Affiliations: [a] Independent Rehabilitation Consultant, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| [b]
Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Phillip D. Rumrill, Kent State University, Center for Disability Studies, 413 White Hall, Kent, OH 44242-0001, USA. Tel.: +1 330 672 0600; Fax: +1 330 672 2512; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND: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.
