Kristin K.

Kristin is the Associate Director/Counselor in the Office of Disability Services at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She works with students and faculty to ensure equal access to educational programs and to increase awareness of disability issues.

Kristin's life with multiple sclerosis (MS) began when she was just 25. She initially experienced blurry vision, and within three days became completely blind in her right eye. Kristin's ophthalmologist diagnosed her with optic neuritis and warned that she could be experiencing early symptoms of MS, a suspicion that was later confirmed by a specialist.

Kristin's grandmother lives with MS so she was familiar with the disease. But her image of MS was defined by a wheelchair, which her grandmother had relied on for many years. "When I heard the words 'multiple sclerosis,' I couldn't help but think about my grandmother, who was diagnosed at a time when knowledge and awareness of the disease were still evolving and treatment options were limited," said Kristin.

Kristin soon realized, however, that her MS did not have to be the same as her grandmother's - technology was available to help make her life more manageable.

"I really value the tools available today such as font-size adjustment on a computer or programs that read text aloud. Instead of expending my energy trying to read a paragraph when my vision is affected, I save it for more meaningful activities such as painting, or spending time with family and friends."

Though she doesn't consider herself a "techie," Kristin appreciates how technology creates new possibilities for the students and faculty she now counsels. "Technology helps restore a sense of independence," added Kristin. "I can learn about assistive tools when I'm feeling healthy, so that I can easily use them when my symptoms are exacerbated."

<< Back