Building Stronger Connections and Quality Care this World MS Day
World MS Day brings the global MS community together on May 30 to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The theme for 2022 World MS Day 2022 is ‘Connections’.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system whereby the immune system attacks and damages the myelin (the protective layer around nerve fibres). It interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves causing varied and unpredictable symptoms, depending on which part of the central nervous system is affected and to what degree. The most common symptoms are fatigue, pain, cognitive changes, bladder and bowel issues, heat sensitivity, spasticity, problems with vision, brain fog and changes in emotion. Some symptoms are immediately obvious whilst other signs such as fatigue, numbness and cognitive fog, can be invisible.
The four-year global theme (2020 – 2023) aims to build community connection, self-connection, and connections to quality care. To honour this years theme, we’ve spoken to local job coach Sarah for her insight into how AimBig Employment can support people living with multiple sclerosis.
“AimBig Employment can assist those living with MS by providing equipment to help you with your day-to-day employment requirements, advocating for participants living with MS to employers to show that, even living with a disability such as MS, participants still have the ABILITY to carry out employment. Being the voice for someone living with MS can really have such a positive impact on their lives not just for their employment but for their mental health as well. Being able to be provide equipment, linkages, and referrals to allied health professionals that may be required and providing coaching on coping mechanisms for the workplace can have an incredible positive impact on those living with MS.”
Today is an opportunity to advocate for best quality services and to celebrate support networks
