Journal Article Details

Citation:
Bishop, M.; & Rumrill, S.P. (2021). The employment impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Americans with MS: Preliminary analysis. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 54 (1), 81-87.
Title:
The employment impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Americans with MS: Preliminary analysis
Authors:
Bishop, M.; & Rumrill, S.P.
Year:
2021
Journal/Publication: 
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:
IOS Press
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with unprecedented social and economic impacts in the United States, including significant cuts to the labor force, beginning in the spring of 2020.
Purpose:
In this study we examined the employment effects of the pandemic on Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS), a population that has historically experienced low rates of employment relative to the general population.
Data collection & analysis:
Based on a survey of a convenience sample of 69 members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, we examined employment, health, and economic experiences between May and August, 2020.
Findings:
The results suggest potentially significant job loss. Specifically, in the present sample approximately 20% of participants who were previously employed reported losing employment as a result of the pandemic, and approximately 40% reported other work changes. At elevated risk for job loss were those with lower levels of education, African American workers, and workers reporting Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin. Almost two-thirds of the participants reported that the pandemic had affected their financial status and over half (53.6%) reported that the pandemic had affected their ability to access their MS healthcare.
Conclusions:
We discuss the implications and potentially lasting effects of the current, complex employment situation faced by Americans living with MS, and the broader considerations for vocational rehabilitation professionals.
Disabilities served:
Multiple sclerosis
Interventions:
On-the-job training and support
Online training
Vocational rehabilitation
Accommodations / modifications
Outcomes:
Employment acquisition
Full-time employment