Tourette Syndrome Accommodations
Published: Thursday, July 14, 2016
From Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Accommodations: Noise cancelling headset; change office location; hand signal for dismissal; stress-reducing accommodations such as apps, behavioral interventions set up with supervisor
A new intern has just revealed to the office that he suffers from Tourette Syndrome, and because of this, will need some special accommodations in order to keep working for the department. His biggest issue is concentrating in an office that is so loud and busy, so the department purchased him a noise canceling headset and moved his office away from the break room area. His boss also came up with a hand signal for the employee to use when he gets too flustered or overwhelmed and needs to leave the room or meeting. A “Time Timer” device could be placed on his desk to provide a visual timer that provides stress-free time management by showing a red disk that quietly gets smaller as time elapses until the red is gone.
Note: AskJan.org, a job accommodation network, offers this downloadable Word document on
"Job Accommodations for Tourette Syndrome."
ABLE Tech has several helpful AT items to borrow, such as:
Plantronic Headset Noise Canceling Headset
Time Timer or App from iTunes @ $2.99 for iPhone, iPad, or iPod
Borrow an iPad or iPod and try a variety of communication apps (iTunes):
Verbally (type in a message and it will speak it aloud), ChoiceBoard-Creator (free), MyTalk (free), SmallTalk, create your own communication board with Sounding Board.
Call Oklahoma ABLE Tech (800-257-1705) for accommodation ideas or to borrow assistive technology. ABLE Tech’s AT Device Demonstration and Short-Term Loan Program works just like a book library. Find the item you want to borrow online and request it. Here are some devices that relate to this article:
Search Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s resources for recycled AT and durable medical equipment including free and low cost items.
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Need funding to assist in the purchase of assistive devices? Oklahoma ABLE Tech offers a comprehensive online guide for Oklahoma Funding for AT. Additionally, ABLE Tech offers two types of financial funding – both at LOW interest rates! A direct loan from ABLE Tech can help you purchase devices up to $1,500 (5% fixed rate, $15 closing fee, 12-month repayment). For devices or accommodations over $1,500, ABLE Tech, along with OkAT and BancFirst offer either a 5% secured loan (60-month repayment) or 6% unsecured loan with a 36-month repayment schedule. Call Shelley Gladden today (888) 885-5588 with any questions.
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Rob Carr, Accessibility Coordinator
Oklahoma State University
1514 W. Hall of Fame, Stillwater, OK 74078
Email: rgcarr@okstate.edu
Brenda Dawes, Program Manager
Oklahoma State University
1514 W. Hall of Fame, Stillwater, OK 74078
Email: brenda.dawes@okstate.edu