By Patricia Kennedy, RN, CNP
Screen readers, for example, can read
everything on your computer screen, including
text, graphics, control buttons and menus, and
speak it in a computerized voice. This allows
people with vision impairments to read e-mails
and even surf the Internet. For people with
limited dexterity, voice recognition software
allows them to speak into a microphone and have
their voice commands open programs on their
computer, navigate the Internet, and type word
documents – all without the use of their hands.
Janet Tipton is just one of many people in
the MS community who rely on accessible
technology to cope with MS-related symptoms.
Rachel Dykoski, a 40-year-old woman who was
diagnosed with MS in 2004, relies on technology
to help her maintain connections with friends
and family, as well as to work and function more
efficiently. A multi-tasker with MS-related
memory and vision challenges, Dykoski uses
electronic reminders, programmable keys, and
font adjustments to get her though the day.
“I would be lost without my computer, but
sometimes my MS symptoms make it difficult to
type or see the computer screen,” Dykoski said.
“The technology adaptations I’ve made, such as
increasing the font size or programming specific
keys to reduce the amount I need to type, make
it possible for me to use my computer no matter
what symptoms I’m experiencing.”
Dykoski has spent the past two years working
to ensure that other members of the MS community
can share in the benefits of accessible
technology that she herself has experienced.
Along with eight other people living with MS,
Dykoski serves as steering committee member of
the MS Technology Collaborative, a joint effort
between the National MS Society, Microsoft, and
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals designed to
connect people living with MS to accessible
technology that can help move their lives
forward.
Linda Wyman is also a member of the
Collaborative steering committee. Diagnosed with
MS in the early 1990s, Linda went from having
20/20 vision to being legally blind in just one
year. With the help of accessible technology,
Linda is able to overcome her MS-related vision
challenges and maintain her independence.
Using a scanner and reading software, Linda
is able to load books and letters onto her
computer and read them in a magnified format on
her screen. Her screen reader also reads content
aloud from accessible Internet pages and
documents, allowing her to access online
information and use e-mail and word processors.
“Technology gives me a measure of
independence,” Wyman says. “Instead of having
someone read to me, these technologies usually
allow me to do it myself. Nothing can truly
replace good vision, but accessible technology
and the will to use it makes my life better.”
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