An ecological approach to facilitate successful employment outcomes among people with multiple chemical sensitivity

Issue title: Workplace Issues and Placement

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Koch, Lynn | Rumrill, Phillip | Hennessey, Mary | Vierstra, Courtney | Roessler, Richard T.

Affiliations: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lynn Koch, Ph.D., The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Rehabilitation Education and Research Program, 100 Graduate Education Building, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. Tel.: +1 479 575 5824; Fax: +1 479 575 3319; E-mail: lckoch@uark.edu

Abstract: Many adults with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) must prematurely exit the workforce because of the severity of their MCS symptoms, the resulting disability stigma, and their unmet needs for on-the-job accommodations. To help individuals with MCS continue working or re-enter employment, rehabilitation professionals must understand the barriers resulting in unemployment and implement interventions to reduce or remove those barriers. In this article, the Ecological Model of Career Development is presented as a scheme for identifying barriers and implementing rehabilitation interventions to improve the employment outcomes among people with MCS.

Journal: Work, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 341-349, 2007