Multiple sclerosis or MS is a chronic, long term disease in which the myelin or protective coating of the nerves within the brain and spinal cord, breaks down and creates scarring. This scarring can interrupt the messages sent from the brain, potentially creating impaired motor, sensory and cognitive deficits to varying degrees. The location and extent of myelin breakdown varies with each person.
Symptoms and characteristics:
As multiple sclerosis is unpredictable, the symptoms and progression of the condition vary from person to person and may involve remissions, relapses and periods of minimal symptoms. Symptoms are diverse but often include:
- changes in sensation such as tingling and numbness
- mild muscle weakness through to paralysis
- mild vision disturbances through to blindness
- coordination difficulties and poor balance
- changes to speech
- walking difficulties
- tremors
- fatigue
- altered bladder and bowel function
- changes in mood
- altered cognitive abilities such as reduced concentration or memory
- sensitivity to temperature.
For more information on some of these symptoms and characteristics, follow these links:
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
Due to the unpredictability of symptoms with multiple sclerosis, a flexible approach and supportive environment is required within the workplace. A suitable job match and relevant support and modifications in the workplace would greatly assist people to continue to participate in the workforce, while they are physically able and perhaps ease the impact of progressive symptoms. An individual workplace assessment is recommended to determine specific workplace needs, such as:
- use of adaptive technology or equipment to assist in overcoming barriers along with increasing productivity and independence
- allowing for the use of fans or heaters in individual workspaces to assist in controlling temperature
- installation of blinds or window coverings to assist with temperature regulation and the control of glare
- ensuring wheelchair, scooter or walking aid accessibility to all areas of the workplace including kitchen and bathroom amenities, workspace and other doorways or emergency exits
- set up of kitchen amenities, office or workplace supplies, equipment and furniture which allows for independent access and use
- workstation and ergonomic chair or stool adjustments specific to individual needs
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build in time for breaks at work to avoid fatigue
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modifying tasks or method of work to accommodate individual strengths use of memory aids such as task boards, lists, computer prompts or alarm watches as task reminders ensuring medical certification is received regarding the capacity to drive work vehicles or operate machinery.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work-related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
(MS Australia 2005; Better Health Channel 2006).
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2006, Multiple sclerosis explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 13 April 2007, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Multiple_sclerosis_explained?open
MS Australia 2009, About MS, MS Society of Australia, Lidcombe, viewed 18 June 2009, http://www.msaustralia.org.au/aboutus.asp
MS Australia 2006, MS & Employment: Frequently Asked Questions, MS Australia, Lidcombe, viewed 5 December 2008, http://www.msaustralia.org.au/documents/ms-employment-faqs.pdf