Depending on what early symptoms you experience and the kind of job you do, you may have to think about how HD will affect your ability to work in the future. Many people with early symptoms continue in their employment for a considerable time. This is often a very positive thing to do because it may be important to continue working for financial reasons. For some people, continuing to work can help them to feel positive about themselves, while for others it is an important way of keeping life as normal as possible.

Some people do need to give up work and there is advice, later in this section, about how to get help if you decide to do this.

One decision that you are likely to have to make is whether to tell your employer that you have HD. There are benefits in doing this. A good employer can be very supportive and this can be important in ensuring that you can continue to work for as long as possible. Unfortunately, some employers may not be so supportive and some people with HD have faced the difficult experience of losing their job after telling their employer about their illness. Fortunately employers who act in this way are in the minority.

Maurice Blackburn provides free legal advice to people in the HD community in Victoria. Contact them on Freecall 1800 810 812 or via their website.

One important thing to remember is that the law does not say that you have to tell your employer that you have HD. However, if you apply for a job and are asked about your health, you are obliged to tell your employer about your illness. Making an untrue statement about your health could lead to disciplinary action or dismissal if you knowingly give false information.

Deciding to tell your employer that you have HD is a very individual decision and there are pros and cons that you should consider very carefully.

Maurice Blackburn have worked with us to prepare a booklet to assist you to understand your legal rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Download it now.

Finally, if you do have to give up work remember that there are many positive alternative ways to use your time. Many people have found volunteering a fulfilling and rewarding activity. There are many opportunities for education, which can range from learning a new skill like cooking to studying something that interests you.

You can also Get Involved with Huntington's Victoria and use your skills and experience to help others.