Financial turning points and transitions for people with multiple sclerosis: Towards sustainable employment outcomes

Abstract

AbstractPeople with disability experience significant levels of economic disadvantage potentially resulting in their poverty, social exclusion and dependence on welfare. Low labour participation rates are a large contributor to such economic and social exclusion. This study was conducted in Australia where 45% of people with disability are living at or below the poverty line. Within this context, this article first defines and examines the constructs of Financial Turning Points and Financial Transitions experienced by people with disability, an area not previously examined in the literature. Then, a collective case study is presented portraying the experiences of Financial Turning Points and Financial Transitions for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Concluding remarks are directed towards the need to critically re-evaluate ways of thinking about work to enable people with disability to remain productive participants in employment, to better facilitate of their financial futures.