Affiliations: [a] Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA | [b] Centre for Disability Studies, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Malachy Bishop, Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Kentucky, 208 Taylor Education Building, Lexington, KY 40506, USA. Tel.: +1 859 257 3834; Fax: +1 859 257 3835; E-mail: mbishop@uky.edu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:This article presents an overview of multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common neurological disorders in the Western Hemisphere. We explore the impacts of MS on employment, career development, and community living, and the implications for rehabilitation professionals. OBJECTIVE:The objective in this article is to provide a current and comprehensive review of the etiology and symptoms, incidence and prevalence, and current treatment strategies for MS, and the effects of MS on vocational and psychosocial outcomes. METHODS:This analysis represents a comprehensive review of the relevant medical, vocational, community living, and rehabilitation research literature. RESULTS:Living with MS is associated with wide-ranging and unpredictable effects on employment, career development, and community independence. Effective responses by health and rehabilitation professionals require a comprehensive understanding of this progressive and complex condition and its psychosocial impacts. CONCLUSIONS:Customized interventions from allied health professionals and rehabilitation counselors that are grounded in the unique features of MS and that reflect current best practices in Vocational Rehabilitation are required to improve rehabilitation outcomes for people with MS.
Keywords: Chronic illness, vocational rehabilitation, allied health, independent living
