Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and National Disability Institute Launch a Four-Part Webinar Series on Financial Wellness for the Multiple Sclerosis Community

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) and National Disability Institute (NDI) are collaborating on a series of four free webinars designed to assist the MS community in learning about strategies to protect and improve their financial well-being and planning. The first of the four webinars will be held on October 6, 2011. The webinar, "Being Money Smart," will begin at 1:00 PM (EDT) and will last for approximately two hours. Individuals are encouraged to register early to assure a spot for the webinar. To register, please visit www.msassociation.org/programs/financial. Support for this program is provided by Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.

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This program will offer hands-on guidance and instruction on financial planning specifically tailored to the unique needs and interests of people living with MS. In addition to the introductory webinar on "Being Money Smart," other programs in the series include:

October 27th, Working Towards Financial Wellness

November 17th, Get Out There and Flex Your Financial Muscles

January 19th, Invest in Yourself

"We all know MS can affect a person's physical health, however the impact MS can have on one's financial well-being is rarely addressed," states Robert Rapp, MSAA's chief operating officer. "Most of the information available does not necessarily meet the needs of the MS population. For that reason, MSAA and NDI have partnered together in hopes of providing a wide range of useful tools and targeted information for the MS community."

To ensure the content of the webinar series addresses the specific financial needs of the MS community, a survey with 3000 respondents and several focus groups were held.  The results were:

• Two thirds of those responding said they were worse off financially since being diagnosed with MS
• Almost four in ten do not have a "trusted point of contact" for financial information or advice
• 74% were not aware of programs that can assist in helping to stabilize one's finances

"National Disability Institute is dedicated to building a better economic future for all Americans with disabilities," said Michael Morris, National Disability Institute's executive director. "We are excited about the opportunity to work with MSAA to share tools and strategies customized for individuals with MS and their families to bring new hope and possibilities concerning financial wellness, stability and the advancement of economic self- sufficiency."

Please be sure to visit www.msassociation.org for more information on this program.  

About MSAA

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA provides vital programs and services, such as: a toll-free, bilingual Helpline; informative publications including a magazine, The Motivator; website featuring educational videos and research updates; S.E.A.R.C.H.™ program to assist the MS community with learning about different treatment choices; equipment distribution ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™; educational events and activities; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; and more. For additional information, please visit www.msassociation.org or call (800) 532-7667.

About National Disability Institute

National Disability Institute (NDI) is national non-profit organization dedicated to building a better economic future for people with disabilities. The first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, asset development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities, National Disability Institute affects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative initiatives such as the Real Economic Impact (REI) Tour, which brings tax and financial education for people with disabilities to more than 100 cities nationwide. To learn more, visit www.realeconomicimpact.org

About Acorda Therapeutics

Acorda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing therapies for multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and related nervous system disorders. The Company is commercializing and marketing AMPYRA(R) (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg, in the Unites States. AMPYRA is a potassium channel blocker approved as a treatment to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); this was demonstrated by an improvement in walking speed. AMPYRA was developed using Elan's Matrix Drug Absorption System (MXDAS(R)) technology and is manufactured by Elan based on a supply agreement with Acorda.

Acorda also markets ZANAFLEX CAPSULES(R) (tizanidine hydrochloride), a short-acting drug for the management of spasticity. The Company's pipeline includes a number of products in development for the treatment, regeneration and repair of the spinal cord and brain.

About Multiple Sclerosis

The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.

For more information visit www.msassociation.org.

SOURCE Multiple Sclerosis Association of America