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How we can help you to stay
at work longer I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995 and originally became a client of Multiple Solutions as a Job Seeker about 7 years ago. After receiving assistance with resume development and interview techniques, I managed to find a suitable position independently as a Customer Service Representative. As soon as my employment was considered stable and I no longer needed assistance from Multiple Solutions, I was able to exit the program. As my health situation changed, I needed to contact Multiple Solutions again to seek assistance through the ‘Job in Jeopardy’ Program. My case manager arranged a government funded Worksite Assessment so that an Occupational Therapist could ensure my work station was suitable and recommend any equipment that may be beneficial. As a result, I was fortunate to be provided with a suitable computer mouse and arms for my office chair. Whilst these items helped me continue to work as a Customer Service Representative, my health changed again 6 months later. At this time mobility became very difficult and I was unable to walk. As this prevented me from attending work I once again contacted Multiple Solutions to ask for help. I felt anxious and terrified about losing the function in my legs and possibly my job. Knowing that this would be a very traumatic experience, I was hesitant about picking up the phone. However, after making just one phone call, my case manager was at my front door within a day and was able to arrange another work site assessment. Within 4 weeks I received a loan electric wheelchair which meant I was able to return to work whilst waiting for my custom made chair. I received my own chair soon after and I haven’t looked back since. It is the best thing that has happened to me since I was diagnosed with MS. Receiving support from this program and the people who were involved has made such a difference to my life. It’s fantastic to now be treated as a ‘normal’ team member with no ‘special’ needs. I no longer need
more time to get to meetings or other
special allowances put in place. It
does mean though that I can visit the
cafeteria to get my morning tea now,
which is not so good! Others have
said I look great and less tired now,
which must be because it is not such a
struggle for me to mobilise since using
an electric wheelchair. The experience
of having to use an electric wheelchair
was not as traumatic as I thought it
would be and my employer and work
colleagues have been great through
this transition. I am so happy to know
that I can continue working 15 hours
per week for many years to come. Jayne
Jayne’s story is an excellent
example of the positive difference
we can make to your working
life. Don’t be afraid to pick up the
phone and talk to us about any
aspect of your work and how
MS might be affecting you. You will
be surprised at what is available
and best of all, it won’t cost you
anything! As well as physical aids,
we can provide mentoring support,
help you to negotiate reduced
working hours or perhaps changes
to your duties depending on
how your symptoms are affecting
your work. So if you think you,
or someone you know, might
benefit from this service please
contact our Workplace Support
Coordinator, Mary-Anne Edge, on (08) 8396 0044 or 0430 197 890 for more information. |
