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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

 

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It causes destruction of myelin (a protein that forms a protective coating around nerve cells) in the central nervous system. When myelin is destroyed signals traveling through the nerve cells are interrupted or delayed, resulting in various neurologic symptoms occurring at different locations throughout              the body. The           progress, severity, and specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis in any one person cannot yet be redacted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.

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Multiple sclerosis is often characterized by a pattern of exacerbation and remission.

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Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Possible symptoms include fatigue, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, spasticity, numbness, slurred speech, visual difficulties, paralysis, muscle cramps, bladder or bowel problems, and sexual dysfunction.

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The initial symptoms of MS are most often difficulty walking; abnormal sensations such as numbness or "pins and needles"; and pain and loss of vision due to optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve. Less common initial symptoms may include tremor; lack of coordination; slurred speech; sudden onset of paralysis, similar to a stroke; and decline in cognitive function.

 

Multiple Sclerosis and the RPD ACT 2016.

 

MS has a general definition of disability that each person must meet. To know more about MS please refer to RPD ACT.

 

Accommodating Students with Multiple Sclerosis

 

People with multiple sclerosis may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people with multiple sclerosis will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.

 

 

Questions to Consider:

 

  1. What limitations is the student experiencing?

  2. How do these limitations affect the student and the student’s job performance?

  3. What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?

  4. What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?

  5. Has the student been consulted regarding possible accommodations?

  6. Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the student to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional accommodations are needed?

  7. Do supervisory personnel and students need training?

Accommadation

Accommodation Ideas

By Limitation

1. Attention

By Limitation of: Attentiveness / Concentration

  • Alerting Devices

  • Alternative Lighting

  • Applications (apps)

  • Apps for Memory

  • Behaviour Modification Techniques

  • Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades

  • Electronic Organizers

  • Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products

  • Job Coaches

  • Job Restructuring

  • Marginal Functions

  • Modified Break Schedule

  • Noise Cancelling Headsets

  • Personal On-Site Paging Devices

  • Professional Organizers

  • Sound Absorption and Sound Proof Panels

  • Task Separation

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Timers and Watches

  • Uninterrupted "Off" Work Time

  • Verbal Cues

  • Wall Calendars and Planners

  • Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace

  • Written Instructions

By Limitation of: Balancing

ACCESSING COMPUTERS

Balance

LIVING INDEPENDANTLY

  • Bath Chairs

  • Canes

  • Crutches

  • Grab Bars

  • Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices

  • Rollators and Rolling Walkers

  • Scooters

  • Stair Assists

  • Stair Lifts

  • Swing Away Grab Bars

  • Toileting Aids

  • Walkers with Seats

  • Walkers

WORKING AT HEIGHTS

  • Aerial Lifts

  • Fall Protection

  • Rolling Safety Ladders

MOVING AROUND

  • All-Terrain Scooters

  • All-Terrain Wheelchairs

  • Canes

  • Crutches

  • Personal Transportation and Mobility Products

  • Rollators and Rolling Walkers

  • Scooters

  • Stair Assists

  • Stair Lifts

  • Walkers with Seats

  • Walkers

WOKRING SAFELY

  • Anti-fatigue Matting

  • Evacuation Devices

  • Fall Protection

  • Padded Edging

  • Protective Eyewear

By Limitation of: Decreased Stamina / Fatigue

Stamina

  • Accessories for Scooters

  • Aide/Assistant/Attendant

  • All-Terrain Scooters

  • Anti-fatigue Matting

  • Elevating Wheelchairs

  • Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools

  • Ergonomic Assessments

  • Ergonomic Equipment

  • Examination and Procedures Chair

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Head Support for Wheelchairs

  • Job Restructuring

  • Low Task Chair

  • Mechanic's Seats and Creepers

  • Multi-Purpose Carts

  • Periodic Rest Breaks

  • Scooters

  • Stand-lean Stools

  • Stools for Cutting Hair

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Walkers

  • Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting

  • Wheelchair Accessible Scales

  • Wheelchair Mounts

  • Wheelchairs

  • Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace

By Limitation of: Executive Functioning Deficits

Exe Function

  • Apps for Concentration

  • Apps for Memory

  • Checklists

  • Color Coded System

  • Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades

  • Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines

  • Extra Time

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Form Generating Software

  • Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products

  • Job Coaches

  • Job Restructuring

  • Marginal Functions

  • Memory Software

  • Modified Break Schedule

  • Noise Cancelling Earbuds

  • Noise Cancelling Headsets

  • On-site Mentoring

  • Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials

  • Reminders

  • Sound Absorption and Sound Proof Panels

  • Speech Recognition Software

  • Sun Boxes and Lights

  • Sun Simulating Desk Lamps

  • Timers and Watches

  • Wall Calendars and Planners

  • Written Instructions

By Limitation of: Low Vision

Low Vision

ACCESSING COMPUTERS

  • Enlarged Keyboard Tops and Labels

  • External Computer Screen Magnification

  • Screen Magnification and Screen Reading Combined

  • Screen Magnification Software

ACCESSING TELEPHONES

  • Accessible Mobile Phones

  • Accessible Telephones

  • Apps for Individuals with Vision Impairment

  • Large Button Phones

  • Large Visual Display for Telephone

MAGNIFYING MATERIALS

  • External Computer Screen Magnification

  • Head-mounted Magnifiers

  • Magnification (Hand or Stand)

  • Portable Video/Electronic Magnifiers

  • Screen Magnification and Screen Reading Combined

  • Screen Magnification Software

TALKING PRODUCTS

  • Screen Magnification and Screen Reading Combined

  • Talking Alarm Clocks

  • Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader

  • Talking Blood Glucose Monitors

  • Talking Blood Pressure Monitors

  • Talking Cash Register

  • Talking Color Detector

  • Talking Copier

  • Talking Money Identifier

  • Talking Scales

  • Talking Telephones

  • Talking Watches

By Limitation of Memory Loss

Memory Loss

  • Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers

  •  Apps for Memory

  •  Electronic Organizers

  •  Job Coaches

  •  Memory Software

  •  Professional Organizers

  •  Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials

  • Reminders

  • Social Skill Builders

  • Support Person

  • Verbal Cues

  • Wall Calendars and Planners

  • Written Instructions

Org Plan

By Limitation of Organizing / Planning / Prioritizing

  • Applications (apps)

  • Apps for Organization/ Time Management

  • Color-coded Manuals, Outlines, and Maps

  • Electronic Organizers

  • Ergonomic Equipment

  • Job Coaches

  • Job Restructuring

  • On-site Mentoring

  • Organization Software

  • Personal On-Site Paging Devices

  • Personal On-Site Paging Devices

  • Professional Organizers

  • Reminders

  • Supervisory Methods

  • Task Identification

  • Task Separation

  • Timers and Watches

  • Wall Calendars and Planner

  • Written Instructions

By Limitation of: Temperature Sensitivity

Temperature Sensitivty

  • Air Deflectors

  • Cold Resistant Gloves

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Foot Warmers

  • Heated Clothing

  • Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products

  • Heated Gloves

  • Modified Break Schedule

  • Telework,

  • Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Vent Covers

Sensitivity to Cold 

  • Air Deflectors

  • Cold Resistant Gloves

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Heated Clothing

  • Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products

  • Heated Gloves

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Vent Covers

  • Workstation Space Heaters

Sensitivity to Hot

  • Air Deflectors

  • Cooling Clothing

  • Fans

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Portable Air Conditioners

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Vent Covers

By limitation of Work-Related Function

Access Info

Access Information

  • Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers

  • Adjustable Desk Top Workstations for Office Settings

  • Aide/Assistant/Attendant

  • Alternative Input Devices 

  • Alternative Keyboards

  • Alternative Mice - Limiting Tremors 

  • Alternative Mice

  • Amplified Stethoscopes and Related Products

  • Assistive Listening Devices (personal)

  • Assistive Listening Devices and Sound Field System

  • Audio Descriptive Services

  • Braille Note takers and Personal Digital Assistants

  • Braille Printers & Embossers 

  • Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices

  • Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)

  •  Color Contrast Overlays

  • Color Identification

  • Computer Braille Display

  • Enlarged Keyboard Tops and Labels

  • External Computer Screen Magnification

  • Eye Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices

  • Head Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices

  • Keyguards

  • LCD Pen Tablet Displays

  • Line Guides

  • Locator Dots

  • Low Vision Enhancement Products

  • Magnification (Hand or Stand)

  • On-Screen Keyboards

  • One-Handed Keyboards

  • Portable or Handheld Readers

  • Prism Glasses/Bed Spectacles

  • Screen Magnification Software

  • Screen Reading Software and Training

  • Speech Recognition Software

  • Talking Coin Counter/Sorter

  • Talking Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Maps

  • Talking Money Identifier

  • Talking Scales

  • Talking Thermometers

  • Training Modifications

Communication
Communication

  • Accessible Telephones

  • Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers 

  • Aide/Assistant/Attendant 

  • Apps for Individuals Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing 

  • Assistive Listening Devices (personal) 

  • Assistive Listening Devices and Sound Field System

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device 

  • Behavior Modification Techniques 

  • Bluetooth Products 

  • Bone Conduction Technology 

  • Braille Telephones

  • Braille TTY 

  • Captioned Telephone Calls 

  • CART Services 

  • CART Services - Remote 

  • Cellular Telephone Technology: Deaf & Hard of Hearing 

  • Communication Access Technologies 

  • Electronic Organizers 

  • Graphics Design Software 

  • Handheld Computers (General) 

  • Hands-free Telephones 

  • Headsets - Computer (USB, VOIP etc.)

  • Headsets - Hearing Aid Compatible, Amplification 

  • Hearing Carry Over (HCO) TTYs 

  • Interpreter

  • Job Coaches 

  • Large Visual Display for TTY

  • Literacy Skills Development 

  • Neck loops 

  • On-site Mentoring 

  • Outgoing Voice Amplification - Telephone 

  • Paging Products & Services 

  • Personal On-Site Paging Devices

  • Professional Organizers 

  • Real-time and Off-line Captioning Services 

  • Scribe/Note taker

  • Service Animal

  • Social Skill Builders 

  • Speech Recognition Software 

  • Talking Telephones 

  • Telecoil Compatible Headsets 

  • Telephone Amplification 

  • Telephone Flasher 

  • Test Tube Holders

  • TTY Software 

  • TTYs (Text Telephones)

  • Verbal Responses 

  • Video Relay Services (VRS) 

  • Video Remote Interpreting Services (VRI)

  • Voice Amplification

  • Voice-Carry-Over (VCO) Telephones

  • Word Prediction/Completion and Macro Software 

  • Word Processing Software

  • Writing/Editing Software

Commution
Commute

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Ride Sharing/Carpooling

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Transportation Assistance

  • Van Conversion 

  • Walkers

Manipulate Items
Maipulate

  • Adjustable Drafting Tables

  • Adjustable Massage Tables 

  • Aerial Lifts 

  • Anti-vibration Gloves 

  • Anti-vibration Tool Wraps 

  • Auto-dialers 

  • Automated Filing Systems 

  • Automatic Door Openers 

  • Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment 

  • Compact Mobile Cranes 

  • Deburring Tools

  • Electric Scissors

  • Electric Stapler 

  • Electronic Organizers 

  • Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools 

  • Folding Steps

  • Graphics Design Software 

  • Grip Aids 

  • Hair Scissors 

  • Height Adjustable Table Legs 

  • Large-Rated Small Step Ladders 

  • Light Switch Extension Handles

  • Mechanic's Seats and Creepers 

  • Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment

  • Pipettes 

  • Professional Organizers 

  • Rolling Safety Ladders 

  • Sewing Aids for Individuals with Vision Impairment 

  • Stair Assists 

  • Stools for Cutting Hair 

  • Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader 

  • Talking Money Identifier 

  • Test Tube Holders 

  • Tool Balancers 

  • Vacuum Lifts

  • Vacuum Pickup Tools 

  • Wheelchair Trays

OffSite
Off Site Access

  • Accessible Vehicles

  • Accessories for Scooters 

  • All-Terrain Scooters 

  • All-Terrain Wheelchairs 

  • Examination and Procedures Chair 

  • Flexible Schedule 

  • Head Support for Wheelchairs 

  • Low Task Chair 

  • Personal Transportation and Mobility Products 

  • Scooters

  • Stair Assists

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely 

  • Transportation Assistance 

  • Van Conversion 

  • Wheelchair Accessible Scales 

  • Wheelchair Carts/Trailers 

  • Wheelchair Mounts

Operate Equp

Operate Equipment / Vehicles

ACCESSING COMPUTERS

  • Accessible Software for Webbing

  • Adjustable Drafting Tables

  • Adjustable Massage Tables 

  • Anti-vibration Gloves 

  • Anti-vibration Seats 

  • Anti-vibration Tool Wraps 

  • Breath and Mouth Controlled Alternative Computer Input Devices 

  • Convex Mirrors 

  • Deburring Tools 

  • Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools 

  • Ergonomic Equipment 

  • Gear Shift Adapter/Extension 

  • Hand Controls 

  • Height Adjustable Table Legs 

  • Joystick Driving Systems 

  • Long-Handled Mirrors 

  • Mechanic's Seats and Creepers 

  • Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment

  • Seat Belts & Seat Belt Extenders

  • Swivel Seats and Seat Extenders 

  • Talking Cash Register 

  • Talking Coin Counter/Sorter 

  • Talking Credit Card Terminal 

  • Telephone Flasher 

  • Telescoping Cameras 

  • Van Conversion 

  • Vehicle Rear Vision System 

  • Wheelchair Lifts

Parking
Parking

  • Accessible Parking Space

  • Flexible Schedule 

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely 

  • Wheelchairs

Policies
Policies

  • Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers 

  • Aide/Assistant/Attendant

  • Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Marginal Functions 

  • Modified Break Schedule 

  • Periodic Rest Breaks

  • Physical/Social Distancing Signage

  • Policy Modification 

  • Reassignment 

  • Service Animal 

  • Sleep Alerting Devices 

  • Strobe Lights 

  • Supervisory Methods

  • Support Animal 

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely 

  • Touchless Faucets

Temperature
Temperature

Sensitivity to Cold

  • Air Deflectors

  • Cold Resistant Gloves

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Foot Warmers

  • Heated Clothing

  • Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products

  • Heated Gloves

  • Modified Break Schedule

  • Telework,

  • Work from Home, Working Remotely

  • Vent Covers

  • Workstation Space Heaters

Sensitivity to Heat

  • Air Deflectors

  • Cooling Clothing

  • Fans

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Modified Break Schedule

  • Personal Visors

  • Telework,

  • Work from Home, Working Remotely 

  • Vent Covers

  • Workstation Space Heaters

Cognitive
Use Cognitive Function

  • Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers

  • Aide/Assistant/Attendant 

  • Color Coded System 

  • Counting/Measuring Aids 

  • Electronic Dictionaries 

  • Electronic Organizers 

  • Extra Time 

  • Fractional, Decimal, Statistical, or Scientific Calculators 

  • Job Coaches 

  • Line Guides 

  • Marginal Functions 

  • Modified Break Schedule 

  • On-site Mentoring

  • Personal On-Site Paging Devices

  • Professional Organizers 

  • Reassignment 

  • Reminders 

  • Service Animal 

  • Social Skill Builders 

  • Support Person 

  • Training Modifications 

  • Uninterrupted Work Time

Work Site
Work Site Access

  • Accessible Toilets and Toilet Seats

  • Accessories for Scooters 

  • Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings

  • Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings

  • All-Terrain Scooters

  • Anti-fatigue Matting

  • Automatic Door Openers

  • Boat Access

  • Braille and/or ADA Signage

  • Door Knob Grips and Handles

  • Examination and Procedures Chair

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Head Support for Wheelchairs

  • High Visibility Floor Tape and Paint

  • Low Task Chair

  • Portable Ramps

  • Ramps

  • Scooters

  • Service Animal

  • Smart Locks/Key less Entry Locks

  • Stair Assists

  • Stair Tread/Textured Tape

  • Support Animal 

  • Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely 

  • Van Conversion 

  • Walkers 

  • Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting 

  • Wheelchair Accessible Scales 

  • Wheelchair Carts/Trailers 

  • Wheelchair Lifts 

  • Wheelchair Mounts 

  • Wheelchairs 

  • Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace

Work Station Access
Work Station

  • Accessories for Scooters 

  • Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment 

  • Adjustable Desk Top Workstations for Office Settings

  • Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings 

  • All-Terrain Scooters 

  • Anti-fatigue Matting 

  • Articulating Keyboard Trays 

  • Assist Lift Cushions 

  • Chair Mats 

  • Chairs for Little People

  • Chairs for People who are Tall

  • Dual Monitors

  • Elevating Lift and Office Chairs

  • Ergonomic and Adjustable Office Chairs 

  • Ergonomic Equipment 

  • Examination and Procedures Chair 

  • Expanded Keyboards 

  • Forearm Supports 

  • Forward Leaning Chairs 

  • Head Support for Wheelchairs 

  • Large-Rated Chairs 

  • Low Task Chair 

  • Monitor Mirrors 

  • Monitor Risers 

  • Mousing Surfaces 

  • Stair Assists 

  • Stand-lean Stools 

  • Supine Workstations 

  • Van Conversion 

  • Wheelchair Accessible Scales 

  • Wheelchair Carts/Trailers 

  • Wheelchair Mounts 

  • Wheelchairs 

  • Work Platforms 

  • Zero Gravity (reclining) Chairs

SITUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS:
Situations

A teacher with multiple sclerosis was having difficulty communicating with students because his speech became soft and slurred when he was fatigued. He was given a personal speech amplifier so he would not have to strain to project his voice, and he was allowed to schedule his classes so he could take periodic breaks.

 

  1. An engineer with multiple sclerosis was experiencing heat sensitivity. She was provided a private office where the temperature could be lower than in the rest of the facility. She was also encouraged to communicate with co-workers by telephone or e-mail when possible to reduce the amount of walking she had to do.

  2. A student doing MBA was having difficulty reading files due to a vision impairment caused by multiple sclerosis. His college purchased a stand magnifier and added task lighting to his workstation.

  3. A student with multiple sclerosis had fallen multiple times at work, resulting in disruption to the workplace. After the college told the student that the issue needed to be addressed, the student asked the college to add a railing along the wall from her desk to the restroom, break room, and copy machine room.

About Personalities

Stephen William Hawking CH CBE FRS FRSA was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who, at the time of his death, was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge.

 

Hawking was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to in the U.S. as Lou Gehrig's disease.

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