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Web-Based Help On The Way For MS Sufferers

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By VICKIE BECK Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 19, 2009

Updated: 03/19/2009 06:13 pm

Clearly, the personal computer and the Internet have changed the way we communicate and search for information. Having the Web at your fingertips is like having a giant resource library as close as the living room.

Using a typical computer setup may be difficult for some people with multiple sclerosis, however, causing them to miss out on the many benefits of this personal technology that has become so much a part of typical American life. That's why the MS Technology Collaborative is encouraging those with MS to become part of Snapshot, a Web-based technology assistance program available at www.mymsmyway.com/snapshot/ index.html.

The Web site is encouraging, appealing and easy to use. It includes an overview on MS and technology, tips, solutions, resources and more. The tips section covers vision and dexterity issues related to using a computer, suggestions for joining online groups and ways to use the computer to help with cognitive problems.

Some of the tips to solve computer-related vision problems include modifying the pointer size and cursor speed, using a high-contrast monitor size and considering a large print keyboard. To solve dexterity problems, such as having difficulty typing, there are speech recognition programs that type as you speak, and different keyboard and mouse options.

Interestingly, not all the technology tips relate to computers. There's a recommendation for a voice-activated television remote control and one for using automatic cleaners, such as the Roomba vacuum. To help with cognition and memory, there are suggestions to use the computer calendar as a reminder system for everything - including taking medication - listening to books on CDs to compensate for struggling with reading the pages, and using computer-generated "sticky notes" as reminders.

Many of the tips are posted by Web site participants, which helps enhance the site's sense of personality and community. In addition, people are invited to join the "community" and receive personalized reports with technology solutions to fit their particular situation.

In addition to tips, there are resources and lists of tools, including brochures, a video and information on the affordability of the assistive technology. This affordability section has information about features that are built in to many computers, low-cost items such as a variety of keyboard and mouse options, as well as speech recognition software. There is also information on loan sources for more sophisticated assistive technology.

Another section of the site ( www.mymsmyway.com/health care_professionals/survey _results.php) has survey results that indicate the importance of technology to people with MS, and areas that need improvement.

Seventy percent of responders indicated that keeping up with technology was important to them. However, 35 percent indicated they had difficulty using a standard keyboard, and 30 percent had trouble reading text on a typical screen. At the same time, computer technology has allowed 40 percent to continue working, and 93 percent of responders use computers to stay connected with others personally, which is higher than the general population's percentage of 80 percent usage in this category.

Although the information on the Web site is meant to assist people with MS, much of it - especially the technology tips and other such information - could be useful to a far larger population.

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