People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are known to face a multitude of challenges as they attempt to re-initiate or maintain their careers following onset of the disease.
OBJECTIVE:
Less is known, however, about the subjective experiences of people with MS regarding employment barriers.
METHODS:
Using the results of a larger national survey of the employment concerns of people with MS that was conducted in 2014–2015 as a basis for data collection, this qualitative study involved six focus groups comprising 20 people with MS and 27 MS service providers.
RESULTS:
Focus group participants offered subjective perspectives on and suggestions for addressing employment barriers that represented four major themes: understanding the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, on-the-job accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reassignment as a job retention strategy, and disclosure of disability.
CONCLUSION:
Findings are discussed within the context of existing literature.
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