Searching for just a few words should be enough to get started. If you need to make more complex queries, use the tips below to guide you.
Issue title: The Nature and Needs of Americans with Emerging Disabilities
Guest editors: Lynn C. Koch and Phillip D. Rumrill
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Reed, Karla S.a; * | Meade, Michelleb | Jarnecke, Melindaa | Rumrill, Phillipc | Krause, James S.a
Affiliations: [a] College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA | [b] Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA | [c] Center for Disability Studies, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Karla S. Reed, 151-B Rutledge Ave, MSC 962, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. Tel.: +1 843 792 7051; Fax: +1 843 792 5649; E-mail: swayngim@musc.edu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Individuals must disclose their disability to their employer to benefit from work accommodations. Since individuals with multiple sclerosis often have “invisible” symptoms, they must decide whether or not to disclose their diagnosis to employers and whether the perceived benefits are worth the perceived risks. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to identify factors that may influence the decision to disclose disability to an employer and the consequences of disclosure for participants with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS:Qualitative analysis was conducted using narratives from 8 focus groups held in three US states (South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio). All participants (N = 74) were 18 years of age or older, spoke English, and had worked after MS diagnosis, although not all were employed at the time of the study. In focus groups sessions, participants were asked “Did you decide to tell your employer about your MS? If so, how did it impact either finding or maintaining employment?” RESULTS:Narrative responses indicated eight themes that fell into two categories: decision to disclose and consequences of disclosure. In the category of Decision to Disclose, themes included (1) disclosing to explain, prepare, or educate, (2) general disclosure, no concerns, (3) limiting, delaying, or deciding not to disclose, and (4) unsure about future disclosure. Within Consequences of Disclosure, themes included (5) positive and supportive reactions, (6) mixed or variable reaction in the same work environment, (7) no real reaction, positive or negative, and (8) leading to termination of employment. CONCLUSION:Our findings shed important light on the diversity of considerations and impact on employment of disclosing disability in the workplace for those with MS and highlight the importance of individuals’ feeling that they have control over the process.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, disclosure
DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170893
Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 175-184, 2017
IOS Press, Inc.
6751 Tepper Drive
Clifton, VA 20124
USA
Tel: +1 703 830 6300
Fax: +1 703 830 2300
sales@iospress.com
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to editorial@iospress.nl
IOS Press
Nieuwe Hemweg 6B
1013 BG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 688 3355
Fax: +31 20 687 0091
info@iospress.nl
For editorial issues, permissions, book requests, submissions and proceedings, contact the Amsterdam office info@iospress.nl
Inspirees International (China Office)
Ciyunsi Beili 207(CapitaLand), Bld 1, 7-901
100025, Beijing
China
Free service line: 400 661 8717
Fax: +86 10 8446 7947
china@iospress.cn
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to editorial@iospress.nl
如果您在出版方面需要帮助或有任何建, 件至: editorial@iospress.nl