4:18 p.m., July 21, 2008--People with multiple sclerosis are eligible to receive free assessments of their functional abilities through the MS Assessment Program offered by the University of Delaware's physical therapy department in the McKinly Laboratory building on East Delaware Avenue in Newark, Del.

The assessment program is designed especially for clients of the Delaware chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society who either have noticed some level of functional loss or have not had an MS assessment in the last two years.

The fall schedule includes three dates: Friday, Sept. 19; Friday, Oct. 17; and Friday, Nov. 21. Because the number of appointments is limited, the slots fill up quickly. The Delaware MS chapter advises any client who is interested in a free MS assessment to call Cathy Ciolek at (302) 831-2430 or (302) 831-8893.

The program offers assessments of a client's physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as the client's use of assistive devices, ambulation, emotional state, bowel and bladder management, optometric needs and nutrition. Featuring one-on-one time with experts in these fields, each MS assessment includes both an evaluation of physical function and triage to address any need, all in one setting.

“If you are an individual with multiple sclerosis your ability to function can change over time," says Ginger Stein, program director for the Delaware MS chapter. "If you have experienced some functional loss recently or have not had an assessment in the last two years, please consider an appointment at the MS Assessment Program. As a Delaware chapter client, you are entitled to a free assessment.”

For more information, go to [MSdelaware.org].