assistive technology

[ctollar]

My father was recently diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS. He is progressing extremely fast. He can no long talk, eat, or swallow. His right hand is very weak. My questions is are there any assistive devices for communication that are free or at least financially feasible?? He is retired with S.S. benefits only so money is an issue. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as we want him to remain as independent as he can for as long as he can.

Thanks,
Char:?:

 

[Atsugi]

Free: Make a letter board. Include common phrases. You hold up the board and point to the phrases and letters, and he should blink when you selected the right one.

 

[lgelb]

eBay, craigslist, Amazon and Apple's own refurbs, among others, offer older iPads for less $. You will see several apps discussed here, some free, that can run on the older iPads (check system requirements for any apps you're interested in).

Even if he only has head movement, the iPad can operate only with that when mounted somewhere, or with an "ability switch" that does not cost that much.

 

[affected]

virtual keyboards and an infrared pointer on the head is used by some of our members with great success

 

[lgelb]

With laptops or desktops, alternative mice are certainly an option, as are ability switches, and either gets you virtual keyboard input. But for someone who relies on AAC, devices can be more versatile on the move since the mounts to a chair, bed or Hoyer are easier to set up. So if someone is used to a phone or tablet, that can be a good place to start.