Home Alone: Med-Alert Systems

Home Alone:  Med-Alert Systems

 Med-Alert Systems:  Important Features for People with ALS By: Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP   Many people with ALS  require some type of alerting system to gain the attention of caregivers.  In my last article, Alerting Systems For The Home, I described various systems to alert a caregiver within the house when you have

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Tablets As Communication Devices

Tablets As Communication Devices

By Amy Roman, M.S., CCC-SLP Tablets As Communication Devices: A tablet can serve as excellent light-weight speech generating device.   Some models can even continue to meet the needs of people who experience a reduction in or the loss of hand function by providing alternative access options

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5 Power Chair Features that are Necessary for PALS

5 Power Chair Features that are Necessary for PALS

By Melody Fung, O.T. R/L Occupational Therapist 5 Features Power Tilt and Recline: These two functions enable you to perform adjustment of back and hip angles independently. They provide pressure re-distribution and postural support to reduce the risk of skin breakdown. Tilt and recline are also essential

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Exercise: Helpful or Harmful in ALS?

Exercise:  Helpful or Harmful in ALS?

Exercise:  Helpful or Harmful in ALS?                                                                By: Robert G Miller MD, Neurologist, Director Sandy McDade RPT, Physical Therapist Melody Fong, Occupational Therapist Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center   We are all familiar with the many benefits of exercise including improved sleep, appetite, mood,

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Alerting Systems In The Home

Alerting Systems In The Home

Call Chimes & Alerting System in the Home                                                                                                                           By:  Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP   Call chimes are essential for keeping pALS and caregivers connected and providing peace of mind.  Typically they are most critical for those who can’t call out, walk or are in danger of falls.  A

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New Technology- Eye Tracking on Tablet

New Technology-  Eye Tracking on Tablet

By:  Amy Roman, CCC-SLP   Last month I provided a webinar entitled “Keeping Tablets Accessible While Living with ALS”.  The webinar explored many ways to use a tablet (and computers) with limited or no hand movement.  I have received quite a few requests for the “Eye Tracking

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2 Ways to Make your iPad/iPhone Accessible (Video)

2 Ways to Make your iPad/iPhone Accessible (Video)

2 Ways to Make your iPad/iPhone Accessible By Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP.   More of my patients are using iPads and Androids as their speech generating devices.  Though Androids provide more options for maintaining access with hand weakness, the iPad does have some nice features.  This <

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ABC News Features Many Ways pALS Communicate

ABC News Features Many Ways pALS Communicate

 Video: This ABC news spot features a glimpse at many communication methods from eye tracking on a computer based speech generating device (SGD) to the use of a head mounted laser pointer to target words and letters on a paper communication poster.  You will see people who use a BoogieBoard (a light weight LCD writing

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How to Communicate with Only Eye Movement (inc.: E-Tran & Vocal Eyes Instruction Videos)

How to Communicate with Only Eye Movement (inc.: E-Tran & Vocal Eyes Instruction Videos)

By: Amy Roman, CCC-Speech Therapist. Yesterday I spotted Jason Becker in a front page article in the San Francisco Chronicle.   Jason achieved world fame as a virtuoso, speed-metal guitarist and songwriter while still in his teens.   During the late 80’s he released 3 albums including one with

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