Recognizing National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month: Employment Support for People with MS

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide, with more than 400,000 cases in the United States. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake. When someone has MS, parts of nerve cells in the brain are attacked, and communication is disrupted between the brain and the body. It can affect both men and women at any age, but is most commonly found in women age 20 through 40.

It goes without saying that MS can affect your desire or ability to work. In recognition of National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month this month, Ticket to Work reminds us that coping with MS and finding meaningful employment is possible. Read how people with MS like Tony Harris and Vilmarie Sostre-Lamb have managed their condition and returned to work.

Ticket to Work and Work Incentives can help you return to work or try working for the first time by connecting you to an employment team. Ticket to Work service providers can support you in finding the right job and help you find accommodations to be successful.

If you are thinking about work, explore these employment-related resources for people with MS:

•    Disclosing MS on the Job: A Tool to Help You Consider Your Options
•    Know Your Rights: A Legal Guide for People with MS
•    Career Options for People with MS
•    Accommodation and Compliance Series for Employers: Employees with Multiple Sclerosis

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and other organizations have organized a variety of activities this month to raise awareness and educate the public about MS. Visit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) to find an event happening near you.

If you are age 18 through 64 and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of MS or another disability and want to work, you can explore your options with the Ticket to Work program. To learn more and get started, email us at support@chooseworkttw.net, or speak to a knowledgeable representative at the Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

_{Pictured above is Ticket to Work Success Story participant, Vilmarie Sostre-Lamb. Vilmarie is an energetic young woman who worked in retail until MS changed her life. Through the Ticket to Work program and its supports, she was able to return to work. Read her story here}.