Bulletin - MS Society Western Australia

Assistive Technology for People with MS
COMPUTER
ACCESS
“We are all equal behind a computer”.
I really like this saying and it is so true.
With today’s technology the world of
computer technology is open to the
majority of the community, through a
range of accessibility options.
All too often people seem to think that
they are unable to learn new tasks or
their disability prohibits them from
accessing a computer. This is just not
true, and the old saying where there is
a will there is a way is all you need.
Computers are used by people for so
many things these days:
Communication
Social networking
Shopping
Banking
Paying bills
Education
And many more.
The options for making computer
access easier can be as low tech as
using the functions already available
on your computer ie, magnifying the
text so you can see it better, using an
on screen keyboard with the mouse
instead of the usual keyboard, putting
on the sticky keys option so that when
doing control alt delete you can do
them separately, rather than needing
to hold them down all at once, if you
have a tremor you can put on the delay
so you don’t get so many repeats.
The website The Seniors Guide to
Computers is excellent for explaining
all the accessibility options available.
There is also a range of different mice
available i.e. track ball mouse, joy
By Robyn loxley O.T.
stick mouse, which can make it easier
to navigate the screen. For our more
disabled members there are options
such as the Integra Mouse which can
make the cursor move with very small
facial movements and the puff options
works the click. A programme called
the Smart Nav, allows the mouse to
be moved via an infra-red dot placed
on the members forehead to navigate
the screen and dwelling initiates the
click. There are a range of different
options for people who need to access
the computer through a switch. It is
important that you be assessed as to
what would be the best accessibility
option for you. Contact our O.T
department.
There is also a range of different
keyboards available, some with large
keys for those with isolation and visual
difficulties, some that can be used easily
by a single hand user, or a compact
keyboard that allows navigating the
keyboard when movement is limited
easier.
There is also a range of different software
that is available to assist computer
access ie Dragon Naturally Speaking
allows the computer to be operated
by voice activation, Jaws software is
for those with visual difficulties giving
magnification and auditory feedback,
VS communicator software allows
everything to be accessed via an on
screen keyboard, and has a scanning
option for switch users.
Again it is important that you be
assessed for the correct software to
suit your needs.
An assessment can be arranged at
the Independent Living Centre Tech
Centre for a trial of some equipment.
We are hoping in the near future to
have our own assessment clinic set up
where you can come and try what is
available. It may be possible to apply
for some funding through the Disability
Equipment Grant for access and
software, provided the member meets
the eligibility criteria.
At present there is no source for the
funding of computers. It is possible to
get one through TADWA at a relatively
low yearly cost. These are re-cycled
computers, and the cost includes
servicing. They will also do group or
individual training on the computer.
An exciting development from the MS
Society with support from Independent
Living Centre Tech Centre, is the setting
up of a touch screen computer, with
a range of accessibility options, for
our Hamilton Hill residents. There
are a number of members who have
previously never been able to access the
computer who now will be. Will keep
you posted on how this is developing.
If you would like any further information
on how to make accessing the computer
easier do not hesitate to contact me, on
9365 4831.
Dream it…
Win it…
LIVE IT!
The MS Mega Home Lottery has been a hugely successful
fundraiser for the MS Society of WA since it was first launched
in 2007. This year, we’re hoping for another record-breaking
result. Funds raised by the lottery will help build a new high
support accommodation facility in Bunbury, as well as expand
our services to Members.
Helping support and promote this year’s MS Mega Home
Lottery is Natalie Gruzlewski, the Channel 9 star of Getaway
and The Farmer Wants a Wife. “People with MS need all the
support they can get. The MS Society does a fantastic job and
this lottery is their biggest fundraising event, so to support it is an absolute privilege.”
During her recent visit to Perth, Natalie visited the MS Society’s respite and accommodation centre in Hamilton Hill,
where she met residents and staff. “The accommodation facility is brilliant. When you visit places like that it really
does bring home how much people with MS and other neurological conditions need it, and how the Society is doing
such a wonderful job of helping them” added Natalie.
With a luxurious seaside lifestyle up for grabs at the fully furnished $1.6 million Grand Prize show home in Hillarys,
this year’s MS Mega Home Lottery is bound to create a lot of interest. After all, who hasn’t dreamed of waking up in
the morning to the sounds and scent of our unique Indian Ocean coast? In addition, this year’s prize pool is valued
at over $2.3 million and is bigger and better than ever.
“This is the biggest Mega Home Lottery in the state’s history with 2,043 prizes up for grabs and every ticket has a 1
in 25 chance of winning. Ticket numbers are limited and last year’s lottery sold out early, so my advice is to secure
your tickets sooner rather than later to avoid the disappointment of missing out altogether” said Marcus Stafford,
CEO of MSWA.
Most importantly, all proceeds help us to support West Australians living with MS, so everyone’s a winner!
take a chance in this life changing lottery – your dreams could become a reality!
Take a Bow
We are proud to announce that the MS Society’s first-ever Christmas
pantomime Puss in Boots was close to a sell-out. With 5040 happy
young theatre goers filling the Playhouse Theatre, it was the highestselling
youth theatre event in Western Australia.
The production, featuring live music and a pro-am cast, was the second
theatrically-based fundraising initiative in the MSWA portfolio and
was aimed specifically at children and their families. Based on the
classic children’s book by Charles Perrault, the show was infused
with new energy by the talented performers, with plenty of
humour thrown in for good measure!
In addition to a number of glowing reviews, the pantomime
also generated a great deal of media interest, further raising
the profile of the MS Society’s work. The West Australian
reported that ‘it was all perfectly targeted for the kids in the
audience and they responded sensationally’. A happy audience
and a great result for our members – now that deserves a
standing ovation!
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