It would help for employers to learn what Parkinson’s is. I disclosed my Parkinson’s to a new manager recently and their response was “what’s that?”.
I am still working, and I have been working for 6 years with Parkinson’s. I do feel supported by my employer/co-workers. The most debilitating issues with regards to my working capacity are slowness of movement, standing/walking, sitting for long periods, anxiety and depression, tremor/Dyskinesia/Dystonia. There is not really a time of the work day that I find more difficult than others. Strategies or techniques that could be helpful to support me to stay in the workforce longer include enhanced employer understanding of the impacts of young onset Parkinson’s. A formal process has not been undertaken to determine my work capacity and support requirements. I have been managing to do my job with minimal adjustment. Regarding my thoughts on disclosure of young onset Parkinson’s to your employer, I think telling them earlier helps them and you. If they don’t know then they can provide the support needed. I have not sought advice about my rights as an employee.
