I love technology.
My laptop goes with me everywhere I go. I’m studing new media and social media as part of my doctoral level work. But mostly, I find that technology has become a ‘natural’ accomodation for a life with M.S.
Despite the fact my hand hurts when I hold a writing instrument or that I drop a pen or pencil regularly when writing, I can type with no problems. When my vision went kaplooey, within days my brain had retrained itself for the keyboard. Electronic calendars keep my memory in check. I have found the benefits of technology and often recommend to newly diagnosed patients to do the same.
That’s why I was excited when Ellen Kampel reached out to me. Ellen is a person living with M.S. who works for Microsoft and she’s part of the M.S. Technology Collaborative. The goal of the Collaborative is to provide technology solutions for people living with MS, many of which are affordable or even free. Their Web site, www.MyMSMyWay.com, offers an online interactive tool called “Snapshot” that prompts users to answer a series of questions, after which they receive a customized report with technology solutions specific to each person and his or her particular challenges. They also offer technology tips submitted by members of the MS community, a monthly column that Ellen writes with a leading accessible technology expert, and information on the types of technology available.
Their newest and most exciting initiative is a free online game that addresses the cognitive challenges of people living with MS. It’s still under development, but when it’s released, the game will provide cognitive exercises that target some of the main cognitive challenges faced by the MS community. It’s being developed in consultation with individuals living with MS as well as medical experts who specialize in researching and treating this condition.
Since we’re all going to likely live our lifetimes with the disease, we usually strive to live better despite M.S., don’t we? Now through the Collaborative, we can learn how to use technology to live better with M.S.
Posted in Life with M.S. Tagged: M.S., Multiple sclerosis, MyMSMyWay.com
I love technology.
My laptop goes with me everywhere I go. I’m studing new media and social media as part of my doctoral level work. But mostly, I find that technology has become a ‘natural’ accomodation for a life with M.S.
Despite the fact my hand hurts when I hold a writing instrument or that I drop a pen or pencil regularly when writing, I can type with no problems. When my vision went kaplooey, within days my brain had retrained itself for the keyboard. Electronic calendars keep my memory in check. I have found the benefits of technology and often recommend to newly diagnosed patients to do the same.
That’s why I was excited when Ellen Kampel reached out to me. Ellen is a person living with M.S. who works for Microsoft and she’s part of the M.S. Technology Collaborative. The goal of the Collaborative is to provide technology solutions for people living with MS, many of which are affordable or even free. Their Web site, www.MyMSMyWay.com, offers an online interactive tool called “Snapshot” that prompts users to answer a series of questions, after which they receive a customized report with technology solutions specific to each person and his or her particular challenges. They also offer technology tips submitted by members of the MS community, a monthly column that Ellen writes with a leading accessible technology expert, and information on the types of technology available.
Their newest and most exciting initiative is a free online game that addresses the cognitive challenges of people living with MS. It’s still under development, but when it’s released, the game will provide cognitive exercises that target some of the main cognitive challenges faced by the MS community. It’s being developed in consultation with individuals living with MS as well as medical experts who specialize in researching and treating this condition.
Since we’re all going to likely live our lifetimes with the disease, we usually strive to live better despite M.S., don’t we? Now through the Collaborative, we can learn how to use technology to live better with M.S.
Posted in Life with M.S. Tagged: M.S., Multiple sclerosis, MyMSMyWay.com