Computer Technology - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

mjjcoach · 11-03-2006, 02:12 PM

Hello-

I am new to the forum. I signed-on to try to get information for a friend who has MS.

I am searching for computer technology that allows someone with MS who is wellchair bound and doesn't have use of her arms or legs, to be able to use her computer to surf the net (and other things). I would like input on what you have tried, what works and what doesn't. I am thinking of speech recognition software or something along those lines.

This would give her something she could do independently of her family.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Warmly - Mary Jane

lgrot · 11-03-2006, 08:06 PM

I haven't used it, but I have heard of speech recognition software....
iListen if you use a Mac, and Dragon software for a P.C.

Sounds like you don't have to type,....you wear a headphone and you can give the computer commands and it types what you say. I think it takes a while for the software to get used to your voice......
Hope that helps...
lg

CuriousGeorgie · 11-20-2006, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjjcoach

Hello-

I am new to the forum. I signed-on to try to get information for a friend who has MS.

I am searching for computer technology that allows someone with MS who is wellchair bound and doesn't have use of her arms or legs, to be able to use her computer to surf the net (and other things). I would like input on what you have tried, what works and what doesn't. I am thinking of speech recognition software or something along those lines.

This would give her something she could do independently of her family.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Warmly - Mary Jane

I would definitely recommend Dragon Naturally Speaking 9, it has really improved and there's no training required. I bought one for a friend w/ a similar condition and he loves it. He is able to email, instant message and surf the net with total ease.

MSNik · 11-21-2006, 05:34 PM

Hi Mary Jane,
I will add that I too, have been using Dragon Naturally Speaking, v.9 for college. I am an online student, and when my left hand went totally dead, I was advised to look into it. How computer savvy is your friend? IF she/he isnt, dont bother. I would say, after using this for almost 4 months, its only worth it for fun and games and quick emails. If, you can still use some of your hands to make corrections, even better. I can use my right hand, but not my left. Its very hard to learn. I know, everyone, including the marketing says it trains itself. To this day, it still hears things I say incredibly wrong, and I spend more time fixing mistakes the sofwear made, then if I just tried to type with one hand. Also, for the record. BUY THE PRO VERSION. Do not buy the cheaper one. The cheaper one is missing most of the cool things that the other one has. I had to buy the cheaper one first, to find out that I really needed to go back and buy the more expensive one. The cheaper one is about 99$, the other, about 100$ more...and worth it. Good luck with this...
nikki

mjjcoach · 11-22-2006, 07:03 AM

Thank you for your response! MJ :-)