Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an incurable disease of the central nervous system that inflames the protective sheath or myelin which surrounds the nerves and causes plaques or lesions to appear. This can then cause interruptions in the way the nerves of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves send messages to the associated muscles. Common problems may include fatigue, incontinence, constipation, pain, cognitive changes, altered sensation, muscular and visual changes.
The type and degree of symptoms will vary among individuals and may fluctuate with triggering factors such as heat, cold or stress.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
As symptoms are restrictions are unique to each individual with Multiple Sclerosis, individual symptoms and job duties should be assessed to identify any changes in work equipment or work role structuring that may assist. The following is only a sample of the possible solutions that may require consideration within the workplace:
Activities of daily living:
- allow use of a personal attendant at work
- allow use of a service animal at work
- make sure the toilet and kitchen facilities are wheelchair accessible
- move workstation closer to the restroom
- allow longer breaks and consider whether work can be done from home
- provide access to a refigerator as some people with MS have difficulty regulating body temperature and may need to use cooling products
Cognitive impairment:
- provide written job instructions when possible
- prioritise job assignments
- allow flexible working hours
- allow periodic rest periods to reorientate
- provide memory aids such as schedulers and organisers
- minimise distractions
- allow a self-paced workload
- reduce job stress
- provide more structure
Fatigue/weakness:
- reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress
- schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation
- allow a flexible work schedule and flexible use of leave time
- allow work from home
- implement ergonomic workstation design
- provide a scooter or other mobility aid if walking as part of job role cannot be reduced
Fine motor impairment:
- implement ergonomic workstation design
- provide alternative computer access
- provide alternative telephone access
- provide arm supports
- provide writing and pen grips
- provide a page turner
- provide a note taker
Gross motor impairment:
- modify the worksite to make it wheelchair accessible
- provide disabled parking close to the worksite entrance
- provide an accessible entrance such as through use of an automatic opening door
- provide an accessible rest room and break room
- provide wheelchair accessible route of travel to other work areas used by the employee
Heat sensitivity:
- adjust worksite temperature
- use cooling vest or other cooling clothing
- use air conditioners and fans at the workstation
- allow flexible scheduling and flexible use of leave time
- allow work from home during hot weather
Speech impairment:
- provide speech amplification, speech enhancement or other communication device
- use written communication such as email
- transfer to a position that does not require a lot of communication
- allow periodic rest breaks
Vision impairment:
- magnify written material
- provide large print material
- control screen glare by adding a screen filter to the computer
- install proper office lighting
- allow frequent rest breaks
The Employment Assistance Fund is available to assist with funding for equipment or modifications to the workplace that enable eligible individuals with a disability to carry out their work.
References
Job Accommodation Network 2008, Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Multiple Sclerosis, US Department of Labor, USA, viewed 18 May 2010, http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/MS.html.
Better Health Channel 2008, Multiple Sclerosis - common problems, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 18 May 2010, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Multiple_sclerosis_explained?open.