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Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body. The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between antigens and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self." These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies," react with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes; individuals with lupus produce too many antibodies. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain by attacking functioning organs, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. Lupus is a condition where the body’s defense mechanism goes into overdrive and starts to attack itself. There are an estimated 1,400,000 to 2,000,000 people with lupus, affecting 1 out of every 185 Americans. Most individuals are diagnosed with lupus between the ages of 20 and 40.

Accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We have compiled a non-inclusive list of limitations that result in common accommodation situations. In addition, you can find more information at JAN's A to Z Web page at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/atoz.htm.

Please select the limitation that corresponds with the individual needing an accommodation below.

Individual has difficulty with activities of daily living.

Individual has cognitive limitations.

Individual is sensitive to extreme temperatures (including Raynaud's Phenomenon).

Individual has gross motor limitations.

Individual experiences fatigue and weakness.

Individual experiences migraine headaches.

Individual has photosensitivity.

Individual has a vision impairment.

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