ALS/MND Users
MS. Cai
Basic Information
Name: Ms. Cai
Location: Taipei County
Age Range: Adult
Disability: ALS/MND
Positioning: Respirator dependent - confined to bed in hospital
Client request: Main issue is communication
Name: Ms. Cai
Location: Taipei County
Age Range: Adult
Disability: ALS/MND
Positioning: Respirator dependent - confined to bed in hospital
Client request: Main issue is communication
Background
Ms.Cai is a respirator dependent ALS patient. Apart from a very small big toe movement, less than 1cm, she has not other movement other than her eyes. Using her eyes and a simple alphabet communication board for basic communication needs, there was a great need for a more advanced communication method. We were able to match her small but reliable toe movement to a zero force capacitor switch which we then connected to our Single Switch Mouse giving her full control of the computer.
Devices Used
Icebreaker Team Comments
Before her computer days Ms. Cai spent her days watching TV channel chosen for her by other people. Basic communication needs were met using eye movements and an alphabet communication board. However the Single Switch Mouse and zero force switch has given her back some form of active communication. She uses this to write on her computer and also to produce menus for her family allowing her to have some participation in her family's affairs. This example shows how those with ALS can often use a simpler and low cost computer control device before moving onto the more expensive eye control technologies.
Ms.Cai is a respirator dependent ALS patient. Apart from a very small big toe movement, less than 1cm, she has not other movement other than her eyes. Using her eyes and a simple alphabet communication board for basic communication needs, there was a great need for a more advanced communication method. We were able to match her small but reliable toe movement to a zero force capacitor switch which we then connected to our Single Switch Mouse giving her full control of the computer.
Devices Used
- Single Switch Mouse
- Zero Force Capacitor Switch
- Screen Keyboard
- Large Cursor
Icebreaker Team Comments
Before her computer days Ms. Cai spent her days watching TV channel chosen for her by other people. Basic communication needs were met using eye movements and an alphabet communication board. However the Single Switch Mouse and zero force switch has given her back some form of active communication. She uses this to write on her computer and also to produce menus for her family allowing her to have some participation in her family's affairs. This example shows how those with ALS can often use a simpler and low cost computer control device before moving onto the more expensive eye control technologies.
alan
Basic Information
Name: Alan Cai
Location: Taipei County
Age Range: Adult
Disability: ALS/MND
Positioning: Respirator dependent - wheelchair during daytime
Client request: Full computer access for communication and internet
Name: Alan Cai
Location: Taipei County
Age Range: Adult
Disability: ALS/MND
Positioning: Respirator dependent - wheelchair during daytime
Client request: Full computer access for communication and internet
Background
Alan is a respirator dependent ALS patient living at home. He has a small right finger movement which can still operate a switch but fatigue sets in very quickly. Alan was initially able to operate a trackball for computer control, but then progressed to our Single Switch Mouse but now mainly uses a Tobii Eye Control PCEye. Alans life centre's around his computer and he is a very active Blogger and Facebook contributor. He has shared much information with us and others about his condition. Alan's case highlights the difficulties of degenerative conditions such as ALS and the need for multiple assessments and different devices.
Devices Used
Icebreaker Team Comments
Without the Tobii PCEye Alan would now have little access to his computer and little access to communication or interaction with the outside world. Having this device means that we now have a wonderful and reliable way of keeping those with locked in syndromes such as ALS fully computer active. It is useful to note that Alan also uses our Eye Controlled Call Assist device which he uses during the night to call for assistance. You can learn more about him by taking a look at:
Blog: http://alansay.blogspot.tw/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jdrplt
Alan is a respirator dependent ALS patient living at home. He has a small right finger movement which can still operate a switch but fatigue sets in very quickly. Alan was initially able to operate a trackball for computer control, but then progressed to our Single Switch Mouse but now mainly uses a Tobii Eye Control PCEye. Alans life centre's around his computer and he is a very active Blogger and Facebook contributor. He has shared much information with us and others about his condition. Alan's case highlights the difficulties of degenerative conditions such as ALS and the need for multiple assessments and different devices.
Devices Used
- Tobii PCEye
- Screen Keyboard
- Large Cursor
Icebreaker Team Comments
Without the Tobii PCEye Alan would now have little access to his computer and little access to communication or interaction with the outside world. Having this device means that we now have a wonderful and reliable way of keeping those with locked in syndromes such as ALS fully computer active. It is useful to note that Alan also uses our Eye Controlled Call Assist device which he uses during the night to call for assistance. You can learn more about him by taking a look at:
Blog: http://alansay.blogspot.tw/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jdrplt
