer and the computer's sound card, information from the screen is read aloud. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays.
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Window Eyes- Screen reading software designed for blind and individuals with visual impairments. Window Eyes also supports refreshable Braille displays.
- Kurzweil 1000- Document scanning and reading software designed for blind and individuals with visual impairments.
- ZoomText Xtra- Magnification and screen reading software for individual with visual impairments.
Resources