Aug 05, 2009
MS on the job: seven things to know
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People with multiple sclerosis who work can face many different issues in the workplace. Sarah Danen, Jill Parkinson and Heather Svenson, MS Navigators with the Minnesota Chapter, share tips for dealing with MS on the job.
- If your employer offers one, be sure to enroll in a long-term disability plan.
- Understand your benefits and keep copies of benefit plans at home and work. This includes health insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability benefits, etc.
- Be aware of policies on time away for illness and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) and the time frames covered under short- and long-term disability.
- Consider how MS could affect your job performance down the line. Come up with a list of indicators to help decide if and when you should consider switching to part-time, changing vocations or stopping work (For instance, if fatigue affects my performance, I may need to cut down my hours).
- Disclosing your disease to an employer is necessary when you require a special accommodation. If not, the decision is up to you. Consider your relationship with colleagues and the climate at your workplace. Every situation is unique so think about what’s best for you.
- Learn how the Americans with Disabilities Act can be a resource for you. Questions? Contact the National MS Society, Job Accommodation Network or Work Incentives Connection.
- If you experience workplace discrimination, contact the MS Society, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or Minnesota Department of Human Rights right away.
Get answers
Contact the Minnesota Chapter for more information about workplace issues or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/employment.