Gordon, P.A., Feldman, D., Shipley, B., & Weiss, L. (1997). Employment issues and knowledge regarding ADA of persons with multiple sclerosis. The Journal of Rehabilitation, 63.

Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an acquired neurological disorder with typical onset between the ages of 15 and 50 (Scheinberg, Holland, LaRocca, Laitin, Bennett, & Hall, 1980). It is a demyelinating disease characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fiber which impedes the transmission of nerve impulses (Muller-Rohland, 1987). As the nerve impulses slow, an uncoordinated response is produced in the neural chain which may elicit an array of diverse symptoms such as paralysis, weakness, fatigue, visual and/or cognitive impairments (Falvo, 1991; Petersen & Kokmen, 1989; Wolf 1984). Since no two persons will experience identical problems with MS, it is difficult to anticipate the course of the disease.

Due to the unpredictable and typically progressive nature of the disorder, vocational planning has been difficult for persons with MS. The disease typically affects persons in their most productive years often resulting in high levels of unemployment and career disruption (LaRocca & Hall, 1990; Roessler & Rumrill, 1995b). Approximately 90% of persons with MS report a work history prior to diagnosis. In sharp contrast, though, only about 25% of persons with MS remain employed during the course of the disease (Kornblith, LaRocca, & Baum, 1986; LaRocca & Hall, 1990). In a similar vein, the 1983-1986 National Health Interview Survey indicates that for the 15 conditions with the highest risks of causing an inability to work, MS ranks seventh (LaPlante, 1991).

Gordon, P.A., Feldman, D., Shipley, B., & Weiss, L. (1997). Employment issues and knowledge regarding ADA of persons with multiple sclerosis. The Journal of Rehabilitation, 63.

Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an acquired neurological disorder with typical onset between the ages of 15 and 50 (Scheinberg, Holland, LaRocca, Laitin, Bennett, & Hall, 1980). It is a demyelinating disease characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fiber which impedes the transmission of nerve impulses (Muller-Rohland, 1987). As the nerve impulses slow, an uncoordinated response is produced in the neural chain which may elicit an array of diverse symptoms such as paralysis, weakness, fatigue, visual and/or cognitive impairments (Falvo, 1991; Petersen & Kokmen, 1989; Wolf 1984). Since no two persons will experience identical problems with MS, it is difficult to anticipate the course of the disease.

Due to the unpredictable and typically progressive nature of the disorder, vocational planning has been difficult for persons with MS. The disease typically affects persons in their most productive years often resulting in high levels of unemployment and career disruption (LaRocca & Hall, 1990; Roessler & Rumrill, 1995b). Approximately 90% of persons with MS report a work history prior to diagnosis. In sharp contrast, though, only about 25% of persons with MS remain employed during the course of the disease (Kornblith, LaRocca, & Baum, 1986; LaRocca & Hall, 1990). In a similar vein, the 1983-1986 National Health Interview Survey indicates that for the 15 conditions with the highest risks of causing an inability to work, MS ranks seventh (LaPlante, 1991).

Storey, K., Lengyel, L., & Pruszynski, B. (1997). Assessing the effectiveness and measuring the complexity of two conversational instructional procedures in supported employment contexts. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, (8)1, pp.21-33.

Abstract: We examine the effectiveness of conversational skills instruction in increasing the integration of workers with severe disabilities in supported employment settings. Two types of instruction were compared, conversation script instruction and question asking instruction. Results demonstrate that both of the instructional strategies increased the social interactions of the workers with severe disabilities. Integration data were collected using direct observation, social validation, and global measures. Generalization was assessed to other persons, settings, and situations.

Lash, M., & Licenziato, V. (1995). Career transitions for persons with severe physical disabilities: Integrating technological and psychosocial skills and accommodations. Work (5)2, pp. 85-98.

Abstract: This article describes a vocational training program entitled, “Careers in Automation for Persons with Severe Physical Disabilities,” that was developed by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Tufts University School of Medicine in collaboration with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Its goal is to secure employment for individuals with severe physical impairments by using computers and technology as job related accommodations. Psychosocial, educational, and vocational profiles are presented for 24 clients over 4 years. Three case studies involving persons with traumatic, chronic and developmental disabilities illustrate the importance of matching technological accommodations with employer needs and personal preferences. Discussion of employment outcomes illustrates that the effective use of computers and technology by persons with disabilities is best measured not by the degree of sophistication and engineering of systems and devices, but by employer and employee satisfaction with job performance and productivity.