Helping to Erase Multiple Sclerosis

     
     

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 Living with MS

  Lighting and Light Switches

Replace traditional light switches.
Replace traditional light switches with rocker-panel switches that require less fine motor control. They can be turned on or off by pressing with an arm, elbow, or palm of the hand, and are available lighted or unlighted. They are available at hardware and home-building supply stores.

Add dimmer switches.
A dimmer switch allows you to adjust the light in a room so that one person may work or read without disturbing others.

Lower light switches.
Wall switch extenders lower a light switch 13 to 15 inches below the actual switch, which makes it easy to turn on and off from a wheelchair. Some extenders mount over a standard single light switch, whereas others replace the existing wall plate using the same screws. The device is easy to attach and will not scratch or damage walls. A flat wooden spatula is good for extending your reach when you want to operate a light switch.

Make lamps "touch-sensitive."
Lamps are easier to turn on and off if you install a lamp converter, which bypasses the on-off switch and makes the lamp "touch-sensitive." The converter fits into the socket, and when you screw in a three-way light bulb, the lamp will light up when you touch it. With each successive touch the light gets brighter and then finally turns off.