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.
The EvergreenHealth Resource Center
Located within EvergreenHealth Neurosciences, 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.
Online Information
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:
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
Disability and Vocational Resources
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
Michal Glauner
Regional Ombudsman
Snohomish County Division on Aging
LTC Ombudsman Program
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
M/S 305
Everett, WA 98201
Work: (425) 388-7393
Fax: (425) 388-7304
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
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.
Home & Day Care
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
Other
Medicare Claim Department
(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.
Scooter Manufacturers and Medical Supply Vendors
Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.
1231 116th Ave NE, Suite 725
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 821-4276
American Seating and Mobility
Chad Carman, ATP
5121 Pacific Highway E
Fife, WA 98424
(877) 339-1235
NuMotion
6404 216th Street SW
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(206) 204-3330
Care Medical (Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Longview, Vancouver)
4135 Stone Way North
Seattle, WA 98005
(800) 869-7172
Bellevue Healthcare
2112 116th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA
(425) 451-2842
Online Services
- MS Active Source: A Biogen sponsored site providing information for all patients living with MS.
- 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.
Useful Reading
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
Our Resource Center is one of the best resources of its kind in the region, with a wealth of books, tapes and other materials that can be checked out or purchased. The Resource Center is located at EvergreenHealth Neurological Care.
Local Parkinson's Wellness Programs
We offer a number of wellness programs designed for our patients, their families and their caregivers.
Washington State Resources
American Parkinson's Disease Association
Pacific Northwest Chapter
Information & Referral Center
180 Nickerson Street
Suite 108
Seattle, WA 98109
206.695.2905
apdaparkinson.org/community/northwest/
Northwest Parkinson's Foundation
400 Mercer Street #401
Seattle, WA 98109
Toll-free 877.980.7500
nwpf.org
National Resources
Parkinson's Disease Foundation
1359 Broadway, Suite 1509
New York, NY 10018
212.923.4700
pdf.org
American Parkinson's Disease Association
National Office
135 Parkinson Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
718.981.8001
Toll-free 800.223.2732
apdaparkinson.org
National Parkinson's Foundation
1501 NW 9th Avenue/Bob Hope Road
Miami, FL 33136
Toll-free 800.327.4545
parkinson.org
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Church Street Station
PO Box 780
New York, NY 10008
Toll-free 800.708.7644
michaeljfox.org
Online Resources About Movement Disorders
Other good sources of information on Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders include: