We communicate with the world around us by using simple movements such as waving hello, smiling and talking. All of these actions are controlled by your muscles. People with MND can slowly lose control of their muscles, which could making communication more difficult.
Visitors to the stand learnt about the ways technology can help people with MND to communicate, even after they lose their speech. They were able to try eye gaze technology, with Simon Judge from the Assistive Technology Team at Barnsley Hospital. Eye gaze technology lets people with MND, who have difficulties with speech and may not be able to move, control a computer with their eyes. You can read more about the Barnsley Assistive Technology team on their website, including their ongoing research projects.
There are lots of ways that technology can help people living with MND. Our Speech and Communication webpage gives information about how communication aids, such as eye gaze, can support people living with MND. It also has information on message banking and voice banking. This is when a person with MND can record their own voice to use on their communication devices, ensuring that their voice is not lost.
