10+ National Multiple Sclerosis Society Assistance Programs

Do you know someone who could use help from National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs?  Have you ever wondered what kind of help might be available? 

National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs vary by location and may be able to offer help with resources for education, equipment, financial assistance, employment, assisted and independent living, service animals, mobility and accessibility, advocacy and wellness.  Their goal is that no one faces MS alone!

MS Navigators

National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs have a centralized team of professionals called MS Navigators to help connect you to resources.  You can call 1-800-344-4867 (Monday – Friday 9AM – 7PM eastern time) to connect with an MS Navigator, fill out their contact form, or email at [email protected].

Information and education

National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs start with learning about the disease and how you can help!  They have a series of videos about research, health and wellness, and more!

Medical resources

An MS diagnosis can be scary, especially if you don’t know where to go for medical help!  National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs have guides to selecting healthcare providers as well as a search function for locating doctors and care centers with experience in treating MS.  These may include specialists in rehab, mental health, long-term care, neurology, and more.  Your MS Navigator can connect you to these medical resources.

Assistive equipment

If you need assistive or medical equipment to help you accomplish daily tasks, National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs may be able to help you get items like wheelchairs, lifts, scooters, canes, walkers, specialized feeding utensils and more!  Your MS Navigator can help with financial resources if your doctor or therapist identifies tools that may help you!

Financial Resources

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society may offer assistance with financial challenges due to job loss, COVID-19, and other circumstances.  Your MS Navigator can help identify possible coverage for health and wellness care, as well as assistive devices through insurance programs, non-profit sponsors,  Medicare/Medicaid, VA, etc.  Other areas of assistance may include help with rent/mortgage, utilities, home modifications, accessibility grants, medication and more!

Employment

Are you wondering how to be part of the workforce while living with MS?  National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs can point you to resources for job accommodations and how to request reasonable accommodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  They offer advice in managing symptoms in the workplace, utilizing assistive technology, and disclosure requirements.  You may also be connected with vocational rehabilitation counseling to help you achieve your career goals!

Assisted living

If assisted living is right for you, National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs can provide resources on a range of options.  These vary from home care, adult day services, residential care facilities, and nursing homes.  An MS Navigator can help you decide which services may help you!

Home care

Home care services range from help with chores to a full range of skilled medical services.  These may be for a few hours a week, or several hours daily.  They can help with housecleaning and laundry, as well as personal care like bathing, toileting, dressing, and hygiene.  The medical assistance can range from administering medications, IV maintenance, and exercise therapy.

Adult day services

Adult day services provide a safe place for daily activities in a community-based setting.  You can socialize and enjoy activities and health monitoring while family caregivers are able to continue working or receive services.

Residential care facilities

Residential care facilities fill the gap between independent living and nursing homes.  They are a great option for providing housing, meals, healthcare, and socialization.

Nursing homes

Nursing homes may be a good fit for those who need skilled nursing care and can benefit from a facility with all-inclusive services for meals, laundry, and medical needs.

Independent living

Are you wondering how National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs can help you live independently?  They offer connections to local agencies who can help with skills training, access to adaptive technology, caregiver resources, meal delivery services, transportation, service animals, and much more!

Service dogs

Many people with MS have found service dogs to be a huge asset in helping to maintain independence!  Service dogs may be trained to perform many tasks that allow people with MS to have full access to their homes and public spaces.  They may assist with balance or vision issues, opening and closing doors, retrieving dropped items, and much more!

There are many non-profit and for-profit that train dogs for disability assistance.  A service dog might be a good fit for you if:

• You are able to participate in the training
• You can independently control a service dog
• You can meet the dog’s physical, emotional, and financial requirements
• You have a stable home environment

Mobility and accessibility services

National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs can help ensure that transportation and facilities are fully accessible to people with MS.  This can include resources on adapted vehicles to drive independently, to transportation services by ADA Paratransit agencies.  They may also provide help in identifying if ramps or stair lifts can help you!  Home modification resources for owners and renters may be provided to help with removing barriers.

Advocacy and wellness support

Community support is a huge part of the outreach of National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs.  They offer a list of local support groups – one may be near you!

The Keep S’myelin magazine is produced for kids aged 6-12 to help give age-appropriate information about MS and support parents in talking about the disease.  It offers ways for kids to learn how to advocate for themselves and family members.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs also offer online support communities led by trained volunteers.  Your MS Navigator can help you network and join secure video meetings.  There are communities across various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Discord, Twitter and more!

More disability resources!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you are living with MS.  We’ve covered how the National Multiple Sclerosis Society assistance programs can help with resources for education, equipment, financial assistance, employment, assisted and independent living, service animals, mobility and accessibility, and advocacy and wellness.  Check out our additional disability resources that may be able to help you!

Rachel Grayless

After 27 years in law enforcement and state Veterans Affairs agencies, I found myself working from home and looking for dollar-stretching resources. Government programs can be notoriously difficult to navigate and I'm happy to lend my experiences to make this easier for others!