There are many questions facing individuals with MS and those wondering whether their symptoms can be explained by MS.
The first step is to seek evaluation by a neurologist 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.
Located within EvergreenHealth Neurological Care, this is one of the best resource centers in the region.
It offers literature on a variety of MS related topics, a reading library, information on support groups and upcoming workshops, and a wealth of online resources and educational videos.
A number of excellent online resources are available for reviewing in clear and simple language the many aspects of multiple sclerosis, its treatment, and support:
National MS Society (Greater Northwest Chapter)
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)
National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke
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).
Jimmie Heuga Center
27 Main Street, Suite #303
Edwards, CO 81632
970.926.1290
800.367.3101
Canine Companions
2965 Dutton Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
707.577.1700
800.572.2275
National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite #500
Kensington, MD 20895
800.896-3650
Association For Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)
P.O. Box 21192
Columbus, OH 43221-0192
614.488.4972 (VOICE/TDD)
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
The National Council on Disability studies and makes recommendations about public policy for people with disabilities. The council also publishes Focus, a free newsletter.
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)
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
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
Facility Placement
National Citizens Coalition For Nursing Home Reform
1424-16th St NW, Suite 202.
Washington, D.C. 20036-2211
202.332.2275
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
Local and Regional Ombudsmen
Vicki Elting
Regional Ombudsman
Fremont Public Association
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
1501 N. 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
Work: 206.623.0816
Fax: 206.675.8093
Area Served: King county
Laura White
Regional Ombudsman
Snohomish County Division on Aging
LTC Ombudsman Program
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
M/S 305
Everett, WA 98201
Work: 425.388.7360
Email: laura.white@snoco.org
Area Served: Snohomish
Washington State Insurance Commissioner
5000 Capitol Boulevard, SE
Tumwater, Washington 98501
360.725.7000
Washington state health insurance information and resources.
DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
4565 7th Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360.725.3636
Employment services and counseling for people with disabilities.
Sound Generations (formerly Senior Services)
206.448.5757
Programs and resources for seniors.
Hopelink
14812 Main St.
Bellevue, WA 98007
425.943.7555
Services and resources for homeless and low income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities, including food, housing, family development, adult education, transportation, energy assistance and emergency financial assistance.
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
Medicare Claim Department
Chico, CA 95927
800.952.8627
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
800.772.1213
Contact the Social Security Administration to determine your local branch and if you are entitled to receive benefits, based on your level of disability.
DSHS
805 156th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98007
800.662.6715
NeedyMeds
Find help with the cost of medicine.
Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.
12911 120th Ave NE, Suite E-60
Kirkland, WA 98034
425.821.4276
American Seating and Mobility
Chad Carman, ATP
5121 Pacific Highway E
Fife, WA 98424
1.877.339.1235
ATG Rehab (formerly Wheelchairs Northwest)
1600 124th Avenue NE, Suite A
1.800.786.4508
Care Medical (Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Longview, Vancouver)
4135 Stone Way North
Seattle, WA 98005
1.800.869.7172
Bellevue Healthcare
2112 116th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA
1.425.451.2842
MS Active Source
A Biogen sponsored site providing information for all patients living with MS.
Shared Solutions
A Teva sponsored site providing information for MS patients and their families.
Rebif
An EMD Serono sponsored site providing information to MS patients and their families.
Extavia
A Novartis sponsored site providing information to MS patients and their families.
Ampyra
An Acorda sponsored site providing information to MS patients and their families.
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)
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 (2005)
Demos Medical Publishing
ISBN: 1-932603-07-7
Love, Honor, & Value
A Family Caregiver Speaks Out about the Choices & Challenges of Caregiving
Suzanne Geffen Mintz (2002)
National Family Caregivers Association
Mental Sharpening Stones
Manage the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
Jeffrey N. Gingold (2008)
ISBN 1932603654/ 9781932603651
Multiple Sclerosis Your Legal Rights 3rd Edition
Lanny and Sara Perkins (2008)
ISBN 1932603638/ 9781932603637
Employment Issues and Multiple Sclerosis
Phillip D. Rumrill, Jr., Mary L. Hennessey, Steven W. Nissen (2008)
Demos Medical Publishing
ISBN 1932603646/ 9781932603644
Complementary and Alternative Medicine and MS
Allen Bowling (2006)
ISBN: 1932603549
Curing MS: How Science is Solving the Mysteries of MS
Howard Weiner (2005)
ISBN: 0307236048
Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Lauren B. Krupp (2004)
ISBN: 1888799811
The First Year: Multiple Sclerosis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
Margaret Blackstone M.D. and Saud A. Sadiq M.D. (2007)
ISBN: 1569242615
Living with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Overcoming Challenges
Patricia K. Coyle M.D. (2007)
ISBN: 1932603476
Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Randall T. Schapiro (2007)
ISBN: 1932603360
MS and Your Feelings: Handling the Ups and Downs of MS
Allison Shadday (2006)
ISBN: 089793489X
The MS Workbook: Living Fully with Multiple Sclerosis
George Kraft M.D., Dawn Ehde Ph.D., Kurt Johnson Ph.D., and Robert Fraser Ph.D. (2006)
ISBN: 1572243902
Multiple Sclerosis: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier
Shelley Peterman Schwarz (2006)
ISBN: 1932603212
Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for Families
Rosalind C. Kalb Ph.D. (2005)
ISBN: 1932603107
Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have, The Answers You Need
Rosalind C. Kalb Ph.D. (2007)
ISBN: 193260345X
Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding the Cognitive Challenges
Nicholas LaRocca Ph.D. and Rosalind C. Kalb Ph.D. (2006)
ISBN: 193260331X
Yoga and MS: A Journey to Health and Healing
Loren Fishman M.D. and Eric Small (2007)
ISBN: 1932603174