Workplace Accommodations for Rheumatic Disease Conditions

Part of living well with rheumatic disease is sharing your diagnosis with others. Work with your rheumatology provider to develop a plan to manage your disease, and only share your diagnosis with other people when you are ready. Your health is a private matter, and you get to choose when and how you discuss it with others.

If you are working, you may want to inform your employer about your rheumatic disease:

• Talk with your rheumatologist about how your disease may affect your job and what work accommodations you may need.
• You may also need an evaluation by an occupational therapist or physical therapist to help modify your work setting or arrangements.
• Find out if you need a letter or documentation from your rheumatologist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist to give to your employer to get work modifications and accommodations.
• Meet privately with your supervisor and/or human resources director to talk about your rheumatic disease.
• Give them information about your disease so they can understand the symptoms or challenges you may experience.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws are designed to protect workers who may need accommodations to do their jobs. Learn about your rights as an employee. The US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy has an Americans with Disabilities Act website. There you will find links to information on employment supports and much more. The US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has an ADA.gov website. There you will find links to laws and regulations as well as a help page with numerous frequently asked questions and commonly searched topics. Each state has vocational rehabilitation agencies and programs that help people with disabilities (such as a rheumatic disease) continue to work. For example, the state of Ohio has an Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities website that includes Services for Individual with Disabilities – vocational rehabilitation information.

If you are working, talk with your rheumatology health care providers about how your disease may affect your work. Learn about your rights as an employee and how work accommodations can help you to stay employed.