ALS event offers ‘help and hope’

Area symposium to feature promising advances in research and care

NORRISTOWN >> The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter will be holding a special event to highlight advancements in research and care on Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Presidential Caterers, 2910 Dekalb Pike.

The aptly titled “Help and Hope Symposium” will bring people with ALS and their caregivers together with researchers, technologists and other experts in the field to learn about the latest developments in ALS treatment.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a debilitating and neurodegenerative disease with no known cause or cure. But dedicated professionals like Alisa Brownlee, a Certified Assistive Technology Professional who will be presenting at the symposium, are working to alleviate the everyday hurdles faced by those with ALS.

“I help people use technology when they can’t use their hands,” Brownlee said. “I teach them how to use an iPhone. I can teach them how to use a computer through eye movement. There’s lots of technology out there and I teach folks to learn how to use technology to improve their quality of life.”

“More people with ALS become socially isolated because they can’t get out of the house or unfortunately, people are uncomfortable with people with disabilities and it’s harder to communicate, so their friends start pulling away. The technology is the only way they connect to the world.”

At the symposium, Brownlee will be bringing along a complement of equipment that can provide patients with technological assistance. The first part of her presentation, she said, will focus

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