Technology plays a critical role in learning to adjust to MS to reduce social isolation and to cope with employment challenges. Everything we do in modern life revolves around the use of the computer. Overtime, MS can lead to visual, hearing, cognitive, speech or dexterity problems. As a result, it is easy to veer away from social networking resources and household or work tasks that are computer reliant. Few are aware of how much technological help, support and assistance are available or where to find it easily and quickly.
Finally, there is a user-friendly, comprehensive website to help those with MS stay connected and to use technology to improve their quality of life despite the challenges of MS! Mymsmyway.com is the brain child of the MS Technology Collaborative, an alliance between Microsoft, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and the National MS Society. The beauty of assistive technology and this website is that if offers accessible and affordable means to tailor adjustments to your computer usage to meet your specific needs. It's amazing what devices and programs are out there! Watch this you tube video and learn how technology is helping many with MS cope:
Mymsmyway provides three text sizes for reading magnification. Its headings are easy to understand and are accompanied by large pop up windows for further instructions. Its "Snapshot" icon is an interactive tool that requests info from users in order to customize a report of technology solutions most suited for each user. The site offers technology tips, up to date news on current innovations, options for finding free or inexpensive accomodations and technological resources for vision, cognition, dexterity and speech problems. It even has a "Stay Connected" option that explains social networking resources, a carepartners resource page and design tips for technology at work and home.
A unique set of games for cognitive exercise on the site is called: My Brain Games. Three different skill levels for practice are available and focus on information processing speed, complex attention, task switching ability and working memory. For further information on cognitive fitness with MS, see the Philadelphia MS Examiner October 8, 2009 article.
Staying connected and technolgically aware enables those with MS to utilize some super MS websites with state of the art dvds, tutorials, up to date clinical trial information, community blogs and doctor-patient forums. MS organizations like The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, the MS Foundation and the local Delaware Valley chapter of the National MS Society, have terrific online resources. Stay tuned for the next Philadelphia Multiple Sclerosis Examiner's MS Web Companion Guide for a closer look at the vital information, libraries, programs and services these websites offer.
Don't miss a word! You can receive notice whenever the Philadelphia MS Examiner posts a new article. Simply click "Subscriber Email" at the top of the page to be notified and you won't miss a publication!
Contact: Have something to say or to be included in this column? Write me at: drmefranco@yahoo.com
Comments