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Increasing Accessibility

Accessible Environments and Multiple Sclerosis

    • Bathroom modifications such as grab bars
    • Better lighting
    • Ramps
    • Widened doorways

  • Centers for Independent Living - Identifies local funds available for home modifications
  • Digital Federal Credit Union - Offers Access Loans for any building modification, product or device to help someone living with a disability 
  • Habitat for Humanity Home Preservation Program - Provides services like exterior painting, wheelchair ramp construction, landscaping and more
  • HUD Lender List Search - Tool to search for lenders based on a wide array of criteria
  • IRS Tax Credits - May be used for renovations and home improvements if made for true medical purposes
  • Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waivers - Can be used in some states to pay for access modifications
  • Property Improvement Loan Insurance - Insures loans to finance light or moderate rehabilitation of properties
  • Rebuilding Together - Gives free rehabilitation and critical repairs to the homes of low-income Americans, particularly the elderly or people living with disabilities
  • USDA - Single-family housing repair loans and grants for low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes
  • Veterans Administration (VA) - Provides grants to Veterans with disabilities who need to make modifications to their homes
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  • decluttering for people with MS
  • Get tips to fall-proof your home
  • Watch the Ask an MS Expert: Tips for Creating an Accessible Home
  • National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) can help you find vetted professionals who can help with home and office organization
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    Workplace Accommodations for Employees Living With MS

    • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a crucial civil rights law passed nationwide in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in public life, including the workplace. It’s organized into five titles, or sections.Title 1 of the ADA requires employers with 15 or more employees to accommodate the needs of employees with disabilities so that they can carry out their jobs regardless of disability. It also states that employers must provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified job candidates so that they can participate in the application process.

    • leave qualifies as an accommodation.Examples of workplace accommodations include:
      • Moving your office closer to the restroom
      • Modifying your roles and responsibilities
      • Adjusting your work schedule
      • Using assistive technology (AT) such as voice recognition software
      • Having an assigned parking space closer to the front door
      See a list of accommodations you can request at work." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
      The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides unpaid, job-protected leave if you are unable to work because of your own serious health condition or because you need to care for your parent, spouse or child with a serious health condition. Leave may be taken all at once or periodically as the medical condition requires. Learn more about the FMLA and whether your leave qualifies as an accommodation.Examples of workplace accommodations include:
      • Moving your office closer to the restroom
      • Modifying your roles and responsibilities
      • Adjusting your work schedule
      • Using assistive technology (AT) such as voice recognition software
      • Having an assigned parking space closer to the front door
      See a list of accommodations you can request at work.

    • disclosure worksheet can help you weigh the pros and cons of disclosing.When you are ready to disclose, you can provide as much or as little information as you would like. Under the ADA, you only have to state that you have a medical condition or neurological condition. You do not need to say you have MS. However, if the information you provide is not sufficient, your employer may ask for more details. Fully disclosing your MS can give you the opportunity to educate your employer about MS and open the door for future communication.Once you have disclosed and are ready to request an accommodation, follow this process: Take time to think about your need for an accommodation. This worksheet can help.When it’s time to request the accommodation, let your employer know that you need an adjustment due to a medical condition.Example: “I am getting fatigued holding the phone, and a headset will help eliminate that.”While you can make your accommodation request face-to-face, you might want to make it in writing. This sample accommodation request letter can help.See the process through. You are responsible for requesting the accommodation and seeing the process through." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
      In order to be eligible for an accommodation, you need to disclose your condition to your employer. This disclosure worksheet can help you weigh the pros and cons of disclosing.When you are ready to disclose, you can provide as much or as little information as you would like. Under the ADA, you only have to state that you have a medical condition or neurological condition. You do not need to say you have MS. However, if the information you provide is not sufficient, your employer may ask for more details. Fully disclosing your MS can give you the opportunity to educate your employer about MS and open the door for future communication.Once you have disclosed and are ready to request an accommodation, follow this process: Take time to think about your need for an accommodation. This worksheet can help.When it’s time to request the accommodation, let your employer know that you need an adjustment due to a medical condition.Example: “I am getting fatigued holding the phone, and a headset will help eliminate that.”While you can make your accommodation request face-to-face, you might want to make it in writing. This sample accommodation request letter can help.See the process through. You are responsible for requesting the accommodation and seeing the process through.

    • Employment Matters Managing MS in the Workplace - This recorded webinar explains many factors a person living with MS needs to consider when it comes to the workplace, from fatigue to disclosing an MS diagnosis.JAN Employees’ Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - This resource gives you the answers to common questions people have when requesting an accommodation. The Win-Win Approach to Reasonable Accommodations - This document provides step-by-step instructions for requesting an accommodation.Work It - This Momentum Magazine article describes how vocational rehabilitation can allow a person with MS to continue working." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
      Employment Matters Managing MS in the Workplace - This recorded webinar explains many factors a person living with MS needs to consider when it comes to the workplace, from fatigue to disclosing an MS diagnosis.JAN Employees’ Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - This resource gives you the answers to common questions people have when requesting an accommodation. The Win-Win Approach to Reasonable Accommodations - This document provides step-by-step instructions for requesting an accommodation.Work It - This Momentum Magazine article describes how vocational rehabilitation can allow a person with MS to continue working.

    Technology and Accessibility

    • Dragon Speech Recognition
    • Google Assistant
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    • Amazon’s Alexa
    • Apple’s Speech Interpretation and Recognition Interface, also known as SIRI
    • Dragon Speech Recognition
    • Google Assistant

  • MS Care Connect
  • My MS Manager
  • Headspace
    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee apps. Take into account the app’s cost, privacy policy and accessibility before using them." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
    Apps can help you stay on top of your symptoms and track your physical activity and diet.Some free apps you can download include:The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee apps. Take into account the app’s cost, privacy policy and accessibility before using them.

  • Staying Mobile page can help you find a reputable dealer, buy used devices and learn how insurance can help cover costs." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
    These devices can help you accomplish daily activities and maintain your independence. Our Staying Mobile page can help you find a reputable dealer, buy used devices and learn how insurance can help cover costs.

  • Assistive Technology Industry Association - Hub for manufacturers, sellers and providers of AT 
  • Atvisor - Catalog with everything from electronics to self-care products
  • Global Assistive Technology Network - Search engine allowing you to look worldwide for AT products
  • Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure - Database to find access to communication, computers and digital devices
  • National AgrAbility Project - AT solutions and suggestions for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities 
  • National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) - Shares what AT devices and services are available, where to obtain them and funding resources
  • RESNA - Organization that helps people with disabilities gain access to technology solutions.
  • Searchable Online Accommodation Resource - Database of accommodation options in work and educational settings for people with disabilities
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    © 2025 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935.

    The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information on multiple sclerosis related topics. Unless otherwise indicated, the information provided is based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. However, the information does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific medical advice, consult a qualified physician. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.