Hemiplegia refers to complete paralysis of one side of the body, which includes the arm, the leg and occasionally the face of the affected side. More commonly, there is only partial loss of function on the affected side, and this is referred to as hemiparesis.
Symptoms and characteristics:
The person may report weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body. It may affect the arm, the leg, the face or the whole side of the body.
People with hemiplegia may experience difficulties with:
- speech, chewing and swallowing
- walking, balance, coordination and posture
- partial vision loss
- sensation.
There may also be some cognitive impairment associated with hemiplegia depending on which part of the nervous system is affected. This may result in difficulties such as impaired concentration and memory.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with hemiplegia to manage their condition. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- ensuring wheelchair or walking aid accessibility to all areas of the workplace including kitchen and bathroom amenities, workspace and other doorways or emergency exits
- installation of ramps for independent building access
- automatic door openers to allow independent door access
- positioning of security pin pads for building access at a height and location that is easily accessible
- set up kitchen amenities and equipment to allow independent use with one hand such as through the use of kettle tippers
- set up of office supplies, equipment and furniture which allows for one handed access
- desk modifications to allow access to all items on the desk easily
- use of alternative means of computer access such as voice recognition software or one handed keyboards
- flexible work hours and breaks to allow for rehabilitation and fatigue management
- use of prompts to assist with memory such as computerised automated alerts, task cards, alarms or timers
- modifications to driving controls on work vehicles.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work-related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are solutions and adjustments related to the requirements of the job:
References:
MDGuidelines 1991—2010, Reed Group, Colorado, viewed 11 January 2011, http://www.mdguidelines.com/.