Recent
studies suggest that 56-58% of all persons nationwide who have a
medical diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis are unemployed. The
most common cited reasons for MS related disease factors related to
these percentages are physical and cognitive impairments. The most
frequent report of physical hindrance towards maintaining employment is
fatigue. Fatigue related challenges limit what
an individual with MS can do each day and in response to these
limitations directly effects duration of employment and subsequent
termination.
Other
disease related challenges, such as visual and cognitive impairments
(blurred vision or memory difficulties), or incontinence
affects the ability to carry out specific job-related tasks. In some
cases, it also affects the ability to negotiate the physical environment
of the work place (stairs, hand function). That is of course
considering that the act of getting to the workplace
itself is possible.
So
how can we make the workplace more accommodating for persons with MS? Some studies indicate that the person able to remain employed
identify job flexibility as the largest contributing factor. For some,
this means flexible hours of arrival and departure. For others it
means a place to rest during the day, or the freedom to take days off
and/or work from home when necessary.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has these specific suggestions for being employed with MS:
First,
employers could provide accommodations to address specific limitations
including increased flexibility in work hours and breaks during regular
intervals for MS patients with
fatigue. Ergonomic solutions to support hand limitations and reduced
demands on ambulation could also be beneficial for specific physical
limitations. In addition, cognitive dysfunction and fatigue can be
addressed in the occupational therapy or rehabilitation
setting with specific skills training, improving coping mechanisms,
compensatory strategies, or cognitive rehabilitation. (Journal of
Neurology, 2008)
Of
course no two cases of MS are the same. Most accommodations for
employees with MS are attainable and inexpensive. Both employer
and potential employee should work to find a healthy and agreeable
solution that will meet anticipated and unanticipated needs.
The Greater Carolinas Chapter of the National MS Society has been a member of the Raleigh Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities for years. Together we support efforts to educate
employers about workplace accommodations. In fact, the Committee is partnering with the Raleigh-Wake Human Resource Management Association and the Meredith Society for HR Management student chapter for an HRCI certified Employer Resource Day to tackle many of the issues discussed above, with an emphasis on etiquette and accommodations. Employer Resource Day will take place on July 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Meredith College in Dogwood A and B, located beneath the Belk Dining Room.
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Do you have questions, advice, or simply a story to tell regarding this post? Then be sure and share your thoughts in the comment section below.
