Employment of Disabled Persons with Multiple Sclerosis in the Republic of Slovenia

Abstract

Education, active involvement in the workforce, and securing employment opportunities are essential pillars for individuals with disabilities to attain autonomy and self-sufficiency. However, due to lower education levels and inherent limitations, they often face barriers in securing and maintaining employment. Enhancing their employability through various training programs and raising awareness among employers about workplace accommoda-tions is essential. Slovenian legislation facilitates this but excludes individuals without recognized disability status from disability rights. This study aims to explore the disability status of indi-viduals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) under relevant legislation. It examines Slovenian disability legislation, protection, and recognition of disability for those with MS through legislation analysis and a survey of 85 adult MS Association of Slovenia members. Findings reveal disparities in rights based on the legal basis of disability status acquisition. Those under the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities Act (ZZRZI) lack disability benefits. Consolidating relevant legislation into a unified statute for disability recognition and establishing a single MS registry is proposed. Survey results indicate an 85% disability recognition rate, with 14% full-time employees, 21.2% part-time employees, 9.4% job seekers registered with the Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ), and 1.2% students among respondents. No prior research exists on MS-related employment in Slovenia, suggesting the need for future studies to monitor employment's impact on health status changes, sickness absence, workplace adjustments, employment opportunities, and suitable work environments for individuals with MS.