Technology

Technology can help people living with ALS/MND stay independent, communicate, and stay connected to their care team as the disease progresses. This page explains the main types of technology available, how to plan ahead, how telehealth supports ALS/MND care, and what can make technology harder to access.

Assistive technology

ALS/MND causes muscle weakness, loss of speech, and fatigue. Over time, these symptoms can make everyday tasks difficult or impossible. Assistive technology is any equipment or device that helps a person do these tasks in a different way.

Assistive technology can support:

• Mobility: walking aids, powered wheelchairs, and equipment for moving safely between a bed and a chair
• Daily living: equipment for bathing, dressing, eating, and drinking
• Speech and communication: communication boards, apps, and speech-generating devices
• Environmental control: smart home systems that control lights, doors, heating, and television
• Computer and phone access: tools that replace the keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen

For more information, see Speech Therapy and Communication and Occupational Therapy and Activities of Daily Living.

Communication technology

Communication technology ranges from simple to advanced. Most people use a combination of options, and simple tools remain useful as a backup when electronic devices fail.

• Low-tech options: alphabet boards, communication charts, and clear eye-gaze frames that let a person spell words by looking at letters
• Voice amplifiers: small devices that make a weak voice louder. These help when a person can still form words clearly.
• High-tech options: tablets, computers, and speech-generating devices with specialist software that speaks typed or selected messages aloud

Voice banking and message banking allow a person to record their own voice to use on a communication device later. These work best when started before speech changes significantly. See Speech Therapy and Communication for more information.

Other ways to control devices

When a person can no longer type, use a touchscreen, or give voice commands, other methods can replace them:

• Switches: a switch is activated by a very small movement, such as an eyebrow movement, an eye blink, or sipping and puffing on a tube. Switches can operate phones, tablets, and computers.
• Eye tracking (eye gaze): a camera follows eye movements. The person selects letters or icons on a screen by looking at them.
• Head tracking: a sensor follows small head movements to move a cursor. Many of these systems use infrared light.
• Muscle signal sensors (electromyography): sensors on the skin detect electrical signals from very small muscle movements, such as in the face or hand.
• Brain-computer interfaces: devices read brain signals and turn them into commands. Many of these systems are still being tested in research studies.

Technology for leisure and connection

Technology also supports the activities people enjoy. Many video games, streaming services, and social platforms include accessibility settings, and adaptive controllers, switches, and eye gaze can make them easier to use. Staying involved in hobbies and online communities can reduce isolation for people living with ALS/MND and their families.

Telehealth and remote monitoring

Telehealth means receiving health care through video calls, phone calls, or online tools instead of in-person visits. For people living with ALS/MND, telehealth can:

• reduce the physical strain of travelling to appointments
• make it easier for family members and caregivers to join appointments
• improve access to care in rural areas or areas with limited accessible transportation

Apps and home devices also allow people living with ALS/MND to track and share health information, such as breathing, speech, and physical function. Care teams can use this information to monitor changes between visits. Some clinical trials use the same tools, so participants do not need to travel to a trial site as often.

Telehealth does not replace all in-person care. Some assessments still require a clinic visit.

Barriers to access

Technology is not equally available to everyone. Common barriers include:

• cost, and limited insurance or public funding
• lack of reliable internet access
• the time and support needed to learn a new device

Access to equipment and funding differs by country and region. Contact your care team or your local ALS/MND association to find out what is available where you live.

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Videos

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Resources from our members

Explore additional technology resources developed by Alliance member associations.