There are many questions facing individuals with MS and those wondering whether there symptoms can be explained by MS. The first step is to seek evaluation by neurologists trained and experience in MS. The second step, if the diagnosis is confirmed, is to get sound, scientifically validated information about the disease process and therapies.
The Evergreen Resource Center
One of the best resources of its kind in the region, with a wealth of books, tapes and other materials that can be checked out or purchased.
On-line Information
A number of excellent resources are available on-line to review in clear, simple language many aspects about multiple sclerosis, its treatment, and support:
An excellent first source of information on Multiple Sclerosis is provided by the American Academy of Neurology in partnership with the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at www.thebrainmatters.org.
National MS Society
Greater Washington Chapter
192 Nickerson Street, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98109
1-800-344-4867
www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/WAS/index.aspx
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)
706 Haddonfield Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Toll-free: (800)532-7667
Main Telephone: (856) 488-4500
Main Fax: (856) 661-9797
www.msassociation.org
MSAA is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Our wide array of programs brings ongoing support and direct services to people with MS and their families throughout the United States.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF)
6350 North Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-2130
www.msfacts.org
Program Services Assistance, MS Helpline
Call toll-free (within USA): 888-MSFOCUS
or Fort Lauderdale area 954-776-6805
(9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time)
Fax: 954-351-0630
www.support@msfocus.org
A predominantly service-based, non-profit organization, The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides a comprehensive approach to helping people with MS maintain both their health and well-being. The MSF offers programming and support to keep them self-sufficient and their homes safe, while their educational programs heighten public awareness and promote understanding about the illness.
MyMS>>MyWay
www.mymsmyway.com
This site provides resources designed to help you better understand accessible technology and how it can help you live better with MS.
Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF) Access Fund
WATF’s mission is to promote access to technology and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities in Washington State. The Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
www.watf.org
Jimmie Huega Center
27 Main Street, Suite #303
Edwards, CO 81632
(970) 926-1290
(800) 367-3101
http://www.heuga.org
Canine Companions
2965 Dutton Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(707) 577-1700
(800) 572-2275
http://www.caninecompanions.org
National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite #500
Kensington, MD 20895
(800) 896-3650
http://www.nfcacares.org
Disability Organizations
Association For Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)
P.O. Box 21192
Columbus, OH 43221-0192
(614) 488-4972 (VOICE/TDD)
http://www.ahead.org
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Office Of Communication And Legislative Affairs
1801 L St, N.W. 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20507
(202) 275-7377
(800) 669-3362 (publications)
National Council On Disability
1331 F Street, N.W.
Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 272-2004
http://www.smart.net/~ncd
The National Council on Disability
studies and makes recommendations about public policy for people with disabilities. The council also publishes Focus, a free newsletter.
President’s Committee On Employment Of People With Disabilities
1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20004-1107
(202) 376-6200
http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep
The President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities sponsors a job accommodation network and publishes information on employment issues for people with disabilities and their employers.
U.S. Department Of Justice
Civil Rights Division
P.O. Box 66738
Washington, DC 20035-6738
(202) 514-0301
(800) 514-0301 (VOICE)
(800) 514-0383 (TDD)
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
The department of Justice, Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Copies of the ADA can be obtained from that office.
Library Of Congress, Division For The Blind And Physically Handicapped
1291 Taylor Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20542
(800) 424-8567
(800) 424-9100
(202) 707-5100
http://www.loc.gov/mls
The Library of Congress provides a variety of services for people with visual impairments, including free books on tape, along with the loan of listening equipment; library services through 140 cooperating libraries; and a free booklet, Information for Handicapped Travelers.
Long Term Care Policy
National Institute On Community Based Long Term Care
c/o National Council On Aging
409 Third Street, S.W., Suite #200
Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 479-1200
(800) 424-9046
http://www.ncoa.org
Facility Placement
National Citizens Coalition For Nursing Home Reform
1424-16th St NW, Ste 202.
Washington, D.C. 20036-2211
(202) 332-2275
http://www.nursinghomeaction.org
State Long Term Care Ombudsman
Louise Ryan
State LTC Ombudsman
Multi-Service Center
State LTC Ombudsman Program
P. O. Box 23699
Federal Way, WA 98093
Work: (800)422-1384
Fax: (253)815-8173
http://www.ltcop.org
Local and Regional Ombudsmen
Vicki Elting
Regional Ombudsman
Fremont Public Association
Long Term Care Ombudsman Prog.
1501 N. 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
Work: (206)623-0816
Fax: (206)675-8093
website:http://www.ltcop.org/index.htm
Area Served: King county
Michal Glauner
Regional Ombudsman
Snohomish County Division on Aging
LTC Ombudsman Program
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
M/S 305
Everett, WA 98201
Work: (425)388-7393
Fax: (425)388-7304
Area Served: Snohomish
Home & Day Care
National Institute On Adult Day Care
c/o National Council On Aging
409 Third Street, S.W., Suite #200
Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 479-1200
(800) 424-9046
http://www.ncoa.org (National Council of Aging)
Other
American Self-Help Clearinghouse
Northwest Covenant Medical Center
25 Pocono Rd.
Denville, NJ 07834
http://www.cmhc.com/selfhelp
http://www.medhelp.org/web/ncmc.html (Northwest Covenant Med. Center)
Medicare Claim Department
Chico, CA 95927
(800) 952-8627
http://www.medicarenhic.com
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
(800) 772-1213
http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html
Contact the Social Security Administration to determine your local branch and if you are entitled to receive benefits, based on your level of disability.
Scooter Manufacturers and Medical Supply Vendors
American Seating and Mobility
Chad Carman, ATP
5121 Pacific Highway E
Fife, WA 98424
1-877-339-1235
www.asmrehab.com
ATG Rehab (formerly Wheelchairs Northwest)
1600 124th Avenue NE, Suite A
1-800-786-4508
Care Medical (Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Longview, Vancouver)
4135 Stoneway
North Seattle, WA 98005
1-800-869-7172
Bellevue Healthcare
2112 116th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA
1-425-451-2842
Online Services
Avonex Home Page
http://www.biogen.com
MS Active Source- A Biogen sponsored site providing information for all patients living with MS.
http://www.msactivesource.com
Betaseron Home Page
http://www.betaseron.com
MS Pathways- A Berlex sponsored site providing information for MS patients and their families.
http://www.mspathways.com
Copaxone Home Page
http://www.tevamarionpartners.com
Shared Solutions- A Teva Sponsored site providing information for MS patients and their families.
http://www.sharedsolutions.com
Rebif Home Page
http://www.rebif.com
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Home Page
http://www.nmss.org
National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
Useful Reading
The following is a selected list of fine books available on MS. Consult the Consortium of MS Centers and the National MS Society for additional reading.
Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies
Rosalind Kalb, PhD, Nancy Holland, EdD, RN, and Barbara Giesser, MD
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
2007 362 pp Softcover
ISBN: 978-0-470-05592-2
Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
By Nancy J. Holland, T. Jock Murray, Stephen C. Reingold
Demos Medical Publishing, 2007
Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide to Wellness
Edited by: Nancy Holland, EdD, RN, MSCN and June Halper MSCN, ANP, FAAN
Product Details:
ISBN: 1-932603-07-7
Format: Softcover, 288pages
Publication Date: June 2005
Publisher: Demos Medical Publishing
Love, Honor, & Value
A Family Caregiver Speaks Out about the Choices & Challenges of Caregiving
Suzanne Geffen Mintz
2002, 203 pages
National Family Caregivers Association
Mental Sharpening Stones
Manage the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
Jeffrey N. Gingold
07/2008
272 pp Softcover ISBN 1932603654/ 9781932603651
Multiple Sclerosis Your Legal Rights 3rd Edition
Lanny and Sara Perkins
2008 160 pp Softcover
ISBN 1932603638/ 9781932603637
Employment Issues and Multiple Sclerosis
Phillip D. Rumrill, Jr., Mary L. Hennessey, Steven W. Nissen
2008 Demos Medical Publishing
225 pp Softcover ISBN 1932603646/ 9781932603644