Affiliations: Kent State University Department of Educational
Foundations & Special Services, Kent, OH, USA | University of Arkansas Department of Rehabilitation,
Human Resources, and Communication Disorders, Little Rock, AR, USA | Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of
Rehabilitation Counseling, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Phillip D. Rumrill, Center for
Disability Studies, 413 White Hall, P.O. Box 5190, Kent State University, Kent,
OH 44242-0001, USA. Tel.: +1 330 672 0600; Fax: +1 330 672 2512; E-mail:
prumrill@kent.edu
Abstract: Information from the Integrated Mission System of the United States
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was used to investigate the
employment discrimination experience of Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS)
in comparison to Americans with other physical, sensory, and neurological
impairments. Specifically, the researchers examined demographic characteristics
of the charging parties; the industry designation, location, and size of
employers against whom allegations were filed; the nature of discrimination
(i.e., type of adverse action) alleged to occur; and the legal outcome or
resolution of these allegations. Findings indicate that persons with MS were
younger than the comparison group and comparatively overrepresented by
Caucasians and women. People with MS were proportionally more likely than the
comparison group to allege discrimination related to reasonable accommodations,
terms or conditions of employment, constructive discharge, and demotion. People
with MS were proportionally more likely than the comparison group to file
allegations against employers in the service and financial/insurance/real
estate industries, employers with 500 or more workers, and employers in the
North United States Census region. People with MS were proportionally more
likely than the comparison group to receive merit resolutions as a result of
the EEOC's Americans with Disabilities Act Title I investigatory process.
Implications for policy and advocacy are addressed.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, workplace discrimination, Americans with Disabilities Act
