Josephine…What Ever it Takes

Occupation: Office Manager

Josephine is a 54 year old woman diagnosed with Muscular Sclerosis in 1989.  By early 1996, she was using a wheelchair and had to rely on her husband to assist her with many of her daily activities. Although non-ambulatory, she remained active and is employed as an office manager of a large dental facility owned and operated by Social Service Employees Union Local 371. Josephine loves her job as it is a very important part of her life. Local 371 has been very supportive of her and customized her desk to accommodate her wheelchair.

In September 2006, Josephine unexpectedly lost her husband to a brain aneurism. Not only had she lost her partner in life, but she no longer had a caregiver to rely on to get her out of the house and to her job.

"I never viewed my MS as a disability, just an inconvenience - not being able to transfer is truly the disability,” she said.   The inability to transfer was such an impairment Josephine considered retiring.  Josephine’s Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provided guidance and counseling services and together, after reviewing all the options, they made the decision to assist Josephine to retain her current position. In order to maintain her employment, VESID assisted by with her linking her with community-based programs, helping her obtain the transfer/lift system she so needed to live and work independently.

Today with the combination of VESID, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and her own resources, Josephine is working, happy and productive.

Harry Reis, Regional Marketing Coordinator
Queens District Office