Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system and causes impairment of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is most commonly diagnosed in young adults aged 15-40. Symptoms can include loss of balance, impaired speech, fatigue, vision problems, cognitive issues, and paralysis. MS strikes about 133 per 100,000 people in Canada, one of the highest rates in the world. It is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in the country.

1. What is Multiple Sclerosis?
 Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the ability
of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each
other effectively
 MS is most often diagnosed in young adults, aged 15 to 40
 MS can cause loss of balance, impaired speech, extreme fatigue,
double vision, cognitive impairment, and paralysis
 Most people with MS continue to walk and function at work with
minimal disability for 20 or more years

2.
:
 MS strikes 133 out of every 100,000 people in Canada
 Canadians have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis
in the world
 MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young
adults in Canada
 Every day, three more people in Canada are diagnosed with
MS

3. To Find Out Impact on Employment
 Are your symptoms interfering with your ability to
fulfill your job duties and affecting your work
performance? If so, how?
 Are there things you can do to manage your
symptoms without giving up your job?
 Can your doctor or another health professional,
such as an occupational therapist, help you manage
symptoms?
 Is it time to disclose to your employer that you have
MS and need workplace accommodation to enable you
to do your job?

4.  ACEC - To clarify barriers, needs, constrains, values,
assumptions, employment goals, and support systems
 Disclosure Decision Making Grid - To help client
identify and prioritize alternatives
 Self-Management Strategy - To help cope with
demands of work, illness, and family concerns
 Assessments - The COPSystem, Strong Inventory
 Referrals - To the MS Society

5. Advantages of staying employed
 Financial security
 Keeping options open
 Provides stability
 Maintenance is easier than finding a new job

6.  Loss of benefits
 Inadequate coverage
 Long waiting period

7. Disclosing the diagnosis
Before you disclose any information about your MS or
symptoms to your employer or colleagues:
 Know your rights concerning disclosure
 Consider the possible consequences of making your
diagnosis public
 Learn about job accommodation – workplace changes
that make it easier for you to do your job
 Know your rights concerning accommodation
 Seek emotional support and technical advice from
people and organizations like the MS Society of Canada

8.  You have visible symptoms and feel some
explanation would be useful
 You have invisible symptoms that interfere with
your ability to do your job
 You want your supervisor and co-workers to know
what you are experiencing
 You anticipate that your condition may affect your
ability to do your job
 You anticipate that your condition may affect your
safety or the safety of others in the workplace

9.  You need workplace accommodation to maintain or
enhance your effectiveness on the job and/or
safeguard your health
 You want to reduce your level of stress at work
 You believe that disclosure will give you more
control over your work environment
 You believe you can count on the understanding
and support of your supervisor and co-workers
 You wish to relieve yourself of the burden of
keeping your MS a secret from others

11.  When MS affects your job performance, you have a
right to ask for accommodation
Accommodation is any change in your work
environment that gives you an equal opportunity to do
your job
Small accommodations can make a big difference to
your effectiveness on the job
More than half of all job accommodations cost less
than $500

12.  Modification of work schedule
 Modification of workstation
 Changes in workplace policies and procedures
 Transfer to another position in the organization
 Training for another position in the organization

13.  Medical personnel
- family doctor
- other health professions
 MS Society of Canada through their local chapter
NEWLY DIAGNOSED:
 Information session called MS 101

14.  PERSONS WITH MS & THEIR FAMILIES:
 Short term counselling and referral
 Support and self-help groups
 Recreation and social programs (weekly schedule)
 Financial assistance (must meet criteria)
 MS Toronto Newsletter (monthly)
 Access to ASK MS Program

15. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
www.mssociety.ca
AODA
www.aoda.ca
JOIN
www.join.org
Employment Equity Act
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-
5.401/index.html