Use of "other" accessibility tools for those living Migraines??
Curious...
Hi all, I've been wondering if anyone in the world of Migraine-living has accessed/used/hacked accessibility tools from other chroniclly-ill/disabled communities? For instance-- getting tips or taking class on accessibility apps designed for blind folks, Learning sign language, learning how to use a white cane, etc. I find that these tools have help me so much. I live alone and have had an increase in blind-episodes. I've been teaching myself how to get around my house without vision. Counting my steps and such. It has saved me. I often go non-verbal and get so frustrated that I cannot talk. The work it takes to open my mouth to try and get logical words out is impossible. During the pandemic, I learned sign language. It has opened up a new way to communicate and a new community. Anyone have similar experiences or tips to share that can be added? Thank you.
Hi @CommunityMember653, while you are waiting for the community to respond I wanted to chime in my 2 cents - that is AWESOME!!! I hear determination in your recounting, but I wanted to thank you for sharing your courage and innovation in overcoming such tremendous obstacles. We are so proud to be part of your family! - Warmly, Donna (team member)
Thank you. I appreciate the kind words and warm welcome. You're most welcome, @CommunityMember653 😀 - Wishing you a gentle day! -Donna (team member)
When I am having trouble communicating I can usually write at least marginally more coherently that I can speak. So I rely on texting and email a lot. Disequilibrium, vertigo, and hemipalegic migraines land me in a walker quite regularly. I am always working on vestibular rehab exercises and do my best to stay strong despite being exercise intolerant.
Thanks for your share. I can't rely on email or texting due to the eye pain but using the accessibility apps helps. I can either use voice to text (which almost always gets things wrong lol) and listen to incoming texts. I mostly use video or voice messaging apps--whatsApp, Marco Polo, Signal or Google Duo. Signal, then WhatsApp have the best security and encryption. 
Just so you know, we also have some accessibility tools here on the site ... if you look in the right-hand corner, you'll see an image of an eye. Maybe our night mode would make things a bit easier. -Melissa, migraine.com team
That is really neat, and a unique perspective! Where did you get the idea to start looking into other types of accessibility? Do you have friends with disabilities? When I was in high school, I had classes with several Deaf people. Eventually, we were able to take sign language to fulfill our language requirements. 😀 It is certainly handy and opens up a whole new world not just in communication, but culture. Glad it's helped you! -Melissa, migraine.com team Yes, I have many friends with a variety of disabilities but I think I was just so tired of not being able to do anything. So when I can't talk or hear the sound of my own voice because it's too loud, I didn't want to end all communication. Finding a different way to communicate felt better to me and gave me something to concentrate on that was positive.
- this is spectacular! I really really like that you've taken it upon yourself to improve upon your situation by accepting new tools and aids to assist you. I would love to learn sign language, although I have no reason, as my language is not lost in migraine episodes. What an incredibly inspiring way to look at life. Warmly ~ Rebecca (comm advc)
