Living with an autoimmune or autoinflammatory arthritis disease can affect much more than physical health—it can reshape careers, education, finances, independence, and plans for the future. In this episode of AiArthritis Voices 360, co-hosts Leila and Eileen are joined by Dr. Michele Hamm, AiArthritis board member, industrial and organizational psychologist, and wellness practitioner, to explore the realities of working and attending school with an AiArthritis disease. Drawing from personal experiences and lived experience data shared by the AiArthritis community, they discuss the challenges of unpredictable symptoms, fatigue, pain, brain fog, medical appointments, and flares—and why a person's ability to work may look different from one day to the next. The conversation also explores the difference between wanting to work and being physically able to work, including the impact that changes in employment can have on identity, independence, confidence, and mental well-being. From flexible schedules and remote work to adjustable deadlines, rest breaks, and supportive workplace cultures, the group discusses how employers can move beyond one-size-fits-all accommodations and create environments where people with fluctuating chronic illnesses can thrive. The episode also offers a first look at AiArthritis' developing Employer Wellness Toolkit, which will use lived experience data and patient perspectives to help employers better understand and support employees living with AiArthritis diseases. Leila P.L. Valete is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus & Sjögren's. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. Leila is on social media as @Lupus.Lifestyle.Lei sharing bits and pieces about her life with lupus and connecting with others. Eileen Davidson - Educational Media Assistant Person living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Eileen Davidson, also known as Chronic Eileen, is an autoimmune arthritis and chronic illness patient advocate from Vancouver, BC, Canada. She actively advocates for arthritis patients through her involvement with various organizations and committees such as The Arthritis Research Canada Patient Advisory Board. Eileen is dedicated to raising awareness about arthritis and providing support to those living with the condition. Dr. Michele Hamm - AiArthritis Board Member Dr. Hamm earned her doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Education in Counseling at Northern Arizona University, and Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Physical Education from Arizona State University. http://bridgewellconsult.com/ Resources https://www.arthritisresearch.ca/education-series/arthritis-and-employment-making-it-work/
