Employee
Starting a new job or returning to work after an injury may require support. You and your family will experience a wide range of emotions and will most likely have many questions. This section provides you with information on frequently asked questions, accommodations, advocacy, benefits, neuro psych evals and what to expect. This information is meant as a guide and has links to other resources that you may want to investigate as you re-enter the work force.
Employee Frequently Ask Questions
For more information, please call the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire to ask your questions or discuss your concerns about return to work.
Phone number: (603) 225-8400
NH only: (800) 773-8400
Employee - Return to Work
Accommodations range from needing software on your computer that types what you say to a headset for the phone to a special chair to extra training time. Whatever the accommodation, it is the employees responsibility to request it. Employers are only responsible for accommodations that are reasonable and that they are aware of.
In requesting an accommodation, it is best to put the request in writing. You will need to disclose that you have a disability; the job task is that you are requesting an accommodation for, and what the accommodation is. If it is a specific piece of equipment, and you know where to acquire it, it would be helpful to provide that information. Your employer will evaluate your request; and determine whether they can meet it. They may have alternative suggestions to discuss with you.
Requests for accommodations are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Here is an overview of the ADA
- Applies to private employers, State and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions.
- Employers with 25 or more employees are covered as of July 26, 1992.
- Protects the confidentiality of the person with the disability
- Protects the qualified individual for the job he has or wants
- Allows for ‘reasonable accommodations’ or modifications for access, use of technology and development of ‘natural’ supports for the employee
- Allows for modifications within scheduling, job duties and personal care needs specific to a person’s disability
- Prohibits discrimination in all employment including wages and benefits
- Applies to recruitment, advertising, tenure, layoff, leave, fringe benefits, and all other employment-related activities.
- Does not protect poor job performance that is unrelated to job function.
For further information or resources on employment of qualified individuals with disabilities, contact:
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – 800-526-7234 or https://askjan.org/
- U.S. Department of Labor – for written materials: 800-959-3652, TTY 800-326-2577 or https://www.dol.gov/
- ADA Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs) – 800-949-4232 or http://www.icdri.org/legal/DBTAC.htm
- RESNA Technical Assistance Project – 703-524-6686, TTY 703-524-6639 or https://www.resna.org/
- Access for All – 607-225-7727, TTY 607-255-2891 or ilr.ped@cornell.edu
Employee - Neuropsy Evaluation
Brain Injury often affects cognitive abilities, behavior and emotions. Common complaints from survivors and family members are trouble with remembering things, word finding, concentrating and multi-tasking. Emotional changes may include depression, frustration, difficulty controlling anger and mood changes.
Many individuals who sustain a brain injury undergo neuropsychological evaluations. Often the neuropsychological evaluation can be a starting point for the counselor to work with you regarding returning to work.
The night before you will want to get a good night sleep. These evaluations can take from 2 to 6 hours!
On the day of the evaluation, you will be asked questions about your past regarding work and school. Other friends or family members could also be asked to describe what you were like prior to your injury, were you outgoing; did you have a short temper; did you like to do activities alone? You will then be asked to do different mini tests. Try your best and understand that there are no right or wrong answers as all your answers will help in your recovery. If you need a break feel free to ask for one.
Once the evaluation is completed, the Neuropsychologist will write a report that will be sent to you and your counselor. The report will provide information regarding your strengths and areas that may be challenging for you. You may also request a feedback session to discuss the results.
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