Job retention strategies for individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) often occurs during individuals' prime working years. Although the majority of people with MS are employed at the time of diagnosis, premature departure from the workforce is an all too common response to the significant challenges posed by this disease. The purpose of this article is to examine job retention barriers frequently encountered by people with MS and to describe vocational rehabilitation (VR) strategies designed to ameliorate these barriers so that these individuals can continue working. The authors summarize research findings on illness-related, demographic, and work- environmental barriers to job retention and career advancement. The authors then provide examples of job retention strategies and interventions that can be implemented by VR professionals to improve the employment outcomes of people with MS.