Archive for category: ASI News

In early 2020, Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) introduced the world’s first device offering augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and environmental control unit (ECU) tools while seamlessly incorporating all available adaptive access methods and providing a fully integrated television experience. In otherwards, the autonoME Hospital ECU can do it all!

The engineers at ASI developed the autonoME ECU in hospital solution to address the demand for an all-in-one system to serve the unique needs of individuals with severe spinal cord and brain injuries as well as those with progressive diseases such as ALS.  Most environmental control units only control a user’s surroundings.  The autonoME, however, is a combined custom environmental control unit / speech generating device with voice assistive technology.  Our next series of articles will highlight some of the features that make the autonoME such an attractive commercial / hospital ECU.

Input Methods

As we mentioned earlier, the autonoME Hospital ECU has several input methods to accommodate different levels of injury and disease progression, including voice, touch, sip and puff, eye gaze, head tracking, switch scanning and more.

Integrated Television

The autonoME Hospital ECU features a fully integrated television experience.  The autonoME’s Television app allows the user to turn the television on and off, view a channel list and select channels.

Web Browser

The autonoME Hospital ECU is equipped with a browser so users can easily surf the Internet.

Our next article will discuss more reasons why the autonoME is the “go to” ECU in hospital, rehabilitation and long term care settings.  Want to learn more about how the autonoME can seamlessly integrate into your facility?  If so, give us a call to talk with one of our Commercial Product Specialists today!

 

(part one)

We are extremely excited about the new version of my-own-voice which was just released last month.  As we have discussed in previous articles, voice assistive technology has advanced significantly over the past several years. Our proprietary autonoME custom environmental control unit and speech generating device incorporates my-own-voice software, developed by Acapela Group.

Before we begin discussing the newly released software enhancements, let’s go over some of the software’s key features and capabilities. The Acapela Group’s my-own- voice software allows autonoME users to “bank” their own voice while they still have speech so that it can be synthetically re-created when they lose their ability to speak.  This makes the autonoME especially important when it comes to ALS communication as individuals diagnosed with the disease can “bank” their own unique expressions early in disease progression. This, along with the ability to accommodate different input methods (speech, touch, eye gaze, sip and puff, head tracking, etc.) makes the autonoME the most effective and powerful ALS communication device on the market today.

The software development team at Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) is very selective about the companies we partner with.  Acapela group has invested much time, resources and energy to create what we believe to be the best software to help individuals preserve their own voice and unique expressions.  Not all voice assistive technology is equal and ASI is committed to providing the customers we serve with high quality assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with progressive diseases such as ALS and MS.

Our next article will highlight some of the new features of the my-own-voice software. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a progressive disease such as ALS or MS, we can help.  Give us a call to learn more today.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease. Approximately 10% – 15% of individuals with the disease present with speech difficulties as their primary symptom. Issues with speech often begin gradually with the ability to speak degrading as the disease progresses.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ALS, it is important to consider an ALS communication device with voice banking capabilities. This allows you to “bank” your voice, tone, messages and unique expressions while you still have the ability to speak.  Your voice can then be re-created as your need to communicate through voice assistive technology becomes necessary.

Let’s take a look at some ways ALS can affect speech.

Breaks or Interruptions While Speaking

ALS can cause breaks or interruptions while speaking. These “breaks” can happen frequently, making it very difficult for others to understand.

“Nasal” Sounding

We all know what it sounds like when we have allergies or a cold. A person with ALS may sound very “nasally” even without having allergies or cold.

Slurred Speech

Slurred speech is difficult to understand and is one of the tell-tale signs of disease progression.

If you’re searching for an ALS communication device with environmental control, Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) has you covered.  Our signature autonoME is a custom environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device combined in a single, convenient package. The autonoME’s user-friendly interface and ability to operate using multiple input methods make it one of the most sought after ECU devices on the market today.  Additionally, the autonoME’s voice assistive technology features include voice banking and full augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), making it perfect for ALS communication.

If you have been diagnosed with ALS and are concerned about loss of speech, we can help. Give us a call to learn more about the autonoME today.

 

(part two)

We are continuing our series on tips to help protect your family from COVID-19. Our previous article discussed monitoring local health department recommendations, wearing a mask, and showering and washing clothes after being out in public. These tips are especially important as quadriplegics and individuals with chronic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are especially vulnerable. If you or a loved one have any health issues or underlying conditions it’s important to read our series of articles and follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations on how to best keep you and your family safe.

Focus on Staying Healthy

It is extremely important for you to focus on your own health. Make sure you are eating healthy, getting some exercise and taking care of yourself.  Go outside to get some fresh air or take a walk.  Participate in a virtual exercise or yoga class. Maybe even explore options for safe and engaging activities to help decrease stress.

Alert Your Physician if Your or Your Loved Ones Show Any Signs of Being Ill

If you or your loved ones show any signs of being ill, contact your physician right away. COVID-19 is especially dangerous for quadriplegics and those with chronic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis.

Have a Backup Plan if You Become Ill

If you become ill, you will need to focus solely on yourself to get better.  Avoid having to worry about your loved ones care by having a backup plan should you become ill. You can do this by briefing neighbors, friends or other family members about your loved ones care.  Who comes in to provide personal care services? How often?  What medication do they need? Make sure this is written down and accessible should something happen to you.

Accessibility Services Inc. (ASI) is a leading provider of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with chronic diseases such as ALS and multiple sclerosis. Our signature autonoME is a combined custom environmental control unit / speech generating device that incorporates voice assistive technology. If you would like to learn more about our tools for quadriplegics and individuals with chronic diseases we would love to talk to you! Give us a call to learn more today.