b'Hands Freeswitch control (most commonly sip or puff For those with speech problems causedswitch, or a head array), and even use of gaze, by their MS, dedicated augmentative andarealloptionsforindependentmobility. alternative communication devices are availableMany power wheelchairs can also connect to and may be covered, partially or fully, by mostmobile devices and computers allowing the insurance policies. These devices have theuser to utilize their wheelchair joystick as a sameaccessibilitysettingsavailableonmouse (you can use a mouse on a smartphone mobile devices and computers, and, if a moreor tablet too), or to use the same switches they expensive device is needed for access to AAC,drive with to navigate on their devices. For such as eye- or head-tracking systems, switches,those who already have power wheelchairs, or a specialty mount, these devices can bethis is something you can ask your vendor covered along with the AAC system. There areabout, and for those who do not, it is a good thing also a great number of mobile apps to supportto bring up in an evaluation appointment if communication if you need something quickly,you have difficulty using a mouse or one of when dealing with sudden decline in speechyour mobile devices. intelligibility.SomeofthesearefreeandFor many people with MS, it can be difficult couldbeinstalledondevicesyoualreadyto know when to acquire a wheelchair, as people have, such as a mobile phone or tablet. are still able to walk but sometimes lose their Smart home technology allows both smart andbalance or are greatly limited in the distance hands-free access to lights, fans, thermostats,they can walk or time they can stand because TVs,doors,blinds,securityproducts,andof fatigue or weakness. Some people feel they home appliances through a mobile app orshould not get a wheelchair until they can no voice command to a smart speaker, such aslonger walk or get up at all.theAmazonEcho,GoogleNest,orAppleImportant considerations when questioning Home Pod. These smart speakers respond towhether it is time for a wheelchair include synthetic speech, allowing AAC users accesswhether difficulty moving around, fatigue, or as well. Aside from controlling electroniclow endurance causes you to feel limited or devices in your home, smart speakers canunhappy, result in limiting your movement provide reminders, help to locate misplacedaroundthehouse(suchasstayinginthe items(phonesanditemswithanitemroom where you sleep), or only leaving home nder on them), answer questions, be usedfor medical appointments; whether you have for timers and alarms, play audiobooks orfallen or caught yourself from falling recently; music,andmuchmore.Becausesmartwhether you have needed help from someone home technology is mainstream, it is easy toelse to walk; or whether you need to allow acquireallthatoneneedstocontroltheiryourselfextratimetomovearoundyour own environment. Many of these productshome or when you leave your home. If any are sold in big box and hardware stores, andof these things that apply to you, do yourself all are available online.the favor of being evaluated for a wheelchair Wheelchair optionssooner than later. For those who use or need power wheelchairsUse of AT boosts independence and but cannot access a typical joystick, alternateparticipationinactivitieswheresomeone drive systems, including other joystick styles,mayotherwisebelimitedby weakness, 19 msfocusmagazine.org'