Parkinson’s Doesn’t Have to be a Career Killer | 10

2019-01-23

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It could be argued that having and managing Parkinson’s disease is a full time job. The reality, according to Parkinson Canada, is that for 25-30% of us with PD, we’re still in the workforce, still putting in 40+ hour work weeks and still hoping we’re an asset to the companies for which we work. I’m guessing I’m like most people with Parkinson’s who work. I want to be good at my job and not simply good at my job for someone with a degenerative brain disorder. I also fear the day where I show up wanting to work, but ca...

I’m guessing I’m like most people with Parkinson’s who work. I want to be good at my job and not simply good at my job for someone with a degenerative brain disorder. I also fear the day where I show up wanting to work, but can no longer physically or mentally meet the expectations of myself or my employer.

I understand it’s a fear that may never be realized.

The progression of Parkinson’s is different for everyone. That alone adds extra importance to employees with Parkinson’s in establishing ongoing communication with their employer.

By law, according to employment lawyer Lior Samfiru, a partner of partner Samfiru Tumarkin LLP,you are of no obligation to share your diagnosis until it impacts your ability to do your job. Additionally, your employer cannot retaliate or fire you for having PD and they must make accommodations to help you. Accommodations could include adjusting your schedule, scope of responsibilities, or providing equipment or technology in order for you to be successful in a role.

Depending on your job and symptoms, you may be able to continue working for many years without much help or you may need completely new responsibilities due to concerns regarding safety of you or others or your ability to function in a particular role effectively.

My wife and I talk about what the future may hold for us, how we may need to find new sources of income, and adjust our roles at home. We’re not at the stage, but realize for many it becomes a reality all too quickly. It’s scary, daunting and not something we look forward to.

In this episode, Niki and I talk to my colleagues and bosses about how their adjusting to my PD diagnosis, get advice from my neurologist Dr. Jonathon Squires, Neuropsychologist Dr. Robert Duff, and employment lawyer Lior Samfiru. I also chat with Jim Redmond about being a teacher with PD and Jonny Acheson about adjustments he’s had to make as an emergency room doctor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Follow me, Larry Gifford

Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod

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Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer

Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer

Thank you to Kathryn Stewart, Dustin Collins, Dr. Jonathon Squires, Jim Redmond, Jonny Acheson, and Troy Reeb.

Also Thank you to @SickboyPodcast – check them out here http://sickboypodcast.com/

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Brian Stever @SteverBrian

Taylor MacGillvary @Taymacgillivary

Jeremie Saunders @JeremieSaunders