autonoME Residential

Help Knows No Borders

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ASI Makes a Difference in Canada

Help Knows No BordersMrs. Carmen Cels, a caregiver and advocate for her husband Mike who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), wanted to improve Mike’s quality of life by incorporating a bed mount. She reached out to Brice Green, ASI’s VP of Business Development, to learn more about the autonoME Bed Mount and whether it was available for purchase in Canada.

Brice knew there would be some red tape involved with selling her a bed mount since ASI does not currently sell products in Canada. However, he was so touched by Carmen and Mike’s story that he and Team ASI in the Homosassa, Florida office decided to donate an autonoME Bed Mount to them.

Brice immediately got to work. He drafted the necessary paperwork and then prepared Carmen to be able to install the bed mount herself. He then reached out to Ken Wogman, ASI’s metal fabricator, and asked him to supply a custom part that would allow Carmen to attach Mike’s current device receiver to the autonoME Bed Mount. Then, he contacted the manufacturer of the mounting hardware to ask for assistance with adapting Mike’s device with the receiver. After discovering that Carmen and Mike live close to the manufacturer, a rep from the manufacturer was happy to come to their home and help them install the receiver.

“We truly do what we do because we want to help people,” explains Brice. “Yes, we are a business and we have to cover our overhead, but our mission is toHelp Knows No Borders make a difference, and our mission always comes first.”

Mike is enjoying the benefits of having the bed mount, and Carmen is happy to see the difference it’s made. Thank you for your kind words, Carmen!

 “My husband Mike and I live in Canada and reached out to Accessibility Services, Inc. after seeing the Bed Mount on their website. Mike has ALS and we thought this device might be helpful for him. We discovered that there isn’t an equivalent product locally unless we ordered an expensive custom piece. 

 After our inquiry, Brice was so incredibly responsive, kindly offering to send us a free mount, since they aren’t selling to Canada right now.  He stayed in touch, was proactive, and responded to our many questions.  We determined that the mount might not be compatible with Mike’s existing eyegaze tablet hardware.  So, Brice reached out to the people here who built mount systems, and between the two companies, they found a solution!

Brice and his team sent us an easy-to-assemble mount; didn’t charge us for shipping, or any hidden fees! Such an incredibly kind gesture. Our local mount guy also ended up donating the needed part for compatibility and his time to assist with set-up.

Later, we had trouble tightening a joint, and Brice managed our ‘fix’ by phoning me to walk through the issue. The mount does what it needs to do and is very convenient. So much easier than trying to adjust a floor mounted model. We feel so lucky to have reached out to Brice and think that they care tremendously for their clients.  They understand the need and the impact they provide.  We are so impressed.” – Mrs. Carmen Cels

 

Shawn Bradley: Former NBA Player Brings Light to Gaps in Customized Care

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autonoME

Longtime basketball fans will remember the No. 2 pick in the 1993 NBA draft, Shawn Bradley, his 12 seasons as a dependable defender on the court, and his towering height. In January of 2021, Bradley’s life was changed by a cycling accident and suddenly the height that had played a major role in his life was becoming a hindrance in his treatment and recovery.

As Bradley and his family waited three weeks in the ICU for updates on his condition, it was already clear that his height (7 feet 6 inches) would add complications to his care. After inspecting his spinal cord, a surgeon diagnosed Bradley with C6 quadriplegia. An injury like his often results in a loss of sensation and function from the top of the rib cage down as well as a lack of strength and functionality in the triceps and muscles in a hands and forearms. Typically, people with this diagnosis will still maintain control of their shoulders and biceps.

Bradley was eventually moved to an inpatient neurological rehab wing where his care team worked to solve a unique challenge. Dr. Bryndon Hatch, the leader of Bradley’s recovery team, visited past cases, conducted some research, and consulted with peers. He discovered that finding an established plan for managing quadriplegia for a patient at this height was uncommon.

Dr. Hatch and the team of therapists working with Bradley had to completely redesign their approach, processes, and equipment to accommodate his unique circumstances:

  • Bradley was unable to fit in the hospital shower, so he had to be moved to a separate space for bathing.
  • Due to his size—now weighing 350 pounds—nursing staff and therapists had to learn a new way to transfer him from beds, chairs, and exam tables.
  • The utter depth of his torso required the team to reconfigure an ultrasound machine.
  • A padded table was placed at the end of his hospital bed so his feet would not hang off the end.
  • A custom power wheelchair had to be designed specifically for Bradley, and while he waited patiently for it, he was forced to use a makeshift headrest made of padding duct-taped to a board and fixed to the largest chair available.

As you can see, Bradley’s height shed a light on gaps in assistive technology and occupational therapy treatments and the importance of customizing patient care.

“Accessibility for all,” is the cornerstone of our research and development at Accessibility Services, Inc. as we continue to improve on the autonoME assistive technology platform. Customizing an individual’s transitional care ecosystem to cater specifically to their needs is exactly what we mean when we say, “…start with the customer and work backwards.”

Learn about the autonoME Residential System.

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

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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!

Can a Smart Home Device Replace a Custom Environmental Control Unit?

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Can a Smart Home Device Replace a Custom Environmental Control Unit?

Assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases have come a long way and can help people communicate and perform tasks that were once impossible years ago.  Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) has been developing environmental control units/ECU devices and communication devices for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases for nearly three decades.  A lot has changed over the years, including the emergence of smart home devices that allow most people the ability to control certain aspects of their home via voice prompts or a smartphone app.  While these devices are fun to use and have transformed the way we perform many tasks, they have significant limitations for individuals with disabilities.

Assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with progressive diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is much different and more advanced than simple smart home devices. Let’s take a look at some advantages a custom environmental control unit/speech generating device such as the autonoME has over smart home devices:

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

The autonoME, for instance, is a custom environmental control unit with integrated alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) features.  Smart home devices are not equipped with full AAC features.

Input Methods

The autonoME is considered one of the premier ECU devices / communication devices for quadriplegics and individuals with progressive diseases because of its ability to accommodate different input methods including voice, touch, sip and puff, eye gaze and head tracking. Smart home devices operate using either voice or touch.

Voice Assistive Technology

Communication devices for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases often incorporate voice assistive technology for communication.  The autonoME, for example, even allows individuals with progressive diseases to bank their own voices and expressions for use after they lose the ability to speak.

Computer Access

The autonoME – equipped with Windows 10 – is an example of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with progressive diseases that allows for full computer access. Smart home devices are not full computing systems.

While smart home devices have their advantages and are fun to use, they are not a sufficient substitute for a custom environmental control unit or speech generating device.  If you would like to learn more about how the autonoME can transform your life, give us a call today.

What Can an ECU Do for You?

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What Can an ECU Do for YouEnvironmental control units (ECU), including hospital ECU devices, are designed to give individuals with disabilities, including quadriplegics, freedom to control their surroundings. Custom environmental control units are specially designed to meet the needs of each individual. Both hospital ECU devices and residential ECU devices provide a plethora of benefits for both users and caregivers alike.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the features of residential and hospital ECU devices:

  • Nurse / caregiver call button
  • Room control – lights, television, bed, etc.
  • Basic telephone functions
  • Windows-based computer access
  • Internet access
  • Entertainment, including online books and games
  • Photos and selfies

If speech generation is also needed, the autonoME is an integrated environmental control unit and speech generating device for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  It can be customized with input devices to accommodate different levels of disability:

  • Voice – a directional microphone for flexibility and convenience
  • Touch – Capacitive touch screen and stylus pen
  • Switch Scanning – Single and dual switch sip and puff; ability to move down and across screen
  • Eye Tracking – move curser by staring into the camera and using your eyes
  • Head Tracking – move curser by moving your head up, down, left or right

Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) understands everyone’s needs are different, which is why we customize our residential and hospital ECU devices and autonoME packages to accommodate specific needs. In fact, the autonoME is becoming one of the most popular speech generating and hospital ECU devices on the market today.  We have installed units in several Veteran’s Administration hospital and private hospitals throughout the country, including a children’s specialty hospital.

Contact ASI to learn more about how our ECU devices and autonoME package can help you or a loved one become more independent.

Simple AAC – A Comfortable Way to Introduce Augmentative and Alternative Communication

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has improved vastly over the years, especially in quadriplegic assistive technologies.  The autonoME is not only an environmental control unit for disabled individuals, but it is also one of the most advanced communication devices for quadriplegics on the market today. Powered by Grid 3 software, the autonoME offers one of the most comfortable platforms to introduce AAC.

Simple AAC is specifically designed for individuals learning AAC.  It offers and easy to follow and understand strategy to help user get acquainted with AAC.  Communications devices for quadriplegics can be intimidating at first, but once the user begins to understand the technology and how it can work for them, it opens up an entirely new world of opportunities.

The autonoME can be equipped with Simple AAC for use in both residential and hospital settings.  As an integrated environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device (SGD), it is the one piece of adaptive equipment for quadriplegics that offers the best of all worlds. As in ECU in hospital settings, it is ideal to help individuals realize their independence while taking the load off of staff, while the AAC capabilities make it one of the best communications devices for quadriplegics.  Feedback from speech therapists, nurses and caregivers indicate that Simple AAC is one of the most comfortable ways to introduce AAC.

Are you interested in learning more about the autonoME and Simple AAC?  Give us a call today!

Environmental Control Units and Speech Generating Devices – AdaptABILITY is key

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Whether someone is a quadriplegic because of a spinal cord injury or debilitating disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS), the key to independence is found in the adaptability of their environmental control unit (ECU) or speech generating device (SGD).  The autonoME is a combined ECU and SGD with full augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) capabilities.  Powered by the easy to learn and very popular Grid 3 software, the autonoME can be controlled using various input methods.  Let’s take a closer look:

Touch

Individuals with use of their hands may prefer to operate the autonoME using its capacitive touch screen. The autonoME comes with a stylus, and the screen responds to both finger touch and the stylus, depending on the user’s preference.

Voice

The autonoME features a microphone so it can be controlled with vocal commands.

Sip and Puff

The sip and puff switch features a straw which allows users to activate the ECU / SGD switch by sipping and puffing to move across and down the screen.

Eye Tracking

Equipped with Eye Gaze, the autonoME’s commands can be activated by the user’s eyes.  A camera tracks the pupils to move the cursor up, down, left and right.

Head Tracking

This feature works much like Eye Gaze, tracking the movements of the users head to control the curser.

Switch Scanning

The autonoME is equipped with two switch input ports that allow for multiple switch options designed to accommodate different body movements. This enables the user to control the autonoME using one or more input methods such as sip and puff, grasp switches, micro switches and finger buttons and foot switches, among others. We will discuss scanning methods in a future blog

ASI understands that no two quadriplegics have the same needs, so we customize our ECUs -including the autonoME – to fit each client.  We work with quadriplegics in hospitals, long-term care facilities and residential settings.  And, we choose Grid 3 software because it is quick to learn, easy to use and updated on a regular basis.

Below is an article featuring a brave gentleman who battled ALS for 17 years.  He lived in a long-term facility, and used eye tracking to connect with people, control his environment and even earn a college degree.

Read Article

autonoME Features (part four)

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Today we will take a look at the various input methods that can be used with the autonoME. Clients use the autonoME as an environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device (SGD). In fact, its alternative augmentative communication (AAC) features are especially popular.  Each person’s needs are different, so we customize the autonoME for every user.  Let’s take a look at some of the input methods/devices that can be used with the autonoME:

Voice

The autonoME features a directional microphone which can be pointed toward the user. He or she can then speak voice commands directly into the microphone.

Touch

The autonoME’s capacitive touch screen allows users to touch and activate the commands they want to use. The autonoME comes equipped with a stylus pen.  The screen responds to both the stylus and finger touch.

Switch Scanning

The autonoME’s Sip and Puff switch, which is included with each package, allows clients to activate commands by sipping and puffing on an attached straw, which activates the switch. The switch scanner enables the user to move across and down the screen using either a single or dual switch.

Eye Tracking

Eye tracking allows the user to activate commands using their eyes. The user simply initiates the command by staring into a camera that is mounted underneath the autonoME which tracks the movement of their pupils.   The camera allows the user to move the cursor left, right, up and down the screen.

Head Tracking

Head tracking is very similar to eye tracking except head movements are used to operate the mouse. The camera is mounted on top of the autonoME and metallic sticker is placed near the middle of the user’s eyebrows.  This allows the client to move his or her head up, down, left or right to control the curser and activate commands.

It is important to note that a combination of devices can be interchanged.  One popular combo is voice and switch scanning.  Different input methods can be configured and controlled in the User settings. Do you or someone you know want to learn more?  If so, contact us for a complimentary consultation.

autonoME features Part 4

autonoME Features (part three)

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As you know, the autonoME is an environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device (SGD) all in one single, convenient, integrated package.  We’ve been highlighting different features of the autonoME, and today we are going to talk about how it performs as an SGD.

The autonoME includes all of the features of a traditional SGD, including customized speech generation and augmented speech.  In fact, the autonoME has its own Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) menu.  This menu includes access to a keyboard for typing words and sentences, which can be used as a traditional keyboard, or, operated with Eye Gaze, sip & puff and head tracking. There is also a message bank where you can input and store terms and sentences that may be spoken on a regular basis (i.e. I am hungry; thank you, etc.).  The grid sets are designed specifically for non-verbal users, allowing the autonoME to speak for them and essentially become their voice.

autonoME Features

During installation, ASI spends time working with patients, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, caregivers and designated hospital staff to demonstrate the autonoME’s AAC capabilities. Please reference our comparison chart to see how the autonoME compares with traditional ECUs and SGDs.

Hospitals, rehabilitation and nursing facilities – we have technicians who will travel to your site and demonstrate how the autonoME can increase patient satisfaction. Contact us today to set up a customized and complimentary consultation.

autonoME Features (part two)

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This is part two of a multi-part series highlighting the features of the autonoME environmental control unit (ECU)/speech generating device (SGD) package. Last time, we discussed how the autonoME controls television.  Today, we are going to explore some additional ways the autonoME can be used for entertainment.

autonoME Features

Games

The autonoME is equipped with a number of games including chess and the ever popular solitaire.  You can also access additional grid sets for more games and apps.

e-Reader

The Kindle e-reader is pre-installed on every autonoME.  Access thousands of books and other media.

Internet Radio

Enjoy your favorite tunes from an endless number of Internet radio stations.

Computer

Your autonoME is equipped with Microsoft Windows. Surf the web, create documents, send and receive e-mail, use a calculator and more.

Two-Way Camera

Take photos or selfies and share them with your family and friends.

Social Media

Update your status, create posts, send Tweets, etc. by accessing grid sets built specifically for Social Media.

Our next article will highlight how the autonoME is used for speech generation.

“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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