Employment accommodation experiences among American workers with multiple sclerosis: A mixed-method analysis

Background: In this study we explored the employment accommodation needs and experiences of American workers with multiple sclerosis (MS). Considerable research has examined the factors that people with MS face in maintaining employment. Relatively little has focused on the accommodation experiences and needs of this population. Objective: We explored four research questions, concerning (a) the types of vocational accommodations people with MS seek, (b) employer responses to requests, (c) how workers with MS describe their accommodation-related experiences, and (d) what advice participants would offer to other workers with MS. Method: The research questions were addressed using a mixed-method cross-sectional survey-based design. The sample included 368 iConquerMS members who were either employed (n = 267; 72.6%) or had been employed in the past 5 years. Participants completed a web-based survey delivered through the iConquerMS web-based platform. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis. Results: Most (51.3%) working participants were not using accommodations. Most participants who requested an employment accommodation received one. The most frequently used accommodations among employed participants included (a) changes in work schedules (21.72%), (b) working at home full-time (21.35%), and (c) modifications of workstation or work facilities (10.86%). Participants described barriers to accessing and maintaining accommodations. Conclusion: This study among a large sample of working, or recently working, people with MS provides information on both the successful negotiation and the barriers faced in the employment accommodation process. The implications for vocational rehabilitation professionals are described.