Examples of reasonable: flexible work from home options, different lighting (once we are back to working in-person), software that “zooms” text or reads the screen, or video training that is captioned. Examples of unreasonable: changing the qualifications for job openings, reducing standards of performance, changing the architecture of a building protected by historical landmark status (and many others related to structural changes). The best resource for accommodations is
www.askjan.org, a free and confidential informational source on accommodations for businesses.
A sixth tip I'd like to add is understanding more about the causes of disability. Sure, some people are unfortunately born with disabilities or develop them after suffering an accident. But you may not know that strokes are one of the leading causes of disabilities.
My personal storyI can tell you from personal experience that it’s true. In early 2014, I suffered a stroke. I was very fortunate that I recovered very quickly at least from a physical standpoint. Only about one in 12 (8%) stroke victims walk away without a physical disability. However, for the better part of five years, I struggled with feelings of melancholy, hopelessness and, yes, depression. I was fortunate to have a great support network around me and I did not keep my struggle hidden. I could tell my wife everything that was happening to me. I saw great counselors to help me figure out what was going on inside my brain. It was a long road to recovery, but I am proud to say that I have been melancholy-free for two years and counting.
With everything that the pandemic and COVID-induced economic challenges have brought us, I am sure it would be easy for someone to struggle with mental health. If you are struggling, please do not hide it. Share what is going on with your family and seek out someone to talk to. It worked for me.
Another great resource is
Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other. The SSEEO was an invaluable source of comfort and assistance to my family and me when we truly needed it. I continue to stay involved and am honored to serve currently as SSEEO president.
One positive outcome from my stroke and recovery is that I decided to evaluate my role in our business,
Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, which I co-founded in 2007. I had assumed the role of managing partner, almost by default, when we started. I was always good at starting and growing businesses. I was also very good at educating our CPA firm partners about tax credits and incentives. But I was not great at managing the day to day operations of the business. In 2017, those of us in top management decided to change responsibilities. My partner took over the role of managing partner, which leverages his strengths in management, and that freed me up to focus more on business development. I’ve always enjoyed generating new business, supporting our business development team and spending time educating CPAs around the country about tax credits and incentives. By changing roles, we’ve enabled our business to grow by over 300% over the past four years.
My stroke was the catalyst for making these bold changes, but it would not have been possible without my great support team and my decision to get help when I felt I needed it. By taking a hard look at my health and true skills, I was able to combine my passions for teaching and business development. Finding your strengths and passions, and surrounding yourself with others who have strengths different from yours, is critical for success. It took a traumatic experience for me to realize this, but this kind of self-reflection is something I urge you to do every year. Taking a little time out from the day-to-day can pay big dividends for your business and personal growth.