Hi Charlie-
I used to provide Augmentative Communication services to people with ALS. A couple of thoughts...
1. It might be helpful for your Dad to have a switch assessment. If he can't push a small switch with his fingers, there might be other switches he could use (or other parts of his body he could use to access a switch.)
You could try contacting the local ALS Association, and see who provides their Augmentative Communication services, to see if they could do a switch assessment.
You could also go to the RESNA website, you might be able to find an Assistive Technology Specialist who could the assessment.
If you want to contact me off the list, I could describe some switch options (or I could write them on the list when I have a little more time).
There are also switch adapted call buttons that your Dad might be able to use to call for help.
2. He should have a low tech system of communication (such as scanning or an ETRAN system)
(In the sake of full disclosure, I have a website which offers low tech communication systems. I also have a separate website which provides information on low tech communication.)
Low Tech Solutions
But you don't need to buy a low tech system- you can also make one yourself... If you would like, I'd be happy to email you step by step instructions on how to do scanning. (It's something I think every locked in/close to locked in person should know how to do.) I also have instructions on how to find a "yes/no" system)
Here are some videos of people using scanning:
Low Tech Solutions
2. If eye gaze doesn't seem feasible for your Dad, he could use switch scanning on the DynaVox for communication / ECU / computer access.
Take care,
Margaret
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Margaret Cotts
Low Tech Solutions
email:
[email protected]
