Type with Your Voice

I learned how to type in high school, but my counselor wouldn't let me take a typing class. He said, "That class is for students on a secretarial path. You're on a college path, so you won't need it."

I heard a rumor that I might have to type papers in college, so I got a "learn to type" book, borrowed a typewriter, and taught myself to type.

After spending 30+ years as an IT manager, typing hours per day, I got better at it. But about a year after my Parkinson's diagnosis, I started having trouble typing and using a mouse. Although I loved my job, difficulty typing weighed heavily on my decision to retire.

Now, after having Parkinson's for almost 12 years, I have taken up the hobby of developing and maintaining websites for organizations I believe in, such as https://www.cdparkinsons.org/

I don't have to work all day typing to maintain the sites, but here I am, still typing.

One day, I accidentally stumbled upon a feature on my smartphone that allows me to dictate text. For a while, I used my phone to make rough drafts of documents and then used my laptop computer to fix up the text.. I didn’t know that I could do voice to text directly on my laptop PC. But I've now found a setting on my laptop that lets me do the voice to text directly on the laptop.. I can type so much faster without worrying about tremors and the mouse.

Here are some links to help you use voice typing on your electronic device:

• How to use voice typing on Windows 10 and Windows 11: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-voice-typing-to-talk-instead-of-type-on-your-pc-fec94565-c4bd-329d-e59a-af033fa5689f

• How to use dictation on Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-dictation-mh40584/mac

• How to dictate text on iPhone: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/dictate-text-iph2c0651d2/ios

• How to use voice typing on Android: https://support.google.com/gboard/answer/2781851?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

I hope this is helpful!

- Jud

Driving and Parkinson's

Our May 11, 2023 meeting focused on Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Given by Donna S. Tice, from Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.

These are some notes and resources mentioned at the meeting.

The meeting notes can also be found on our website under "About us/Past Meetings".

https://www.cdparkinsons.org/past-meetings

========== Resources mentioned in the meeting that may be helpful: Transitioning from Driver to Passenger From https://www.thehartford.com/resources/mature-market-excellence/dementia-driving When it’s time for loved ones with dementia to stop driving and how to help them cope with driving cessation, the booklet At the Crossroads (Family Conversations about Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Driving) may help guide the conversation. Worksheets Excerpted From At the Crossroads Guidebook

• Agreement With My Family Worksheet

• Conversation Planner Worksheet

• Driving Activities Worksheet

• Getting There Worksheet

• Not Going It Alone Worksheet

• Warning Signs Worksheet

Senior Transportation Options Directory provided by the Albany Guardian Society https://albanyguardiansociety.org/ Transportation is a vital link for seniors to remain active and independent in their community. New in 2021, the “Transportation Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region” directory provides the name, contact information, specific services provided, hours of service, accommodations, and fees for the senior transportation options in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.

Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's? Check out these programs that meet in an interactive group format

Both provide information about PD and help participants make strategies to live well today.

PD SELF

• PD SELF is a 8-session free virtual program presented bi-weekly

• Meet in highly interactive large and small group sessions with other PD patients and care partners

• Sessions are facilitated by trained health professionals and PD SELF graduates

• The self-efficacy skills you learn at PD SELF will help you manage your disease as well as your life with PD!

Read more https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/parkinsons-pdself-newly-diagnosed/

PRESS

• The PRESS Program (Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services) was designed for those diagnosed with PD within the last 5 years.

• This 8 week program conducted in a support group format will help you feel empowered, in control, and optimistic. The PRESS program was designed to provide emotional support and a safe place to share coping strategies to live your best life with PD.

Read more https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/northwest/resources-support/pd-educational-programs/newly-diagnosed-program/