Research Database: 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: | https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-201120 |
| Full text: | https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil... |
| 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 and 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 |