As a complex and unpredictable disease, MS can have varying effects on a person’s ability to work. New symptoms might make you question whether you can continue working and, when those symptoms subside, you might wonder why you were worried about work at all.
People living with MS often continue working long after their diagnosis. On the flip side, some people with MS decide to leave their jobs when they are first diagnosed or experience their first major exacerbation, often at the suggestion of their family or doctor. This decision is often made too quickly and at a time when symptoms can color judgment. Disease-modifying drugs, new technologies, better symptom management, legal employment protections, and community resources can help you remain in the workforce.
We offer a variety of resources to make important employment decisions including:
- Employment referrals to community resources with expertise in employment issues
- Education teleconference on employment-related issues (disclosure, job accommodations)
- Employment consultations
- Employment materials and brochures
Employment Counseling
Is your resume in need of a new look? Do you need to upgrade your computer skills to compete in today’s job market? Are you currently employed but thinking of making a career change? Do you need information on how to ask for accommodation? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, our Employment Counseling Program may be able to help you.
The Chapter, in collaboration with The Employment Connection at UCP of Greater Suffolk, offers individualized counseling sessions and computer training. You will meet privately with an employment counselor to explore career options and assess your skills. You will learn how to rewrite your resume, how to interview with a prospective employer, and how to handle discrimination on the job.
Seminars and workshops are offered throughout the year and deal with topics such as:
Disclosing MS - This issue is very real. Many individuals with MS don’t have the option of not disclosing, but for those who do, the choice is a difficult one because it involves significant risk. There are personal and professional issues. There are issues of privacy, trust, and integrity.
Employment Barriers - Some jobs are compromised by MS symptoms much more quickly or directly than others. The most important point to keep in mind is your personal decision to keep working.
Vocational Rehabilitation in NY
ADA and Reasonable Accommodation
Learn more about about MS and employment by visiting the National MS Society website
For further information, please contact Gene Veigl at (516) 740-7227 (631) 864-8337 Ext. 222 or email him at eveigl@nmssli.org.
