A lot can change over a very short period of time. For nearly a half million people nationwide and 2.1 million worldwide, this is one of those simple, powerful, and sometimes painful truths we know all too well. Today is World MS Day, a day designated to raise awareness about a chronic, often disabling disease that strikes women at a rate nearly 3-to-1 over men. Highly unpredictable, multiple sclerosis is most often diagnosed in people between ages 20 and 50, during prime degree-seeking and income-earning years. A multiple sclerosis diagnosis can have enormous consequences on someone’s daily existence, just as any disability has the potential to affect one’s quality of life, sense of self-confidence, lifetime earnings, and financial security.
But these outcomes aren’t certain; a different journey can be charted. As someone living with multiple sclerosis, I am both proud and fortunate to work for an employer that not only vigorously advocates for progressive workplace policies but also practices them. For people living with disabilities, affordable, high-quality health care, paid sick leave, reasonable accommodations like flex time and telecommuting, and a responsible work-life balance enables tens of thousands of otherwise fully qualified and productive individuals to continue contributing their skills, talents, passion, and experience to the workforce and the community. Disability should not prevent this win-win-win opportunity for employees, employers, and our nation.
This year, the theme for World MS Day is Work in Progress, and the focus is on raising awareness about how making small, low-cost changes in the workplace may allow people with MS and other disabilities to stay working for many years following a disability diagnosis. AAUW protects the rights of those with disabilities, advocates for progressive policies in the workplace, and continues fighting to break through these barriers for us all.
For additional guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues, visit the Job Accommodations Network. And for additional information on multiple sclerosis, check out the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which is an excellent resource for people affected by MS.
“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.”
— Martina Navratilova
AAUW Dialog 
Really become sad when reading the killer effect of multiple sclerosis and i am mourning here. I am amazed and thinking about the intensity of the disability the disease provides. I am also appreciating the fight Alan renders in the odd time of life both personally and professionally. Hats off Alan, keep your enthusiasm up all the time and fight all the odds bravely.
Thanks for sharing, Alan! It doesn’t take much to accommodate great workers like you.
Alan, I love that you are bringing attention to World MS Day and sharing your story. My Mom was diagnosed a year after you were. You have been a great mentor to me to as a caregiver and supporter to help my Mom adjust to her “new normal.” I too am proud to work for an employer that focuses on such important issues.
Excellent comments. It is so true that an employer can make the work environment improved for someone with MS at very low cost many times. Thank you for bringing awareness to this topic.
I’m proud of you, Alan, and honored that you shared your story with me. Keep fighting the good fight both personally and professionally.