People with MS are empowered as full participants in
their communities and in decision-making about the
management and treatment of the disease.

MS is a complicated disease that has a major impact on quality of life (QOL). It is important that programmes, policies and services enable people with MS to be as independent as possible and have control over their lives. The day-to-day uncertainty that many people with MS experience often causes a significant loss of QOL.
To retain independence and empowerment, people with MS must be able to participate fully in their communities, in management and decisionmaking regarding their disease, and not be restricted in their treatments by financial liabilities. Governments should have legislation that protects their rights.

1.1. People with MS must be able to realize their full potential. They should have the opportunity to travel to places outside of the home, work at jobs, acquire an education, and do the other things that people without disabilities do. They should have the opportunity to participate in community life as much as is possible and desired. Ref 1-31

1.2. People with MS and their families must be involved in decisions about their medical treatment and other decisions that affect their lives. Even when there is cognitive impairment in the person with MS, the affected person and his or her family must be involved in the decision-making The Principles process to the fullest extent possible. They should collaborate closely with their physicians and other health care providers. Ref 1,3,4,6,7,17,23,30,32-42

1.3. People with MS and their families have choices regarding their medical treatment and the other services they receive. Because each person is different, services must be tailored to the individual needs and choices of each person, and a broad range of services made available. Ref 1,3,4,34,43-45

1.4. People with MS should have access to treatments, programmes, and services without regard to their ability to pay. Ref 1,3,4,27,46-48

1.5. People with MS must be empowered to take control of the decisions affecting their lives and to self-manage the disease as much as possible. To encourage the highest possible degree of selfmanagement, they should be able to access a broad range of information, advice, and education regarding the nature of MS, its treatment, and methods for improving QOL. Access to this information is to be made available through multiple sources, including books, pamphlets, websites, and health and social service professionals. Mutual or peer support opportunities should also be available to people with MS. Ref 1,3-5,7,12,13,17,19,22,23,25-27,30,32-35,37-40,42,45-47,49-65

1.6. Legislation must be enacted that protects the rights of people with MS and other people with disabilities against discrimination in all aspects of social and community life. Enforcement of these laws is to be consistent and effective. Among other things, these laws require governments, employers, building owners, transportation organizations, and others to make reasonable adjustments to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. These laws are to ensure that people with MS have access to all types of financial instruments, including current accounts and savings accounts, credit cards, insurance, loans, and all forms of financial assistance. Ref 1,4,9,12,13,17,20,26-28,35,42,46,47,66,67