Workplace adjustment for self employed client with fibromyalgia: a case illustration Ana Kapel dipl. delovni terapevt (occupational therapist) univ. dipl. sociolog (sociologist) Centerkontura d.o.o.

ISSUE Process of vocational rehabilitation Supported employment Workplace adjustment

ASSESSMENT PHASE Interdisciplinary team (pyhologist, occupational therapist, social worker, occupational doctor and special educator) Bio – psycho – social model Client orientated approach

ASSESSMENT PHASE client's limitations, work ability, motor capability, cognitive capacity, family-situation / social network, employment goals and work habits.

ASSESSMET PHASE Education: German as a foreign language Work experience: -two years in translating employment goal: -self-employment in the field of translating -working from home Competencies for entrepreneurship: -knowledge in language and translating, -knowledge in Windows OS and translating program Trados -networking skills (how to create network and cooperate with contracting authority).

ASSESSMET PHASE Symptoms (fibromyalgia): chronic neck, shoulders, arms, low back and hips pain, fatigue, joint stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, impaired concentration.

ASSESSMET PHASE Work ability: due to disability she is not able to work continuously for 8 hours, she needs more breaks, her endurance is less stable.

IMPLEMENTATION PHASE Providing information on funding sources and carrying out the procedure on financial incentives for supported employment. Preparation of a sustainable workplace adjustment plan – ergonomics arrangements of the workplace contribute to a higher quality of life, work efficiency and reduced pain and prevent the deterioration of health conditions/disability. Preparation of the individual supported plan, where type of support is defined (Constant support when needed, especially at changes in health condition – psychosocial support).

IMPLEMENTATION PHASE Providing information about funding from Found for promotion of the employment of PWD: right to a subsidized salary, covering the cost of workplace adjustments, tax reliefs.

WORKPLACE ADJUSTMENT Ergonomic mouse and separated keyboard are enabling natural posture of wrist and reduce ulnar deviation and wrist extension.

WORKPLACE ADJUSTMENT

Working from home allows the client: a flexible work schedule, periodic rest breaks, self-paced workload.

LESSONS -Entrepreneurship-working from home -Ergonomic workstation design -Funding from Found for promotion of the employment of PWD