Speaking Devices Etc.

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Oh, yeah, it was Brentt's post above: "It took me one night to memorize the locations of each letter and in no time I was typing out sentinces as fast as a letter in less then a quarter of a second. So on good days I can really fly. This device can be connected to my pc so I can use all functions of my computer as well as surfing the net. It can also be mounted to my wheelchair for mobility." Wow, Brentt, do you hire out? :)
Whip me out a tutorial, will you? Even though I still have my hands to type, I want to be able to speak a sentence with just a couple of pre-programmed letters. Carol
 
I guess I should contact the AAC specialist I met at the workshop last month in Missoula, and get her to show me how to use either the ERICA or the EYEGAZE systems, rather than ask Brentt or others for tutorials. But I'd still like to know about your personal experiences with your choice of device, and about your learning and using experiences. I've met a couple of people who have chosen to go without speech rather than go through the necessary steps to buy and learn a new device. Carol
 
Hi Carol- I hope the learning curve is not THAT intensive! Humans tend to be a rather social species so it seem to me that anybody who chooses not to learn a device which makes communication possible might just be shooting themsevles in the foot. I hope you get the direction you are looking for. Cindy
 
Thanks, Cindy. I'm sure I can get this figured out, and I'm so grateful that this technology is available! It's so neat having my own synthetic voice, even if it does sound a little "canned." Imagine being condemned to silence or eye-blinks for "yes" and "no!" Not for me, if I can help it! I'm still interested in hearing about other people like Brentt who have done so well with their limited options. Carol
 
David is thinking of starting a section where members can write articles about assistive devices. Kind of on the model fo wikipedia. I think we have enough experience on this forum that if he does that, we will be offering an incredible sevice to the world.

So keep your thinking caps on, folks! We'll be needing members to write articles when this new sections gets up. Cindy
 
eyegaze

Hello Carol, I was looking at this site today and saw your question about a tutorial on the use of an eyegaze system. Well I can fill you in on as much as I can.
There are 2 types of eyegaze systems, the desktop and the portable unit. I have the portable eyegaze system. The portable system is designed to be used from a desk location or with a powered wheelchair. It is not designed to be carried around like a laptop. There are too many parts to just carry it around. This device can be transfered to a desk location from a wheelchair but it does require some practice. While I am at home my eyegaze is set up at my desk for the whole time. I only transfer it to my chair for important conversations with doctors or other important communication.
The eyegaze system is quite the system. At nearly $15,000. it better be the best. Medicare will provide 80% if all the codes are filled in properly by a speech pathologist.
The eyegaze has a LCD screen, about 16" in size. This screen sits in front of you at about 2' away from your face. It can be tilted to any angle, so if you sit erect or reclined, the device can be adjusted to match your position. The screen is where you will operate the device from. There are several things you can do with the eyegaze. You can use the device to speak sentences that you type out. Or you can use preworded phrases or words on several different levels. You can pretype about 164 different phrases to simplify common commands. You can operate appliances in your home like the lights, fans, music and a chime that comes with the device. There are a total of 8 different things you can operate with the appliance program. There is also a program that allows you to use a computer. This is the best thing in the whole setup. You can use 100% of the PC. It also allows complete access to the INTERNET. Every word I have typed here has all been done from my eyegaze.
In order to utilize the eyegaze you will need assistance from others to turn it on and to align the screen to your position. If you can use your arms then it can be done by your self. It takes about 3 minutes to start up and set the angles to match your face. Once the system is ready to go, all you need is your eye to operate everything. You will be taught how to align your dominant eye when you try one out for the first time.
This device can talk in almost every language if you choose. The 3 voices are very human like. The woman's voice is the most realistic and the one my daughter likes the best. You can plug in a pair of powered speakers to elevate the volume as the system is not that loud.
I hope this gives you a little better insight into how the eyegaze systems work. I have posted other in depth replies to other threads on this site, so if you check out my other posts on this subject you should be able to get a real clear idea about the whole concept.
Your friend Brentt.
 
Thanks, Brentt! You are amazing! I loved what you said about using a woman's voice to read to your daughter -- how many dads can do that?! What an inspiration you are! Carol
 
Brentt -

Love the new pic. I always imagined you were good lookin' but I had no idea.....!

Liz
 
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