Accommodating People with Disabilities who have an Amputation
Prior to me outlining some of the major accomodations, I first wanted to give you a glossary of terms most used concerning amputation: AK- Above the Knee, BK- Below the Knee Bilateral- Both Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands, Congenital- Born without Limbs or Digets, Myoelectrics- Upper Extremity Prostheses powered electronically, Orthosis- A devise used to stabilize/support a body part, Prostheses- A devise used to replace a body part,Socket- The portion of the Prostheses that fits over the remaining limb or stump, Terminals- Hand hooks that are controlled by the wearer.
The type of amputation and prostheses will dictate if the individual needs to be accommodated for a Gross Motor Impairment or a Fine Motor Impairment. Of course if the individual has an Upper Extremity Amputation additional accommodations for Gross Motor Impairment, Fine Motor Impairment and Upper Extremity Amputations or a Lower Extremity Amputation as stated on the Jobs Accomodation Network.
Gross Motor Impairment: Here are some things you can do to modify the work site to make it accessible: provide parking close to the work site, install automatic door openers, provide an accessible restroom and break room, modify the workstation to make it accessible, adjust desk height if a wheelchair or scooter is used, make sure materials and equipment are within reach range and move workstation close to other work areas.
Fine Motor Impairment: Here are some things you can do to modify the work site to make it accessible: implement ergonomic workstation design, provide alternative computer and telephone access, and provide sensitivity training to coworkers and supervisors.
Upper Extremity Amputations (finger, hand, or arm): Keyboarding/Data entry: Here are some things you can do to modify the work site to make it accessible: Get one handed keyboards, obtain typing tutorials for one-handed or missing digits, acquire speech recognition software, obtain large-key keyboards, obtain a foot mouse and touch pads, trackballs, and/or head pointing systems.Writing: Obtain grip aids, writing cuffs, action arm orthotic devises, recording devises for note-taking, note-takers, and or clipboards. Using telephones: Obtain speaker phones, telephones with programmable number storage, phone holders, and/or telephone headsets. Gripping tools: Obtain grasping cuffs, grasping orthoses, ergonomically designed tools, vibration dampening tool wraps and gloves, vises, positioners, foot controls, pistol grip attachments, and/or digital distance measuring devices. Lifting items: obtain portable material lift equipment, tailgate lifts, hoists, lift tables, and/or other compact lifting devices. Carrying items: Obtain lightweight carts, shoulder bags, scooters with carrying baskets, and/or other powered carts. Housekeeping/cleaning: Lightweight vacuum cleaners, backpack vacuums, long-handed cleaning aids, and/or grasping cuffs.Driving: Steering knobs, power-assisted steering, grip gloves, steering wheel covers, remote engine starters, and/or other control modifications.
Lower Extremity Amputations (toe, foot, or leg): Climbing Stairlifts: Obtain wheelchair platform lifts, climbing wheelchairs, rolling safety ladders with hand rails, work platforms, and/or hydraulic personnel lifts. Standing: Obtain stand supports, task stools, anti-fatigue matting, give rest breaks, and/or sit/stand stools.Lifting/Carrying: Obtain material handling lifts, cranes, hoists, powered carts/scooters, hydraulic lift carts, lift tables, tailgate lifts and/or lightweight carts with large wheels. Driving: Obtain Hand controls, automatic clutching systems, left-footed gas pedals, automatic transmissions, and/or designated parking modifications. Walking: Obtain canes, crutches, rolling walkers with seats, wheelchairs, and/or powered wheelchairs/scooters.
Along with accommodating for physical demands, it must be noted that there also are emotional and psychological demands to accommodate as well. According to the article Complications of Amputation, loss of a limb can have a considerable psychological impact. Many people who have had an amputation report feeling emotions such as grief and bereavement. Coming to terms with the psychological impact of amputation is therefore often as important as coping with the physical demands.
Other resources that may help: 360 Degrees of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Amputee Coalition of America, National Amputation Foundation, and the Limb Loss Information Center.