Multiple Sclerosis and Work

When you receive a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, one of your first concerns may be how MS will affect your employment. You may wonder if physical disability will mean you have to stop working. You may fear that your multiple sclerosis diagnosis will lead to discrimination in advancement or hiring. You may also worry that coworkers will be critical and unsupportive. Deciding whether or not to disclose your condition to your employer can be difficult because the consequences of disclosure can be hard to predict.

When to Tell Your Employer

If multiple sclerosis is having no effect on your ability to perform your job as expected, then you may want to wait before disclosing your condition to your employer. However, if you experience a flare-up or if you need extra time off for healthcare provider appointments, you may need to tell your employer about your condition. Disclosure can prevent negative consequences that may arise from unexplained absences or stop rumors that arise from symptoms such as blurred vision, slurred speech or balance difficulties.

Know Your Rights

Everyone with multiple sclerosis who is employed should learn more about their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" so people with disabilities can remain productive on the job. These accommodations may include providing memory aids such as schedulers or organizers, allowing flexible work hours, eliminating nonessential physical exertion, or providing adjustments to the work station. Before approaching your employer, learn everything you can about your rights under the ADA, including employer responsibilities and what qualifies as a disability. Visit the ADA Web site at www.ada.gov.

Tips for addressing employment issues:

Be prepared. Make a list of things that can help you maintain productivity on the job. Don't expect your employer to know what you need or to do the research into what will help you do your job.

Negotiate and compromise. Ideally, you and your employer should work together to arrive at accommodations that are doable for both of you. Remember, accommodations must be "reasonable" meaning they must be affordable and not put undue hardship on your employer.

Set a friendly tone at the start. When you approach your employer, don't say, "This is what you need to give me." Rather, say, "These things can help me stay productive and meet job expectations." Setting the right tone can make the process go more smoothly.

Focus on meeting job performance standards rather than on your disability. Don't confide in your employer too much about the challenges of having multiple sclerosis. Keep your conversation on your desire to continue meeting job expectations.

Seek additional resources. Your local National Multiple Sclerosis Society chapter, your state's office of vocational rehabilitation, and your state's department of social services can offer additional advice about dealing with multiple sclerosis and employment.

Give yourself time. Don't make any rash decisions about your employability until you have had time to adjust to your multiple sclerosis diagnosis. If you're happy with your current employment and able to keep working, don't suddenly switch careers or quit your job. Your own course of multiple sclerosis may allow you to do what you love indefinitely.

Start thinking about Plan B.  Even if you currently have no disability due to multiple sclerosis, you may want to come up with a plan for what to do if you become unable to perform your current job. Some people pursue education or job training in fields that are less physically demanding or that will allow them to work part time or from home. Staying in the work force is not only a source of income and insurance. It can also help you stay engaged, find social support and keep a sense of purpose.

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