By DANIELLE GALVIN
WHETHER it’s making her cup of tea or helping lift her handbag, staff and students at Marantha Christian School in Officer have helped give receptionist Jennifer Gleeson a new lease on life.
Ms Gleeson, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, has been working with the school at the three campuses for 20 years but some recent changes have made her work life all the better.
“They have made sure that I have access to the facilities particularly on this campus,” Ms Gleeson said.
“When I moved to this campus about five years ago, they have always made sure I have access to the disabled toilet and they have just put one in for my use, about three weeks ago it was finished.
“The staff, students and parents are all very supportive making sure I have access to everything.”
Ms Gleeson is paralysed from the neck down and she can’t use her left side.
“The only part of me that does work is my right arm and right hand which enables me to keep going,” she said.
“The MS Society have been very supportive and helpful providing me with equipment to make sure it’s easy for me to come to work.”
And the best thing about it is that Ms Gleeson is a valued member of the school community.
“It certainly beats sitting at home watching television – I would rather be doing something constructive,” she said.
Multiple Sclerosis Australia (MSA) CEO Debra Cerasa quoted a study released last week that said that fatigue was the biggest barrier for a person with MS in the workplace.
She said that it was important to support people with MS to stay in the workforce.
“At the end of the day, making some simple adjustments to working conditions for people with MS really can be a win-win situation for employer and employee,” Ms Cerasa said.
“Employment gives a person with MS purpose, focus, independence and drive which can be very useful in maintaining a high quality of life and staying on top of their symptoms.
“For employers they receive an enthusiastic and committed staff member, in the prime of their career willing and ready to contribute to their business.”
