Atsugi

Do you see this as valuable to the PALS community? The thing that I like about it is that it utilizes off the shelf technology which is relatively inexpensive. Having the apps developed academically or through the ELDP program would make the applications free to them. I apologize for the length but not sure how to explain all of that more succinctly and brevity as you've likely seen isn't one of my strengths.

Thanks for taking the time to read it... I look forward to your feedback.

Rob

So the next question is how.. and I have two thought on that. The first thought is that I have a friend who is the IT director at Binghamtom University which is a top notch engineering school. He works with students who develop technologies for academic purposes but also try to have some real world value.

Another option is that I work for the top defense company in the US where I'm a software architect as well as a first line software manager. We have a program called Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP) where students who graduate with high GPAs get enrolled in a Masters program through Cornell University while also doing rotations through various departments giving them wider exposure. Most interestingly to this scenario is that the ELDPs work through mock projects where they get to practice as program managers, software leads and varoius software development roles. I would like to suggest that instead they take on a project would have real benefit to people.

So consider this scenario... lets say that someone who has lost the ability to move arms or legs and perhaps even speak but still wishes to have some independence. Perhaps they feel hot and therefore command the room through their Android device to adjust the temperature or turn on a fan. Perhaps they're in an adjustable bed and would like to adjust their position (sit up higher, raise their legs, etc...). What if they decide they would like to watch some TV so they send commands to their TV through their Android device to turn the TV, to change to a specific channel etc... They could dim or turn off the lights if they want to go to sleep.

It seems like this technology could really empower PALS to have some level of independence once again. They could even send messages to a care taker asking for assistance.. the options are almost endless.

The key to this is that we don't really invent any new hardware... we use commercially available devices like Android smart phones and tablets, Nest home thermostats, Wink hubs to control any electrical devices that you plug into them.

So over the past couple of days I began thinking about how this technology could be of use to someone with ALS... especially in the later stages where they have lost mobility or perhaps the ability to speak. I know there is software out there now that tracks eye movement and allows PALS to use their computer and communicate (this is how my friend with ALS communicates with me). This technology is already built into Android phones and through custom app development we would be able to leverage that API to allow PALS to communicate with their environment in a number of ways such as eye motion, voice commands depending on the PALS capability.

Mike, question for you. So as I mentioned to you I'm a software engineer and one of the areas that I work in is called IOT or the internet of things. We're developing automation technologies for both personal and business use. For example we build applications that make a home or office location aware. By that I mean that the room is able to sense you, identify who you are, know what you like and dislike and adjust the room to your predefined setting. So if you're like me and get hot easy you would come in and the smart thermostat would automatically adjust to a cooler temperature when I'm in the room. We can also control lights, TVs, cable boxes, and really anything electrical via a number of different methods.

I'm glad you guys were able to get back up and running again. I had included a link in my last message so that explains why it would get flagged. I got a note from Lgelb letting me know that links are discouraged which makes sense. You never know what someone might link to so you would certainly want to review them first. Thanks!

Just curious why I can't reply to my post now without moderator approval?

Can someone tell me why my messages are being deleted? I was very careful in my post to Vince about his PEG.

I paid $15.

Is there no way to send private messages here?

My dad passed away at 3 am Saturday morning. I flew to Dallas on Friday and got in at 11:30 a.m. We had Hospice for less then 12 hours before he passed. He really struggled until they really upped the morphine and Ativan. He died with me holding his hand. My brother, sister, and I were all with him along with two of my nieces. I am glad he is no longer suffering. His last hours were brutal with him gasping for air and choking. Take care. I'm exhausted and am going to try to get some sleep. I will be back on. Thank you so much for your friendship and sharing your story. Yours and everyone else's who went through this kind of let me know what to expect at the end. Take care. Will chat with you soon. Kim

I am panicking here and crying and can't stop

Did i tell you that I tested positive for Lyme disease?

Hey did I tell you that I tested positive for Lyme disease?

Hei Mike,my name is Lyubo,I have recenlty read your story and it realy got to me,im very sorry for your loss....I think that you are a great dad and that you raised your kids like every normal super cool Dad should.I wish you all the best