Persons using assistive technology might not be able to fully access information in this file. For assistance, please send e-mail to: mmwrq@cdc.gov. Type 508 Accommodation and the title of the report in the subject line of e-mail.
World Arthritis Day --- October 12, 2007
October 12, 2007, is World Arthritis Day, which is intended to highlight the everyday challenges at home and in
the workplace for persons with arthritis or rheumatism and to encourage solutions to these challenges. For example,
the pain, fatigue, and activity limitations that often accompany arthritis can prevent some persons from working,
resulting in disability. Various accommodations, such as flexible work schedules and assistive devices, can counter the effects
of arthritis and help keep persons with arthritis working.
Accommodating persons with disabilities, including those attributed to arthritis, is a goal of the U.S.
Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. Each October, it sponsors National Disability Employment
Awareness Month, which is intended to increase public awareness of the contributions and skills of U.S. workers with disabilities
and to eliminate employment barriers. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against
persons with disabilities under certain circumstances, including some employment situations. However, the ADA is
underused and often misunderstood by persons with arthritis
(1). Anticipating employment disability caused by arthritis and
addressing employment barriers through increased education, awareness, and other interventions can help reduce
arthritis disability in the U.S. workforce. Additional information about World Arthritis Day is available at
http://www.worldarthritisday.org.
Reference
Allaire SH, Evans SR, LaValley MP, Merrigan DM. Use of the Americans with Disabilities Act by persons with rheumatic diseases and
factors associated with use. Arthritis Rheum 2001;45:174--82.
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