Assistive Technology Advancements

Quality of Life Grants Provide Financial Assistance to Organizations and Hospitals Serving Individuals with Severe Disabilities

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assistive technology for quadriplegics

Did you know your facility or organization could qualify for a quality of life grant to help you purchase the autonoME Hospital ECU system and/or the autonoMEgo for the patients you serve?  In fact, Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) has worked with two facilities who have applied for quality of life grants to help fund their autonoME ECU in hospital devices.

If you represent and organization or facility that provides assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and wish to implement the autonoME Hospital ECU or portable autonoMEgo, then consider applying for a quality of life grant to help offset some of the cost. Examples of quality of life grants include those offered by the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation and Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.

The autonoME Hospital is the world’s first device offering both augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and environmental control tools while seamlessly incorporating all available adaptive access methods and providing a fully integrated television experience. The autonoME Hospital features a single 22” all-in-one monitor specially designed for hospitals, spinal cord injury units and rehabilitation facilities.

ASI has been a leading provider of custom environmental control unit/speech generating device solutions for individuals with the severest of disabilities for more than three decades. If you have not considered an autonoME in the past, we encourage you to schedule a complimentary demonstration with one of our product representatives today.

ALS Assistive Technology Benefits

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augmentative and alternative communication

Part One

Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) is continuing our series of articles on the benefits of ALS assistive technology.  We are focusing specifically on the autonoME, a proprietary environmental control unit/speech generating device that offers environmental control and voice assistive technology in one single package.  Our previous article discussed how the autonoME works as an environmental control unit  This article will cover how it can also operate as an ALS communication device.

Voice assistive technology is especially important to quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis whose conditions either have or will eventually affect their ability to speak.  As we discussed in our previous article, the autonoME incorporates different input methods including touch, sip and puff, eyegaze, and head tracking so individuals with varying types and stages of disability can control the device.

In addition to its environmental control features, the autonoME is also a speech generating device with full augmentative and alternative communication capabilities which give users the ability to communicate. A key ALS communication feature of the autonoME is voice banking.  This allows users to record their own unique voice, sayings, expressions, sentences, words, etc. in their own voice while they still have the ability to speak.  Later, as their disease progresses, they can continue to communicate using their own sayings, voice and expressions vs. responding with an artificially generated voice.

Would you like to learn more about how the autonoME can assist you, your loved one or patients with environmental control and augmentative and alternative communication?  The product representatives at ASI are here to help. Give us a call today!

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Benefits of ALS Assistive Technology

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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Part One

Our next series of articles focuses on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and benefits of ALS assistive technology.  We will discuss two specific areas: environmental control and voice assistive technology. Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) developed their signature autonoME to work as both a custom environmental control unit and speech generating device, combining both features in a single convenient package.

Environmental control is extremely important to help quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as ALS maintain independence.  The autonoME is a custom environmental control unit/speech generating device that allows users to control their surroundings.  This type of ALS assistive technology can be used to control lights, adjust the bed, turn on fans, use a telephone to make calls and send text messages, call a nurse or caregiver and more.

Another feature of the autonoME that makes it a popular form of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with ALS is the fact that it has full computing capabilities via a Windows operating system. The autonoME custom environmental control unit also has different input methods to accommodate varying levels and types of disabilities.  Input methods include:

  • Voice
  • Touch
  • Sip and Puff
  • Eyegaze
  • Head Tracking

These different types of input methods also operate the autonoME’s voice assistive technology features as well. Our next article in this series will take a closer look at ALS assistive technology.

If you, a loved one, or patient has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, then ASI can help.  The autonoME is a custom environmental control unit / ALS communication device that is convenient, easy to use and offers quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis the ability to maintain independence.  Give us a call to learn more about the autonoME today!

 

 

Voice Assistive Technology and Its Ability to Ease the Psychological Impact of Speech Loss

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Voice Assistive Technology

(part two)

We are continuing our series on how voice assistive technology can ease the psychological impact of speech loss. Our previous article discussed how speech generating devices equipped with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) capabilities and various input methods such as touch, sip and puff, eye gaze and head tracking can help quadriplegics and individuals with progressive, debilitating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) project a voice.  This article will discuss voice assistive technology and voice/message banking.

Voice/message banking allows individuals to “bank” their own voice, unique sayings and expressions.  This is especially important for ALS communication as the prognosis for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is eventual loss of speech. If individuals with ALS begin voice banking in the early stages of the disease, they will be able to communicate using their own voice, unique sayings and expressions via a speech generating device.  In a nutshell, voice assistive technology that uses voice/message banking allows a person to communicate using their own voice and normal tones and expressions.

Accessibility Services, Inc. continues to take their signature assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases to the next level. The all new autonoME Residential is a light-weight mobile device powered by ASI’s proprietary software. This custom environmental control unit/speech generating device incorporates Microsoft’sÒ trusted Surface Pro as the platform for environmental control, computer access and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  Want to learn more about how the autonoME can significantly improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones?  Give ASI a call today.

 

How Voice Assistive Technology Can Ease the Psychological Impact of Speech Loss

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Voice Assistive Technology

(part one)

When a person is affected by a spinal cord injury or debilitating disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) both the individual and their family must confront the physical and emotional impacts of their new reality.  ALS communication and communication devices for quadriplegics equipped with voice assistive technology have revolutionized the way individuals who experience speech deficits and/or speech loss interact and communicate with the world around them.

This article is the first of a two-part series discussing how voice assistive technology can ease the psychological impact of speech loss. The first area we will address is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  AAC is any form of communication other than speech.  It can include anything from writing on a piece of paper, gestures and communication boards to technology such as a speech generating device.  A speech generating device equipped with voice assistive technology allows an individual who is unable to speak to project a “voice” using an input method such as touch, sip and puff, eye gaze, or head tracking. This “voice” can be computer generated or it can be projected in the persons own voice thanks to voice/message banking which we will discuss in our next article.

Accessibility Services, Inc. is the premier provider and developer of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases. Our signature autonoME is a combined environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device that also has full computing capabilities.  The autonoME is available in hospital, residential and portable models. The new autonoME Hospital is the world’s first hospital ECU that not only offers AAC and environmental control tools, but seamlessly incorporates all available adaptive access methods and provides a fully integrated television experience, allowing patients to watch broadcast, streaming and cable television.

If you are a caregiver or professional that works with quadriplegics and/or individuals with progressive, debilitating diseases such as ALS, we can help ease the psychological impact on patients and their loved ones.  Give us a call to learn more today.

New Technologies for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries and Debilitating Diseases

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New Technologies for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries and Debilitating Diseases

Accessibility Services, Inc. is First in the World to Develop a Fully Integrated Experience for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) announced today the roll-out of new hospital and residential solutions designed to help individuals with the severest of disabilities become more independent.  ASI, a respected assistive technology developer and industry leader for nearly 30 years, has taken its signature autonoME product line to the next level by developing the world’s first device offering both augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and environmental control tools while providing a fully integrated television experience.

ASI primarily serves individuals with severe spinal cord injuries and debilitating, progressive diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The autonoME is the first and only integrated environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device with full augmentative and alternative (AAC) and computing capabilities. It allows users to have full control of their environment and gives them the ability to generate speech. The revolutionary new versions of the autonoME Hospital, autonoME Residential and autonoMEGo will soon be officially unveiled:

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2020 Conference

January 29th – February 1st

Caribe Royale Hotel and Convention Center

Orlando, Florida

Booth #313

The new autonoME Hospital incorporates a single 22” monitor that also allows patients to watch broadcast, streaming and cable television. This is an incredible breakthrough for hospitals, spinal cord injury units and rehabilitation centers as the autonoME Hospital is the world’s first device that not only offers AAC and ECU tools but seamlessly incorporates all available adaptive access methods and provides a fully integrated television experience.

According to Brice Green, ASI’s VP of Residential Business, the company’s new, proprietary autonoME software is designed to change and adapt over time, providing facilities and patients with the technical lever to remain relevant as trends evolve and change. Most impressively, the autonoME is a true all-in-one solution that extends the technological lever to clinicians within the hospital setting to accommodate any patient, irrespective of injury or diagnosis.

“We have been beta testing our new autonoME software and products at rehabilitation centers and the response has been quite impressive,” explains Green. “Not only are the new products being well-received, but our newly designed, proprietary software is providing an enhanced  User Experience (UX) that will transform the lives of individuals with the severest disabilities and their families.”

The new autonoME Residential is a light-weight mobile device that incorporates Microsoft’s® trusted Surface Pro as the platform for environmental control, computer access and AAC using ASI’s proprietary software. The redesigned, portable autonoMEGo now comes with a 17” display, articulating arm and optional eye gaze control access method.

“Individuals with the severest disabilities are often overlooked by many developers of new technology,” says Green. “It’s more profitable to develop for masses. Our mission is to serve the needs of this often underserved community and improve the quality of life for each individual we touch and their families.”

Let’s Talk: Voice Assistive Technology

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Let’s Talk: Voice Assistive Technology

(part two)

We are continuing our series on voice assistive technology. Our last article discussed voice banking and how individuals with ALS and other debilitating diseases can benefit from the autonoME as their disease progresses.  The autonoME is more than just a custom environmental control unit.  It also has full alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) capabilities, making it one of the most advanced and sought after ECU devices on the market today.

Message banking with your own voice is similar to voice banking in that it utilizes a person’s natural voice.  An individual records words, sentences and phrases that they commonly use and/or are meaningful to them using their own unique expressions.  They can even record stories and anything else they feel is important to preserve using their own voice, tone and expressions.  These “legacy messages” are then saved so they can later be delivered in a way that is unique to the individual.

Once a person is no longer able to speak, the autonoME custom environmental control unit integrated with voice assistive technology and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) would then be used to communicate these messages, sentences and stories. They would be projected in the person’s own voice utilizing their unique expressions.

Message banking by proxy is used when an individual is unable to make a clear recording of their voice due to pain, fatigue or onset of speech loss. The individual may choose another person, or proxy, to make the recordings for them.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease with no cure.  But, thanks to ECU devices and ALS communication assistive technology, individuals with the disease can still maintain some independence and ability to communicate.  If you would like to learn more about how the autonoME can help, give us a call today.

Article Source:
Message Banking, Voice Banking and Legacy Messages
John M. Costello
Boston Children’s Hospital

Tell Me More About Voice Assistive Technology

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Tell Me More About Voice Assistive Technology

(part one)

Custom environmental control units have come a long way since their inception. Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) has been on the forefront of this exciting technology that has transformed the lives of countless quadriplegics and individuals with progressive diseases and their caregivers.  Our founder, Fred Thompson, founded ASI in 1991.  His main focus at the time was to provide assistive technology for quadriplegics, especially veterans with spinal cord injuries.  The company has since grown and now develops assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals living with diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

When it comes to ALS communication assistive technology, the autonoME’s different input methods come into play as the disease progresses.  Individuals can operate the autonoME using input methods including voice, touch, sip and puff, eye gaze, and head tracking.  A person with ALS may first use voice commands, then need a different input method such as eye gaze or head tracking as their disease progresses.

While an individual with ALS is still able to use their voice, it is recommended that they consider exploring how voice assistive technology works. Voice banking, as we discussed in a previous article, allows individuals to record their speech that will later be used to create a synthetic voice that sounds like their natural voice.  ASI partners with the Acapela Group, utilizing their “my own voice” software to allow our clients to create a digital copy of their voice.  Once an individual loses his/her speech, the voice assistive technology and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) features integrated in the autonoME allow them to speak using their chosen input method.

Part two of our series on voice assistive technology will cover message banking options. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ALS or another progressive disease, we can help.  Veterans diagnosed with ALS may qualify to receive an autonoME custom environmental control unit with voice assistive technology through their VA benefits.  Give us a call to learn more.

Article Source:
Message Banking, Voice Banking and Legacy Messages
John M. Costello
Boston Children’s Hospital

ALS and Environmental Control

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ALS assistive technology

One of the most devastating aspects of progressive diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is losing the ability to control your surroundings.  Fortunately ALS assistive technology has advanced to allow individuals the ability to become more independent and control their environment.

A previous article discussed how ALS communication assistive technology plays an integral role in helping individuals and their families and friends cope with the disease.  Environmental control is just as important.

The autonoME is an environmental control unit (ECU)/speech generating device (SGD) integrated into one single package.  Not only is it an effective ALS communication device, but it also has superior environmental control capabilities.  Let’s take a closer look:

Surroundings

The autonoME allows individuals to have complete control of their television, lights, fan, bed, telephone and more.  We customize the autonoME to fit the individual needs of each client.

Computing

The autonoME is equipped with Windows 10 and has full computing capabilities.  Access the internet, post on social media, send e-mail and messages, play games, watch videos and more.

Adjustable Settings

This is an important feature for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The autonoME is easy to operate and features settings that can be adjusted as needed, including scan speeds, voice outputs, and self-calibration when using the accessory kit Intelligaze camera for input.

Accessibility Services, Inc. is dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with severe spinal cord injuries and progressive diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ALS, give us a call to learn more about how ALS assistive technology can significantly improve quality of life.  We’re here to help.

ALS Communication Assistive Technology and Voice Banking

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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Voice banking is a way for individuals with early stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other progressive conditions to preserve their own synthetic speech.  As we covered in previous articles, ALS eventually results in loss of speech.  An ALS communication device can help with communicating.  The autonoME is an example of such a device.  It is an integrated environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device with full augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) capabilities.  The autonoME features different input methods which allow individuals to control the unit at varying stages of disease.

ALS communication assistive technology has advanced to where an individual can actually “bank” their own voice while they still have speech so that it can be synthetically re-created when they lose their ability to speak.  Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) is proud to partner with Acapela Group, developers of my-own-voice.  This software seamlessly integrates with the autonoME, making it an even more effective and powerful ALS communication device.

There is even a solution for individuals with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  Individuals who have lost their ability to speak can ask a family member or friend to donate their voice, giving them the ability to speak using sounds that are familiar.

ASI is committed to staying on top of advances in ALS assistive technology.  We have had several clients utilize my-own-voice with the autonoME and the results are quite impressive.  If you or a friend/family member are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS communication assistive technology can significantly improve your overall outlook and quality of life. Your friends at ASI are ready to set up your new autonoME.  Give us a call today.

“Start with the customer and work backwards.”

Fred Thompson

See why clients, therapists, and caregivers choose Accessibility Services for their Environmental Control and Communication needs.

Accessibility Services

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