Handwriting and computer skills

[Elizabethtracy]

Does anyone else with ataxia have problems with their handwriting. My handwriting now looks like a 10 year old My spelling has got worse and If I know how to spell a word sometimes the end of a word is all sqiddly i can't do the number 8 and typing on a computer I use only two fingers as before i could type using all eight fingers

[Arlo20]

Hi Elizabethtracy.my writing is unreadable thank goodness for txing

[edfosho]

Yes, my handwriting is terrible, I really struggle after a couple of letters - I avoid it where possible.

I have started to struggle typing accurately too, plus have issues clicking a mouse (particularly double clicking!).

[cocoa]

I have the same problem, some days worse than others. Writing is easier if I am not tired and there are no distractions. Capitals are easier when addressing an envelope.

My family have just bought me a new computer, which has some good functions for disabled. I have found out how to dictate a message ... not using it yet but could be useful in the future. Also, I don't use a mouse but would rather move the curser around using the keyboard.

[Sherena in reply to cocoa]

Can you please share the details of this new computer that is disability friendly, I do believe this is what I need to make my work easier.

[cocoa in reply to Sherena]

My laptop is from samsung.com

[Caragh]

Hi Elizabeth, yes I had / have the same problem. I found practicing everyday with my writing helps a great deal and seems to calm my hand shaking

[ddmagee1]

I have a lot of trouble with typing etc., because of Ataxia, and Parkinson’s Disease!

[wobblybee]

I need to use a stylus with my iPad and phone, otherwise I fumble. And everything needs proof reading, unwanted text creeps in and there can be spelling mistakes.Handwriting is variable..writing in a straight line is a challenge, it can veer into capital from lower case in the middle of a word..

[Elizabethtracy in reply to wobblybee]

Sounds like me thank you 😊

[Piero]

So's mine Elizabeth. I wish I'd learnt semaphore. Waving a couple of flags out of the attic window would be a more effective way of communicating than writing a note.

[Elizabethtracy in reply to Piero]

😅 yes it would

[Guardsman68]

Morning Elizabeth yep mine too I write a diary every day and as each entry goes in through the day the style of handwriting turns in to an alien form totally unreadable most days 🥴

[Elizabethtracy in reply to Guardsman68]

Thank you I sometimes feel like a 6 year old at school trying to spell and write neat

[Oroklinibabe]

Mine is also….. I try to text or email and try not to speak on the phone also

[Elizabethtracy in reply to Oroklinibabe]

Thank you sounds like a common thing in most ataxia people

[Sherena]

I have the exact same issue, I hope I do not offend anyone but it is such a relief to know that I am not on my own with this.

[Elizabethtracy in reply to Sherena]

No you haven't offended that the reason why I am asking others to see if others have the same problem we all know about the walking difference but lots of other little things that some ataxia don't have a problem with

[Telegraphist]

SCA has affected my handwriting too. Grateful the need to write cheques has reduced, as I now struggle to produce a legible signature. Email is valuable, even if typing takes longer and, happily, those who know me understand when I send greetings cards signed in block capitals.

[Elizabethtracy in reply to Telegraphist]

Sounds like me bit annoying when your job was on the computer and now I can only two fingers and really have to concentrate 😅

[nigelrheath]

I have found with nearly everything I used to do easily, such as writing and talking, need more time, concentration and practice! I have to say that slowing down some things I did fast in the past have improved the end result and even the journey. Look for different ways to approach anything that has become difficult. Trying to do it the ‘usual’ way is fighting against the changes happening in your brain. We need to unlearn habits as they only lead to frustration.Nigel

[PaulaG3]

I cannot write legibly and my signature is dubious. I was a primary school teacher and went sick lady April and retired on I’ll health in January. I’m 52 and was diagnosed in March. I often wonder how I used to speech and write for a living. Handwriting lessons would be interesting! 😂

[wobblybee]

🙂In Ataxia Magazine Autumn 2022 there is info re Communication Aids

Communication Aids

Ataxia disrupts the body’s ability to coordinate its muscles, including those used to speak and communicate, so communication can be difficult for some people with ataxia. Speech therapy can help manage the symptoms and improve communication and you can learn about Ataxia UK’s Online Speech Therapy Service on page 20.

Sometimes the disruption is so severe that the person struggles to talk, and it can be difficult for them to make themselves understood; fatigue

is a common symptom of ataxia, and this can make it even harder. When this is the case people may want to consider using a communication aid.

Ataxia UK is working with a company called SpeakUnique (see page 21 for more information), which specialises in pre-recording or ‘banking’ your voice. They can even create one for you if you can’t record your voice! Once your voice is created, you can use software that has

been developed to turn your smartphone, tablet, or computer into a communication aid.

Here are a couple examples of communication software which can be used with a SpeakUnique synthetic voice:

• SpeakUnique App – this is a text-to-speech app that allows you to enter text and have messages played aloud using your (SpeakUnique) synthetic voice. You can input text through the keyboard or select pre-set phrases. There is an option to message bank your important phrases in the app. The SpeakUnique App can be used on specialist communication devices as well as Apple and Android devices and on your Windows computer using Windows-based communication aids.

• Grid for iPad – designed by Smartbox specifically for use on iPads.

There are also specialist communication devices to help people that are no longer able to type. These use

various methods for controlling

the device, such as eye

or head movements and switches pressed by other parts of the body.

If you have any questions about communication

aids your speech therapist should be able to advise you. If you need help to access a speech therapist or if you would like to talk to us about communication aids, please contact the Helpline on 0800 995 6037 or email us at [e-mail].

[Elizabethtracy in reply to wobblybee]

thank you for that info