Hi,
I posted a few times about Gary communicating with Neuroswitch , a non- invasive painlesss sensor --that uses very technology similar to an EMG fo communicate --infact disc EMG dry sensor pads are used to operate it on his cheek--though it is completely painless --
I thought I would share a picture of him using it with you guys--- and let you know as well today a segment will be aired locally on WOWT- on the 5 o'clock news - our NBC channel here in Omaha ---
For those who can not watch or see the television airing in our area --I wanted to share pictures of him using it ---unfortunately as this is just a still picture that I am posting -- you cannot see exactly how it works -- but it gives the general idea--of how it works --
http://www.controlbionics.com/
The other computer sitting on the table is not being used any longer -- it was a demo incase it was not compatible with his Freedom 2000 -- but " as it is compatible it was not a problem-" - he was able to use it to scan letters with EZ Keys -- EZ Keys is not required to use it -- but Gary prefers it -- as otherwise on the demo computer he was only highligting already wriiten sentences and phrases-- that are not his original words -- my husband is a stickler for wanting to say "exactly" word for word what he wants to say --and although it was much faster to use that way --he prefers to use his own exact words and sentences to communicate --
Gary's case is a featured testimonal on Control Bionics website --the quoted statements were quoted very accurately -- with one very minor exception --nothing else worked as well-- instead of nothing worked -- should have been the most accurate quote from me --as Gary was at the time before using Neuroswitch able to use the Tash switch --although 3 times slower -- and with great exertion -- it was a growing concern to me that he would become locked in if something was not found soon --as he failed eyegaze trials , outprogresed the headmouse years ago-- and had tried numerous other switches without any success--if the Tash switch failed in the near future -- I was concerned he would become locked - in -- or reduced to blink communicating to alphabet boards --
Also although Gary muscle requirement is almost effortless -- you can not even see any visible movement in his forehead -- or upper cheek area as he uses now when he types with it --I do not want to give the impression it is lightening fast either in his very advanced state --he was typing an average of about a word a minute --prior to Neuroswitch--it is three times faster now but still not lightening fast --I just do not want to give a misleading impression --though others in early stages may be able to type much faster on it --and to those who are OK with highlighting pre programmed phrases -- it works faster that way as well--
It is amazing technology , especially considering his very advanced stage , and we are quite thankful for it -- as it has reduced stress of communication quite significantly -and the fears of him becoming locked in in the near future --
In this picture Gary is using it on his forehead -- however -- on his cheek is where we have it work the absolute best in his case -- this picture was taken during the intial trial period --in this picture he is using three seperate square EMG pads--and was the first site found that worked --
It is not currently covered by Medicare -- however the VA due to Gary's service connected disabilty and level of impairment -- decided at a regional board hearing in Washington DC to cover it in his case -- he was the first to have it covered by the VA --my hope is that it will open the doors to future coverage if it is needed by other PALS-- Lisa