Dancing with ALS and Life

Navigating devices with your voice. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've tried to open my iPhone or iPad and had difficulty with the tap movements. These movements were never a problem nor was it something I thought about before ALS.  Now it’s like trying to get into Fort Knox because it takes me eight long physical hand movements until I am able to enter my devices.  I currently have an older iPhone with a home button which I also will upgrade soon to a phone with facial recognition, which will be much easier to open.  I also was able to reduce some of the movements by utilizing touch ID function which is starting to slowly fade away as well.  Because although it seems simple, I am starting to lose the ability to place my finger on the button and apply the pressure needed.  When I was finally able to open my iPhone or iPad, navigating through the screens was a whole other challenge because I would lose control on my hand.  It would touch the scree...

 “The Best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.“ Buddy the Elf  12/25

This blog was written when the world opened back up after the horrific Covid pandemic.  Since Covid why do restaurants no longer provide customers with spoons and straws? Prior to Covid, I would get a fork, knife, spoon and straws. Now when I go to a restaurant, I only get a fork and a knife and maybe a straw. Did utensils and straws die during the Covid pandemic?  For someone who is losing motor function and has poor hand dexterity, I learned early on eating most of my food, including salads, with a spoon was much easier.  A straw for all drinks is a must because glasses are too heavy for me to lift to my mouth to take a drink.  Yes, I’m even talking about cocktails and coffee. I’m sure you can image the looks I have gotten when I ask for a glass of wine with a straw or need a straw for my piping hot mug of coffee! When I use a spoon, the material it is made out of greatly matters.  The metal can’t be too heavy because I can’t lift it.  But it can’t be pla...