Affiliations: Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication
Disorders, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA | Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling,
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA | Rehabilitation Counseling, Kent State University,
Kent, OH, USA | University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA | Lexington, KY, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Malachy Bishop, 208B Taylor
Education Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40513, USA. E-mail:
mbishop@uky.edu
Abstract: This study evaluated the specialized housing, transportation, and
resource needs and barriers of adults with MS. Information pertaining to
barriers and barrier removal strategies related to housing and transportation
issues for adults with MS was gathered as part of a national survey of a
randomly selected and representative sample of 5082 adults with MS, in
cooperation with affiliate chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
(NMSS) and the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis
(NARCOMS). This article presents a qualitative analysis of participants'
responses to questions addressing: (a) barriers to obtaining specialized
housing and adapted transportation for individuals with MS, (b) factors
contributing to maintenance of an independent lifestyle, and (c) information
and referral resources pertinent to obtaining specialized housing and adapted
transportation. The results provide the first assessment of these issues on a
national scale and underscore the need for increased access to professional
consultation, financial resources, and housing modification information and
resources to enable persons with MS to obtain the specialized housing needed to
maintain maximal independent lifestyles.
Keywords: Independent lifestyle, chronic illness, home modifications
