National Institutes of Health Rolling Out New Initiative to Further ALS Research

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custom environmental control unit/ALS communication device

The National Institutes of Health announced a five-year, $25 million investment in a new program aimed at incentivizing additional research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that has no cure.  It affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord that control voluntary muscles, eventually paralyzing these muscles including those used for speech.

This new program promoting ALS research is especially encouraging as researchers strive to better understand and find a cure for this debilitating and devastating disease. While there is currently no cure for ALS, there are FDA-approved drugs that can help prolong the lives of those diagnosed with the disease.

Learn More About NIH ALS Initiatives

Accessibility Services, Inc (ASI) actively monitors ALS research.  We are continually evolving our custom environmental control unit/ALS communication device known as the autonoME to meet the changing and growing demands of our customers. ALS assistive technology such as the autonoME improves quality of life thanks to its environmental control and augmentative and alternative communication capabilities.  The voice assistive technology features of the autonoME are particularly impressive because they allow individuals in the early stages of disease to “bank” their voice.  When they lose their ability to speak, the autonoME allows them to communicate using their own voice and unique expressions, sayings and tones.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, there is hope.  The same assistive technology for quadriplegics has also proven successful with helping individuals with ALS control their environment and communicate with loved ones and friends.  Give us a call to learn more about the autonoME today!

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ALS Assistive Technology Benefits

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!

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Benefits of ALS Assistive Technology

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!

 

 

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Giving Patients with ALS and Their Loved Ones Improved Quality of Life

assistive technology for quadriplegics

Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) has been providing and developing assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with severe spinal cord injuries for more than 30 years.  We have found that the same custom environmental control unit/ communication devices for quadriplegics are also ideal for individuals with progressive diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Our signature autonoME is an integrated environmental control unit (ECU) /speech generating device with full computing capabilities.  Our newly re-designed autonoME Hospital is the world’s first hospital ECU / speech generating device with a fully integrated television experience.  Best of all, the autonoME is equipped with different input methods to accommodate varying levels and progression of disease.

Let’s take a closer look at how the autonoME custom environmental control unit/speech generating device offers patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis improved quality of life.

Environmental Control

Early assistive technology for quadriplegics focused on environmental control. Technology in ECU devices such as the autonoME has advanced to allow an individual who is immobile due to ALS the ability to turn on lights, control the television, adjust the bed, turn on a fan, call a caregiver and/or nurse, make a phone call, send a text, use a computer, interact on Social Media and more.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Communication devices for quadriplegics have come a long way over the years.  The augmentative and alternative communication features of the autonoME allow individuals with ALS to communicate with loved ones, caregivers, therapists and medical staff. Voice banking can be initiated early in the diagnosis while the person is able to speak.  This enables them to communicate using their own voice and unique expressions even after they lose their ability to speak.  Being able to say, “I love you” in their own voice and communicate using their own expressions becomes especially important as ALS progresses.

Would you like to learn more about the all new and improved autonoME Hospital, autonoME Residential and portable autonoMEGo? Your friends at ASI are ready to answer your questions. Give us a call today!

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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.”

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How Can Assistive Technology for Quadriplegics Help an Individual with ALS?

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assistive technology for quadriplegics

Part Two

We are continuing our two part series on how quadriplegic assistive technology also benefits individuals with debilitating diseases such as ALS.  The autonoME is a proprietary custom environmental control unit (ECU)/speech generating device/Windows computer integrated into one single, convenient package.  Our previous article highlighted benefits including environmental control and caregiver peace of mind.  Below are two more ways quadriplegic assistive technology can make a difference in the lives of individuals with debilitating diseases:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Loss of speech – whether sudden or gradual – can take its toll on both the individual affected and his/her family and friends.  Fortunately, assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases has advanced to incorporate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) features.  The advanced AAC capabilities of the autonoME allow individuals to “bank” their own voice so it can be used later when speech becomes impaired.  Read more about voice banking.

Computing Capabilities

Many quadriplegic assistive technologies and ECU devices offer very basic features. The autonoME, on the otherhand, is a custom environmental control unit (ECU) / speech generating device that is equipped with Microsoft Windows 10.  Those who use the autonoME enjoy the freedom of being able to surf the internet, post on social media, conduct video calls, send messages and e-mail, write stories, and anything else that a Windows computer allows.

As you can see, ECU devices and communication devices for quadriplegics play an integral role in the quality of life and well-being of individuals with debilitating diseases.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, give us a call to learn more about how we can help!

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I’ve Been Diagnosed with ALS. How Can Assistive Technology for Quadriplegics Help Me?

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assistive technology for quadriplegics

Part One

Accessibility Services, Inc. has been on the forefront of developing innovative solutions and assistive technology for quadriplegics for nearly three decades.  A lot has changed since we opened our doors in 1991 and we have since expanded our focus to also serve individuals with debilitating diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  Our proprietary autonoME custom environmental control unit (ECU) has integrated augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) features and a Windows 10 computing system.  This forward thinking device includes everything needed to help an individual maintain independence and effectively communicate.  Let’s take a closer look:

Environmental Control

ECU devices have transformed the lives of quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as ALS.  A custom environmental control unit allows an individual to perform everyday task such as turning on lights, adjusting the bed, controlling the television, turning on the fan, opening doors, answering the phone, operating a computer and more without the assistance of a caregiver.

Caregiver Peace of Mind

ECU devices and communication devices for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases not only allows the individual to have some independence, but they also provide much needed respite for caregivers. Now, caregivers can go to the store or visit a neighbor without worrying about leaving their loved one helpless at home.

Part two of our series will discuss more ways that quadriplegic assistive technology can benefit individuals with debilitating diseases including ALS.  If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ALS, we can help.  Give us a call today.

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ALS Research News

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that causes damage and eventually death of the nerve cells that control muscles and movement.  This incurable disease has remained somewhat of a mystery over the years. There is no one test that can definitively diagnose ALS, and the disease has very limited treatment options.

However, in an article published in Medical News Today, scientists may have identified significant differences in the cells and neurons present the spine of healthy individuals and individuals with ALS.  The study concluded that “people who had died from focal-onset ALS had different types of motor neurons, compared with healthy individuals.”  Scientists hope this breakthrough will lead to new treatments that slow the progression of the disease.

While there is still no definitive cause and few effective treatment options to enhance quality of life and life expectancy, the autonoME does offer some independence and hope for individuals with ALS and their friends and family.  The autonoME not only allows a person with ALS and other debilitating diseases and conditions to control their environment, but it is also an effective ALS communication device.  Environmental control units (ECU units) and ALS communication assistive technology have made significant strides over the years with the autonoME leading the way. Accessibility Services, Inc. developed the autonoME for individuals with spinal cord injuries and debilitating diseases.  In addition to ALS, the autonoME is a leader when it comes to environmental control units for disabled individuals AND communication devices for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases. Interested in learning more? Give us a call today.

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What is Voice Assistive Technology?

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Voice Assistive Technology

Voice assistive technology is a term used to describe any type of electronic device that offers speech assistance, including personal speech aids, voice amplifiers, and what is commonly known as a speech generating device (SGD).  Accessibility Services, Inc. offers voice assistive technology through our proprietary autonoME.  The autonoME is an integrated environmental control unit (ECU)/speech generating device (SGD).  It’s superior augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) features are one reason why the autonoME is considered an industry gold standard.

The autonoME features a variety of different input methods – including touch, eye gaze, switch scanning/sip and puff, and head tracking – which makes it an ideal (ALS) communication device for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. When it comes to ALS communication assistive technology, the ability to accommodate different input methods is extremely important as the disease progresses.  A person who once was able to operate the autonoME using touch may need to utilize head tracking during later stages of the disease.

As far as equipment for quadriplegics, the autonoME can be customized to meet both environmental control and voice assistive technology needs. It is one of the most popular communication devices for quadriplegics.

If you or a loved one are affected by a progressive disease (i.e. ALS, multiple sclerosis, etc.) or are a quadriplegic who needs speech assistance, voice assistive technology will significantly improve and enhance the way you communicate.  Give us a call to learn more about how the autonoME can help.

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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.

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