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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

Don’t Sacrifice Comfort for Communication

Don’t Sacrifice Comfort for Communication

By Amy Roman, SLP. One of the first things I suggest to pALS experiencing any neck, shoulder or arm weakness is to avoid laptops or touchscreens when possible.  Communicating all day with the full 10 lb. weight of your head thrust in front of your spine is

Read more