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The Workplace

For more information on MS employment download our publications:

Guide for Employers.pdf

Guide for Employees.pdf

 

Watch our short film regarding MS in the workplace. The film script was taken from an article written by Teisha Rose which was originally published on The Mighty. For more information about Teisha, her book 'Life Interrupted' and other articles she has written please visit www.livesinterrupted.com.au

 

How does it feel to tell your employer you have MS? 

We spoke to three people about their personal employment experiences:

Sonja’s story

 

Amber’s story

 

Mike’s story

 

 

Introducing the MS Employment Support Service (ESS) Team...

The MS Employment Support Service (ESS) is a specialist Disability Employment Service available for people affected by MS.  The service is currently available in the Melbourne and Sydney metropolitan regions, the Geelong/Bellarine region of Victoria, Tasmania, Canberra, South East Queensland, and Perth..  The MS ESS is a team of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists that work with clients in managing their symptoms at work, and maintaining their capacity for work.  

If you are experiencing MS symptoms that are making it difficult to do your work, and want further details about our service, and:
• You live in Tasmania, ACT, Sydney, Melbourne or Geelong/Bellarine, please call: 1800 042 138, https://www.ms.org.au/support-services/employment-support.aspx
• You live in Perth, please call: 0408 938 607, https://coact.org.au/coact-ms-specialist-ess/
• You live in South East Queensland, please call: 1800 177 591, https://www.msqld.org.au/service/employment-services/



 

Introducing Catherine Brooks...

Catherine Brooks is a partner at law firm Moores, a co-founder of an online beauty business, and lives with MS. Catherine is accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as a workplace relations specialist.

From the experts...

Workplace strategies – Defying the Effects on Career
People living with MS are concerned by ability to keep their job, ability to progress in their career, completing assignments at work.
 
Does a diagnosis of MS mean the end of a person’s working career? Does it mean that they cannot achieve any further progression in the job that they have already built experience and knowledge in?  
 
Jemma, John and Monique’s stories show that...
Read more
To tell or not to tell

Help prepare for the questions that may arise in the workplace which relate to your MS.  Know your key messages to avoid awkward moments and difficult conversations with your colleagues
 

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be an emotional time and often requires a journey of acceptance and understanding.  The same can be true for those you choose to tell – family, friends, colleagues and employers. ...

Read more
Finding Support in the Most Unusual Places
It doesn’t have to be all about MS

By the Team from Employment Support Services
Elizabeth Stenhouse - Employment Support Consultant (Occupational Therapist)
Imogen Oliver - Employment Support Consultant (...
Read more
Ready for a Nap, but the desk is in the way?

How to manage fatigue for better work, rest and play

 

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, occurring in approximately 80% of cases.  It can interfere with participation in all aspects of life, particularly a person’s ability to work. 

The good news is that you can take steps to lessen its...

Read more
Career Success with MS

By Catherine Brooks

When I experienced my first MS attack I was 23. I was super fit, spending a lot of time at the gym and going on hour-long beach walks every night. On one such walk, I noticed that I had pins and needles in my feet. That night, the sensation moved up my legs and by the next morning I was feeling very strange. I went off to the local GP who said I’d probably pinched a nerve during a weight...

Read more
Pregnancy, work and MS – my top tips to help you manage it all

By Catherine Brooks

Nine months ago I excitedly reported to my GP to let her know the good news – I was 6 weeks pregnant! I discovered I was pregnant when my period was late, my boobs hurt and I couldn’t eat breakfast – it took a while but I finally put it all together and did a test (and then four more just to be sure!). My husband and I...

Read more
To tell or not to tell? A challenge worth exploring

By Catherine Brooks

I’ve been living with Multiple Sclerosis for 9 years, but it wasn’t until the 9th March 2015 that I officially came out here to the world as living with MS.

Coming out was scary and nerve-wracking. It was also incredibly empowering and I’m glad I did it. But before I made this big...

Read more