WORK LIFE AFTER A TBI Mindset and Momentum Whether sustained in an auto accident, a slip and fall, or a violent incident, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can drastically alter a person’s daily life. Depending on the extent of the trauma, their full recovery can be a lengthy process or, in some severe cases, not fully attainable. The realities of living with a TBI can hit especially hard when a person returns to the workplace and discovers they can no longer maintain their previous productivity. Fortunately, resuming your professional life after a TBI isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Here is an overview of laws and protections to ensure TBI patients experience a smooth, supportive, and accommodating return to work. Foundations for Flourishing People with TBIs are entitled to return to the workplace without fear of discrimination. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals with TBIs or other qualified conditions can return to work without their medical concerns putting their employment at risk. Additionally, employers must make reasonable accommodations to enable employees to fulfill their duties unless these special conditions would overburden the employer’s resources or capabilities. Reasonable and Reassuring What exactly is a “reasonable” accommodation? According to the Brain Injury Association of America, typical accommodations for employees with TBIs include flexible scheduling and part-time work arrangements, providing noise-canceling headphones, aides to maintain memory (digital reminders, written instructions, checklists, etc.), rest breaks, organizational apps, and speech-to-text technology. A person can formally request accommodations by providing the employer’s human resources department with documented evidence of the medical condition and a formal request. To ensure any arrangements made are acceptable, both parties must engage in interactive dialogue to identify the most effective workplace processes to follow and maintain proper records of all communications regarding them. Struggles and Solutions Naturally, a TBI can be challenging for patients and employers alike. However, employers are obligated to provide someone with this kind of injury with the opportunity to continue their work with comfort, security, and pride. Our firm is committed to protecting the rights of individuals with TBI and addressing workplace discrimination and other factors that prevent our clients from living fulfilling professional lives. Please contact us if you have concerns about working with a TBI or want additional information on your rights at work.
SUDOKU
Simple Summer Garden Pasta
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
INGREDIENTS
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste) • 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 lb angel hair pasta • 1 cup fresh basil • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese • Cooked, chopped chicken for serving (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and toss until well coated. 2. Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature while the pasta cooks. 3. Add pasta to a pot of boiling water and cook per package directions until al dente. 4. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water to add to the tomato mixture. 5. Coarsely chop the basil leaves. 6. Add the pasta, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil to the tomato mixture and toss again until combined. 7. Serving suggestion: Add cooked, chopped chicken for more protein!
–Kevin Mottley
www.MottleyLawFirm.com | 3
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