There's no question that technology has revolutionized the way we interact with colleagues, family, and friends. But for some of us living with multiple sclerosis (MS), technology can pose both benefits and challenges. Depending on your symptoms, everyday tasks such as reading an e-mail or manipulating a mouse can be difficult.

Instead of trying to work around these obstacles, take advantage of the ways technology can flex to your changing - and often unpredictable - needs. Customizable products and features are designed with you in mind, and can help make living with MS easier.

Accessible Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment or system that increases, maintains or improves functional capabilities of individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments or disabilities. Accessible Technology encompasses both accessibility features and assistive technology. Accessibility features such as the options on your computer that allow you to change font size and color for better visibility, are built into software and other technology products. These simple adjustments to your operating system offer free solutions and will make the computer easier to see and use. Assistive technology includes products or equipment, such as screen readers or alternative keyboards that people with disabilities often use to improve their functional capabilities.

Some elements of accessible technology are already built into computers. Having trouble seeing the cursor on your computer screen? With just a few clicks, you can make the cursor bigger or change the blink rate. You can also enlarge the text of your entire computer screen.

Other elements are specially made for individuals with dexterity, vision, speech, or cognitive difficulties. For example, if you have trouble moving your mouse around, you might want to consider using a trackball instead.

Technology also can improve how you take your disease-modifying therapy. Having trouble taking it at the right time each day? Consider setting a reminder on your cell phone or sending yourself a text message.

For more ways to make the computer easier to see, hear and use, visit www.microsoft.com/enable.

Accesible Technology Video
Learn about affordable, easy-to-use technology solutions that can help you stay connected.

Tech Connect
By Ellen Kampel & John M. Williams
Each month, Ellen and John will offer their perspective on how accessible technology can help you live well with MS. Ellen Kampel is the public affairs manager for the Accessibility Business Unit at Microsoft. John M. Williams has been writing about disability issues since 1978 and coined the phrase "Assistive Technology."

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Snapshot
By answering a few simple questions on the Snapshot quiz, you will be able to find solutions tailored to your specific needs. It is designed to help you find customized solutions and information to help you use technology to move your life forward.