This is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week, celebrated by the National MS Society and other support organizations. MS is a disease of the central nervous system that impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. People living with MS can experience mobility, pain, fatigue, and vision issues. MS can also cause mood changes and issues with memory and cognition. Medications, physical and occupational therapy, and assistive technology can help people with MS to work full time and fully participate in their communities.
The NIDILRR grantee community conducts research and development to support the independence and participation of people with MS and other central nervous system disorders. These projects have studied the course of aging with MS, barriers and supports to employment, and interventions to support health and function. Our Research In Focus series has explored several of these projects in recent articles:
- Which Symptoms are Most Challenging for People with Multiple Sclerosis?
- A Group Teleconference Program May Help People Aging with Multiple Sclerosis Build Resilience
- Disclosing a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis at Work May Have Pros and Cons
- Could a Phone-Delivered Program Teach People with MS What They Need to Know to Manage Their Symptoms?
- Moving to Music Shows Promise to Improve Fitness for People with MS
- Staying Employed with a Physical Disability May Be Tough, But Resilience May Help
In addition, we have explored studies focused on mobility disabilities, physical access to housing and other structures, workplace accommodations, parenting with a disability, and much more. Visit our Research In Focus series to read more about these and other studies!
You may also be interested in these resources from the grantee community:
- Understanding MS in the Workplace (webinar)
- Barriers and Facilitators to Employment: A Comparison of Participants with MS and Spinal Cord Injury
- Technology and Resources from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology to Support Successful Aging with Long-Term Physical Disabilities
Contact our information specialists if we can assist you in finding research and resources to help you stay healthy, active, and connected to your community.