Dark times for workers with disability : shame experiences for workers with multiple sclerosis (MS) : a creative non-fiction, collective case study

These are dark times for Australians with disability: Labour force participation rates are just 53% (compared to 81% for able bodied), and declining; earnings are around half that of those without disability; access to the Australian Disability Support Pension (DSP) is being restricted; and, most disturbingly, around 45% of Australians with disability are currently living at or below the poverty line (Bennett, 2011). A creative non-fiction, collective case study of the Shame Experiences for workers with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is presented. Shame is a powerful social emotion resulting in strong feelings of defeat, failure, and rejection – at work, it is at the root of much suffering, and may contribute to people with disability leaving work prematurely. However, shame is subject to influence and, therefore, amelioration.