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Employment

Developing and achieving employment goals can be accomplished despite your MS diagnosis.

Eric
Diagnosed in 2004
Publication

The Win-Win Approach to Reasonable Accommodations: Enhancing Productivity on Your Job

A practical guide to obtaining workplace accommodations.

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Download Now
Publication

Self Advocacy- Employment

Learn more about employment options and how to be proactive in using the legal protections and resources available to maintain employment and/or re-enter the workforce.

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Read More
Publication

Effective Accommodation Practices

Practical guidance for medical professionals to help patients write effective accomodation request letters. 

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Learn More

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In this article

Overview

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 therapies, new technologies, better symptom management, legal employment protections and community resources can help you remain in the workforce.

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.

Developing and achieving employment goals can be accomplished despite your MS diagnosis — and education and preparation can be your most powerful secret weapon. The National MS Society is here to work with you as you navigate your employment options. We have resources to add to your employment toolkit.

Exploring employment options

First, breathe — don’t make any rash decisions. Give yourself permission to take it slow, review your situation, do your research and learn about resources.

When you are ready — The first step is to do a self-assessment.  Catalog your symptoms and how they impact your performance at work.  Identify your knowledge, skills, abilities, personal characteristics — overall competencies. Evaluate the impact of the symptoms on this “big picture” view of yourself. Taking the time to do this helps you determine what options to consider. Self- assessment tools may be helpful.

If you're considering a change in employment, know that some employers seek to hire people who bring diversity of all kinds — including disability — to their workforces.

Know your rights and resources

Additional resources

Employment Matters: Managing MS in the Workplace
Featured Video series

Employment Matters: Managing MS in the Workplace

Learn how to navigate the complexities of managing work and MS through this six-part video series and companion toolkit

Part 1- Thinking Proactively About Employment

Part 2- Recent Changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Part 3- Disclosure in the Workplace

Part 4- Managing Fatigue in the Workplace

Part 5- Managing Cognitive Challenges in the Workplace

Part 6- Assistive Technology and the Workplace

Video

MS in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers - National MS Society

This video is a resource for employers, featuring discussions about multiple sclerosis in the workplace.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
Video

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling

Learn how rehabilitation counseling can help maintain employment

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The National MS Society is Here to Help

Newly Diagnosed

If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed, access our MS information and resources.

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