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.