News and Events
News
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ALS Awareness Month 5-2012
It's May, which is annually designated as ALS Awareness Month in the US and a great time to learn more about this disease. There are things we can all do to help find a treatment and cure, so now is the time to get involved. It seems like just a matter of time before we and/or our friends or family will be directly or indirectly affected as the incidence of ALS increases. Those diagnosed with ALS and their families can live more fulfilling lives for a longer time thanks to the application of assistive technology.
MonTECH provides services to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) to all Montanans. Individuals diagnosed with ALS and/or their supports may find AT devices and tools to live fuller lives throughout the progression of this disease. MonTECH staff members can help consumers find AT devices to help with daily living, computer access, communication, etc. We can also provide equipment trials, equipment loans, and even provide assistance to help those seeking funding alternatives. ** Click the "Contact us" link in the left column in order to contact MonTECH and learn how you or someone you know can benefit.
More about ALS & how you can get involved…
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or "Lou Gehrig's disease" is a progressive neuromuscular disease that eventually causes nerves to quit functioning and results in paralysis. Initial symptoms include limb and trunk muscle weakness or stiffness which eventually results in paralysis of these muscles as well as such vital functions as speech, swallowing, and breathing. Nearly symptomatically opposite of Alzheimer's, ALS does not affect the mind or cognitive processes in any way. There is no cure for ALS, and life expectancy after developing it is 2-5 years. In 1995 the FDA approved Riluzole, a medication that can slow the progression of ALS and prolong life by at least a few months.
ALS is not contagious and the cause of the disease is unknown. The incidence of ALS is 2 per 100,000 and as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at a given time. 60% of people in the ALS CARE database are men and 93% are Caucasian, mostly between the ages of 40 and 70 with the average age of 55 at diagnosis. Although people in their 20s and 30s are diagnosed with ALS, the percentage increases with age. Incidence is 20% higher in men but that number becomes more even with age. 20% of people diagnosed with ALS live five years or more, 10% live more than 10 years, and 5% live 20 years. Smaller numbers of those diagnosed experience unexplained ceasing of progression and in even fewer cases the symptoms are reversed.
ALS advocates seem to agree that the best hope for finding effective treatments and a cure for the disease will be found through research. As with other diseases, research is limited by the funding available. The ALS Association is a leader in the search for ALS treatment and cure through global research and nationwide advocacy while empowering people with the disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing compassionate care and support. To learn more about the ALS Association or chapters and activities in your area, visit http://www.alsa.org/. For ideas of how you can dedicate this month to helping individually or encouraging research funding, see "31 Ways to Fight ALS in 31 Days."
Sources: ALS Association: http://www.alsa.org/; National ALS Awareness Month: http://www.redstate.com/nextgenerationvoters/2012/05/08/national-als-awareness-month/
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Occupational Therapist Opening
The University of Montana-Missoula is seeking an Occupational Therapist to serve as the Clinical Coordinator for the Rural Institute MonTECH program. The Rural Institute is Montana’s Center of Excellence in Disabilities and MonTECH is a major program within the Rural Institute. MonTECH is Montana’s comprehensive resource center for Assistive Technology (AT). The program serves people of all age ranges and all disabilities as well as providing services to individuals, families, professionals, schools, and agencies throughout Montana. It is the state’s centralized point of contact for information, equipment demonstration, equipment loan, equipment exchange, training, technical assistance, and professional evaluations that document an individual’s need for assistive technology. MonTECH’s Clinical Coordinator is responsible for delivering direct professional services as well as ensuring that all of the multiple project strands (e.g., information, demo, equipment loan, evaluation) work together to support positive outcomes for individuals with disabilities, their service providers, and families.
View the full announcement and apply. -
Autism Awareness & Parkinson's Disease Awareness
AUTISM: April 2, 2012 was declared World Autism Awareness Day to heighten awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD's) worldwide. The White House released a presidential proclamation to recognize the day and acknowledge ASD's as a growing public health issue with commitment to support those with ASD and their loved ones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated estimates, indicating 1 in 88 US children are diagnosed with ASD's. ASD's can now be officially declared a US epidemic and what Merriam-Webster defines as "excessively prevalent."
PARKINSON'S: The US Senate has declared April, 2012 Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month. There is no therapy or drug to halt or slow the progression, let alone cure, this progressive neurological disease. Between 500,000 and 1.5 million Americans are now living with Parkinson's disease. Declaration of this awareness month is intended to promote awareness, share information about the disease, and encourage continuing work towards a cure.
MonTECH provides access to tools and resources to help those living with ASD's or Parkinson's to live more independent and productive lives. We offer Assistive Technology demonstrations and loans to provide equipment trials and a financial loan program to help consumers purchase equipment.
* In support of Autism and Parkinson's disease awareness, educate yourselves and those around you. Consider changing your Facebook photo to a symbol of Autism or Parkinson's to make others aware through social media.
Upcoming Events
For more information on any of the events listed please contact us.
