I work in health so people understand the condition and are supportive. I have been working for 6 months since my diagnosis and for at least 12 to 18 months with symptoms. I feel supported by my employer/co-workers. Allied health staff understand the condition which makes it much easier. The most debilitating issues with regards to my working capacity are slowness of movement, muscle stiffness/rigidity, handwriting, speech and communication. The particular time of the work day that I find more difficult than other times is after 3pm some days.
Strategies or techniques that may be helpful to support me to stay in the workforce longer could include enhanced employer understanding of the impacts of young onset Parkinson’s, writing aids such as voice-to-text software to reduce the need to type and working from home. A formal process to determine my work capacity and support requirements has not been needed so far. Disclosure to managers and senior staff was easy for me. Their understanding of the implications of the condition is very helpful, but no major changes are needed yet. I have not sought advice about my rights as an employee. I think my position as an Allied Health professional makes my situation very different to many in non health work settings.
