CMT is an invisible condition right up to the moment it no longer is. That makes conversations at work or school awkward: you are asking for adjustments for something nobody can see. Starting early means you do not have to hold that conversation in a crisis.
Adjustments that are often enough
- A parking space or bicycle stand near the entrance, and a workspace that is not at the end of a long corridor.
- Seated work where possible, with a supportive chair; standing still is more tiring than walking.
- Grouping fixed tasks so you are not walking back and forth all day.
- Working from home on the days or for the tasks where travel costs most.
- Adapted tools, mouse or keyboard as hand strength declines.
- Flexible hours, so you can avoid rush hour and crowds.
An occupational therapist can assess your workplace on site. That advice carries more weight with an employer than your own estimate, and it makes clear that this is about concrete measures rather than working less.
Where to go in Belgium
- VDAB (Flanders), Le Forem (Wallonia) and Actiris (Brussels) run measures that support employment: workplace adaptation, employer contributions, guidance when reorienting.
- VAPH (Flanders), AViQ (Wallonia) and PHARE (Brussels) contribute to assistive devices and home adaptations.
- The FPS Social Security, DG Persons with Disabilities handles recognition of a disability, from which the parking card and tax measures follow.
- Your health insurance fund has a social service that guides you through those applications — often the quickest first step.
The exact conditions and amounts change regularly. Treat these names as the right doors, and check the current rules with the service itself or with your health insurance fund.
At school
For children and students it usually comes down to practical arrangements: a second set of books so the bag stays at home, extra time for exams where writing matters, an adapted PE lesson instead of an exemption, and a place in the classroom that is not a trek every lesson. Agree these at the start of the school year with the student support service, not once things go wrong.