The Importance of the Cognitive Aspects of Vocational Rehabilitation for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) face symptoms that affect them physically and cognitively; 80% of individuals diagnosed with MS are out of work within 10 years, and 58% are unemployed. It appears that a diagnosis of MS creates a barrier to individuals obtaining and maintaining work. To combat this, vocational rehabilitation (VR) has been utilized by individuals with MS but with limited success. This may be due to the lack of interventions that address cognitive symptoms that occur. PURPOSE: The purpose of this perspective is to review the interaction between individuals with MS and the components of VR and discuss implications that could potentially increase the success of individuals with MS obtaining work. IMPLICATIONS: Approximately 48.1% of clients with MS receiving services from state VR agencies obtain or retain employment compared to 60% of clients with other diagnoses. This disparity highlights a disconnect in VR services. It has been seen that individuals with MS who were employed at application were more likely to receive services that include cognitive retraining-type services. Including more opportunities for cognitive retraining-type services may decrease this disparity and help more individuals with MS maintain or obtain work.