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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 help you make important employment decisions including:

• Referrals to community resources with expertise in employment issues (Contact an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867)
• Brochures and articles on MS and employment
• MS Learn Online provides educational videos on employment-related challenges such as disclosure and job accommodations
• Lending Library materials are available for checkout including books, CDs and DVDs (Employment section)
• Check out our complete list of Employment Resources
   

The National MS Society website provides resources in the following categories on Employment:

• Knowing Your Rights - obtaining legal protection against discrimination, options for health insurance, and employee benefit information
• Disclosure Decisions - deciding to disclose your disability at the workplace, to your supervisor, human resources, or your coworkers
• Workplace Options - adapting your abilities to the duties of your job, by seeking accommodations, new employment, or transitioning to work from home
• Self Advocacy and Employment - practical tools that you can access for helping make decisions