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# JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

**Job Accommodations for People with**

**Multiple Sclerosis**

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. MS is often characterized by a pattern of exacerbation and remission. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Possible symptoms include fatigue, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, spasticity, numbness, slurred speech, visual difficulties, paralysis, muscle cramps, bladder or bowel problems, and sexual dysfunction. 

Because most people develop MS between the ages of 20 and 40, many are likely to be employed when first diagnosed. The following is a quick overview of some of the job accommodations that might be useful for people with MS. For a more in depth discussion, access JAN's publications at http://askjan.org/media/atoz.htm.  To discuss an accommodation situation with a consultant, contact JAN directly.

**Activities of Daily Living:**

· Allow use of a personal attendant at work

· Allow use of a service animal at work

· Make sure the facility is accessible

· Move workstation closer to the restroom

· Allow longer breaks

· Refer to appropriate community services 

**Cognitive Impairment:**

· Provide written job instructions when possible

· Prioritize job assignments 

· Allow flexible work hours 

· Allow periodic rest breaks to reorient 

· Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers

· Minimize distractions and provide more structure

· Allow a self-paced workload 

· Reduce job stress 

**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 and work from home

· Implement ergonomic workstation design

· Provide a scooter or other mobility aid if walking cannot be reduced

**Fine Motor Impairment:**

· Implement ergonomic workstation design 

· Provide alternative computer access

· Provide alternative telephone access

· Provide arm supports 

· Provide writing and grip aids

· Provide a page turner and a book holder

· Provide a note taker

**Gross Motor Impairment:**

*Work-site Accessibility:*

· Provide parking close to the work-site

· Provide an accessible entrance

· Install automatic door openers

· Provide an accessible restroom and break room

· Provide an accessible route of travel to other work areas used by the employee 

*Workstation Accessibility:*

· Adjust desk height if wheelchair or scooter is used

· Make sure materials and equipment are within reach range

· Move workstation close to other work areas, office equipment, and break rooms

**Heat Sensitivity:**

· Reduce work-site temperature 

· Use cool vest or other cooling clothing

· Use fan/air-conditioner 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 or fax

· Transfer to a position that does not require a lot of communication

· Allow periodic rest breaks

**Vision Impairment:**

· Magnify written material using hand/stand/optical magnifiers 

· Provide large print material or screen reading software 

· Control glare by adding a glare screen to the computer

· Install proper office lighting

· Allow frequent rest breaks

**Resources Specifically for People with Multiple Sclerosis**

**Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Inc.**

6350 North Andrews Avenue

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2130

Toll Free: (800)225-6495

Direct: (954)776-6805

support@msfocus.org

http://www.msfocus.org

**National Multiple Sclerosis Society**733 Third AvenueNew York, NY 10017Toll Free: (800)344-4867info@msnyc.orghttp://www.nationalmssociety.org

Updated 3/23/10.

This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (DOL079RP20426). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Fact Sheet Series

Job Accommodations for People with Multiple Sclerosis