RESEARCH

THE DANCING EYE SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP (DESST) FORMED IN 1988 AND BECAME A TRUST IN 1997

Over time technology eased the path for families to stay in touch more frequently to gain the knowledge and support through each other, and beyond, so research (presented at a conference in Berlin 2014, poster abstract) explored the impact on the internet on OMAS families and examined how the available support-mechanism enhanced social inclusion for OMAS families.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Qualitative methods > thematic analysis > interpretations and discussion: results showed that the internet can be a provision of active coping strategies and positively related to health and well-being and can in turn shape psychological and health-related behaviours.

RESULTS

Feelings of empowerment; enabled to make healthier choices; speed of access to information; opportunities to make international connections; solving problems; seeking to conquer, minimize or tolerate stress and being together to encourage access and inclusion.