Re: Commuication Devices
My husband uses an iPhone and the Proloquo2Go application and it is FANTASTIC!
He used to use Lightwriter, but when his arms got too weak move his hand across the keyboard he switched to an iPod Touch with the app. Later he upgraded to the iPhone (mostly so he can text message his friends and family with the same device...very handy).
The iPod Touch speakers are not as good as the iPhone, and he used a tiny external speaker for it. He has a blog and wrote about a while back with photo and link for the speaker he uses.
I put the iPhone on a lanyard for him and he wears it around his neck.
He only has use of his right hand with limited dexterity in fingers, but his thumb is good. So he holds iPhone in his right hand and types only with his right thumb. He is surprisingly fast at it now. Only problem is when he gets cold, it makes his hands stiff, so we need to come up with a low tech communication device (letter board or similar) for times like that.
I cannot state strongly enough how much this has helped Dave. I don't know what we would do without it. It is a fantastic, low cost, light weight alternative to Dynavox.
Lisa
P.S. He also uses his iPhone to control his computer keyboard and mouse now too. I think the app is AirMouse. There is a info on the blog about that as well.
P.P.S. Every ALS function that Dave goes to, he is an instant celebrity with people wanting to see what he is using. IMHO, this is the start of a revolution in alternative communication devices.
Feel free to send me a PM if you want more detailed info on any of this.