Commuication Devices

[MtPockets]

You might want to check this out to see if it will help any?
Speech Research Lab: Speech Synthesis, Speech Recognition, and Speech Processing

[Sheen]

The following websites are helpful for different ACC devices (laptops, handheld). The reps will discuss loaner and leasing options.

ZYGO Industries Augmentative Communication Systems & Assistive Technology

DynaVox Mayer-Johnson | Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices and Services

Although I don't think my mother can use these as she has ALS and associated mild dementia.

[peter57]

Hi Revelee2
I too, like sesl find it suprising that you wasnt aware of the MNA in Australia and their branches in each state.
From memory when i was diognosed they gave me some info on the association when i left the specialist.

In SA they seem to be quiet active for a small branch and have been very helpful in all the associated things that go with MND.

The member co-ordinator (i think that is what he is called) is even going to visit me soon, at home some 400 km from Adelaide.

I hope you find the association useful, i am sure you will as it has lots of info in its publications, just like this forum does but is angled at the work going on in Aus as well as the rest of the world.

cheers
Peter

[revelee2]

sesl

My speech therapist knew all about this stuff and has organized a Lightwriter for me to try from tomorrow. I personally have found the iTouch with Proloquo2Go very slow to use and am using a small whiteboard at the moment.
My wife is also learning a lot about MND but previously had not encountered it much in her career, as I hadn't either.
Cheers
revelee2

[sesl]

Hi Revelee,

I was at a MND info session (held by MNA NSW) yesterday and one of the participants had a lightwriter. It, too, appeared slow to use, and this American voice came booming out of it. Maybe the volume was turned up because the participant's husband has a hearing aid - not sure if it had a volume control. It would be far too intrusive to use in a restaurant or somewhere public, at least at the volume I heard.

The lady using it was typing with one finger, so that might have been why it was so slow.

I am interested in hearing your experience.

My mother has just started using a whiteboard and notebook. We're going to buy her a netbook (tiny laptop) to carry around with her so that she can type and do emails and Instant Messenger when she's out and about. I don't know at this stage if we'll move to text-to-speak devices or software. She still has periods where we can understand key words, so we don't feel the need to rush into this, but we are continuing to research what's available.

Good luck with the Lightwriter. Please post here when you've had a chance to try it out.

I'm curious about one other thing they mentioned at the info session - have you been referred to one of the MND clinics - there is one at Prince of Wales and one at St. George? Everyone else at the session was attending one of these (they have the MND specialists plus all the ancillary services all working as a team). But there was one couple who were having trouble getting started with the clinic, so perhaps the wife (who has MND) wasn't getting all the services she should. Wondering about yourself.

sesl

[revelee2]

Sesl

Just had a visit from my Speech Therapist who said because I can write easily I don't need a Lightwriter yet. After having a play with it I'd rather use the Whiteboard as it is quicker and more portable than the Lightwriter. She said they are allocated on the basis of greatest need, which makes sense to me.

I also showed her the iTouch with PoloQuo2ToGo and she was blown away by the voice quality. Maybe someone at one of the groups will have the iTouch or iPhone so you can have a fiddle with it to see if it would suit your Mum. They do have WiFi and Bluetooth so emails can be accessed. But of course the screen is no match for a netbook. With the Netbook make sure you get a 6cell battery as they hold a charge for much longer but are a bit heavier as a result. Wireless N is good too to future proof the device.

Yes there is a clinic at Port Kembla Hospital which I will have to connect with. My Speechy is going to haunt me on a monthly basis to check my progress if that is the correct term to use!

Apart from the speech and swallowing issues I am still able to do most things, in fact I just completed a 3 day 1000km motorcycle ride down the South Coast. Everything's good until I get off the bike and open my mouth!

Cheers
revelee2