The autonoME Making a Difference at The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital

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The autonome Making Difference

Special thank you to The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany, Oklahoma for this wonderful article and update on how the autonoME is making a difference in the lives of the children they serve!

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Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) worked with The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital to develop and install a customized autonoME hospital system for inpatients and an autonoME system in an AT lab for outpatient demonstrations.

ASI’s Vice President, Brice Green, consulted with the facilities manager at The Children’s Center and customized the autonoME to meet the hospital’s specifications. Heather Giordano M.S., CCC-SLP, Product Rep. and ASI’s in-house national certified speech and language pathologist provided on-site consultation on customizing the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) specifically for their patients.

“Knowing that a child who is unable to communicate can now express their thoughts and feelings makes what we do so worthwhile,” explains Green, “And, giving children with disabilities the ability to perform tasks that most people take for granted – such as changing channels on the television or turning on the lights – makes a tremendous difference in the lives of these children and their families. We are honored to be part of the ‘miracles’ that The Children’s Center make happen every day.”

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The Anatomy of the autonoME (Part 3)

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The Anatomy of the autonoME (Part 3)

When it comes to assistive technology for quadriplegics, the autonoME is the industry gold standard. Not only is the autonoME an environmental control unit, but it is also a speech generating device and computer with Windows 10 and internet access. These capabilities are combined in one single package, making the autonoME one of the industry’s most powerful tools for quadriplegics. The autonoME also features various input devices and methods, so it has become one of most sought after environmental control and communication devices for quadriplegics on the market today.

Touch

The autonoME is equipped with a capacitive touch screen that works with a finger touch or, if the user prefers, a stylus.

Voice

A directional microphone can be used to control the autonoME with voice commands.

Switch Scanning/Sip and Puff

This is a very popular feature, especially for a quadriplegic. Supplies and accessories like a sip and puff (dual switch) can be added and used to activate the switch and operate the unit.

Eye Tracking

An integrated or mounted camera tracks the user’s pupil and eye movements to control the mouse.

Head Tracking

This is popular for someone who has a debilitating disease or is a quadriplegic. Supplies and accessories like a head tracking camera can be mounted to the top of the monitor. A special metallic sticker is then placed on the user’s head, hat or eyeglasses, allowing them to control the mouse curser.

Want to learn more about why the autonoME is a preferred assistive technology for quadriplegics in both hospital and residential settings? If so, give us a call!

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What is Assistive Technology?

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assistive technology

Assistive technology is anything designed to maintain and/or improve daily living for individuals with disabilities. This may include, but is not limited to, electronics, software, equipment, speech generating devices, environmental control units and mobility aids.

One of the most underserved communities is quadriplegics. While there seems to be plentiful resources for paraplegics and individuals with varying degrees of paralysis or disability, quadriplegic supplies, tools for quadriplegics and communication devices for quadriplegics can sometimes be difficult to identify and locate.

Accessibility Services, Inc. specializes in assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases.  An example of one of the tools for quadriplegics that we offer is the autonoME speech generating device/environmental control unit. The autonoME is one of the premier communication devices for quadriplegics.  Not only is it user-friendly, but it can operate using different input methods.  Eye gaze, head tracking, and sip and puff are among the accessories and tools for quadriplegics that the autonoME can accommodate.

Environmental control is also an extremely important assistive technology for quadriplegics.  The autonoME can turn on lights, make telephone calls, control the television, adjust the bed, turn on fans and more.  Users can easily use the autonoME as a computer to surf the internet, post to social media, make videos, take photos, play games, etc.

When it comes to assistive technology for quadriplegics, the autonoME is one of the most reliable and best speech generating device/environmental control unit on the market.  Give us a call to learn more!

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The autonoME and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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custom environmental control unit

We’ve been discussing how the autonoME is used by individuals affected by different conditions and diseases.  Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is our focus for this month.

MS is disease of the central nervous system that causes the immune system to damage myelin (the protective coating surrounding the nerve fibers.) This damage ultimately results in scarring (sclerosis) throughout multiple areas of the body. Though the disease can affect anyone of any age, it primarily strikes women between the ages of 20-40.  While there are risk factors associated with MS, a definitive cause has not been identified.

Some people with MS exhibit no outward symptoms, while others are clearly debilitated by the disease.  There are four different types of MS – Clinically Isolated, Relapsing-Remitting (most common), Secondary Progressive and Primary Progressive.  Accessibility Services, Inc. has served many clients with Secondary Progressive and Primary Progressive MS, providing them with a custom environmental control unit and speech generating device to help them re-gain independence.

The autonoME is unique in that we developed it to be both a custom environmental control unit and speech generating device integrated into one convenient package.  We can equip it to fit any type and degree of MS. Most importantly, it is designed to accommodate any progression of the disease. A client who is unable to walk but able to use their hands may benefit from the touchscreen, whereas someone who is immobile may be best suited for eye gaze or head tracking.

The autonoME’s full augmentative and alternative (AAC) and environmental control capabilities make it a preferred choice for individuals with MS and their caregivers. If you or a loved one are affected by MS, we can help!  Give us a call to learn more.

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The Anatomy of the autonoME (part 2)

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tools for quadriplegics

The autonoME is one of the industry’s most respected communication devices for quadriplegics.  What makes the autonoME so attractive is its combined augmentative and alternative (AAC) and environmental control capabilities. We’ve been taking a closer look at specific features users, caregivers and professionals find most beneficial.  Below are three more reasons why the autonoME is so popular in both residential and hospital settings.

User-Friendly Interface

Ease is important when it comes to tools for quadriplegics.  The autonoME boots up at the Home menu and features a user-friendly interface consisting of Menus (i.e. grid pages) with Commands (cells).  Not only are the Menus and Commands ideal for users, but hospital staff and caregivers also find the autonoME’s interface simple to learn so they can assist the individual should the need arise.

Full Environmental Control

Not only is the autonoME a preferred speech generating device (SGD), but it is also capable of environmental control.  This is especially important in a hospital ECU because it not only helps patients re-gain independence, but also frees up hospital staff to spend more time concentrating on medical care. Environmental control features include the ability to operate the hospital bed, turn on lights, use the telephone with privacy microphone and privacy speaker and control the television.  It even has nurse call integration.

User Adjustable Settings

What makes the autonoME such a desired assistive technology for quadriplegics (especially as a hospital ECU) is the fact that it is so easy for users to adjust and operate.  The autonoME is equipped with a number of user adjustable settings including scan speeds, voice outputs, and even self-calibration when using accessory kit Intelligaze camera for input.

Next month, we will highlight a few more features that make the autonoME such a sought after environmental control unit / speech generating device.  In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about the autonoME, feel free to contact us.  We would love to talk with you!

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The autonoME and ALS

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speech generation device (SGD)

Over the next few months, we will be featuring how the autonoME is used by individuals affected by different diseases and conditions.  This month, we will discuss amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a neurogenerative disease affecting the brain and spinal cord nerve cells.  It is progressive and results in the inability for the brain to control muscle movement, which eventually leads to loss of speech and lack of ability to move, eat and breath.  Unfortunately, there is still no cure for ALS.

The autonoME is an integrated environmental control unit (ECU) / speech generation device (SGD) with full augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) capabilities.  One of the features that makes the autonoME ideal for individuals with ALS is its ability to accommodate multiple input methods.  This is extremely important as the disease progresses.  For instance, a person with ALS may initially be able to use touch for commands.  Once their sense of touch becomes compromised by the ALS, they can still control the autonoME using alternate input methods such as eye gaze, sip and puff or eye tracking.

Overall, the autonoME helps individuals with ALS become more independent by allowing them to communicate using AAC and control their environment, including lights, doors, fans and television sets.  The autonoME can even be customized to allow individuals to access the Internet, make phone calls, send text messages, take photos, play games and more.

Are you or a loved one facing ALS?  Or, are you a professional who works with ALS patients?  If so, please give us a call to learn more about how the autonoME custom environmental control unit / speech generating device can help improve overall quality of life for both the individual with ALS and their caregivers.

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The Anatomy of the autonoME

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ECU unit for hospital

(Part 1)

The autonoME is a custom environmental control unit / speech generating device that can be used in both hospital and residential settings.  As a hospital ECU, the autonoME not only helps patients gain independence and the ability to control their environment, but it also frees up staff time that can then be dedicated to patient medical care.

Spinal cord injury units throughout the country are equipped with the autonoME. We will be posting several articles over the next few months which outline why the autonoME is a preferred ECU unit for hospital settings. Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of the autonoME.

All-in-one

The autonoME is one of the most ideal ECU units for hospitals because of its all-in one features and comprehensive capabilities.  Not only is the autonoME a full environmental control unit, but it is also capable of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  Couple this with the fact that it is also a computer equipped with the Windows operating system and you have the perfect all-in-one ECU / AAC solution!

Retrofitting capabilities

The autonoME is a custom environmental control unit that can be retrofitted into existing infrastructure.  Cables and clutter are eliminated as Accessibility Services Inc. (ASI) has manufactured a convenient wall box that holds all of the necessary components.  When it comes to new construction installation, we can serve as part of the planning team.

Next month, we continue to examine the anatomy of the autonoME and what makes it a perfect ECU unit for hospital settings. Want to learn more about the autonoME?  Give us a call for a complimentary consultation!

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Customized Helmet Allows Quadriplegics to Drive Race Cars

look to learn software

Adaptive equipment for quadriplegics has made what was once impossible now possible. Take a look at this article recently published in the The Inquirer (Philadelphia):

New technology allows spinal cord patients to drive a NASCAR race car

This feature story discusses how an individual with quadriplegia controls a race car using a special helmet equipped with head tracking and sip and puff technologies. An accelerometer on the car and helmet detects head movement, thus allowing the car to turn left or right.  A sip and puff straw controls braking (sip) and speed (puff).  Additional cameras also gather important data, which, along with the accelerometers and straw, helps the car deliver a smooth ride.

The special helmet is equipped with custom environmental control unit features, much like those available with our signature autonoME package. The above article illustrates one of the many reasons why hospital ECU units are so important. Using an ECU in hospital settings helps quadriplegics and their caregivers get hands-on experience mastering the device.

The autonoME is a combined environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device (SGD). It’s dual augmentative and alternative (AAC) / hospital ECU capabilities make it perfect for spinal cord injury units.  We’ve installed the autonoME in numerous public and private hospitals as well as spinal cord injury units in Veteran’s Administration hospitals throughout the country.

Interested in learning more about the autonoME and how this custom environmental control unit / AAC package can help you, your loved one, or patients achieve maximum independence?  If so, please send us an e-mail or give us a call.  We’re here to help!

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Job Opportunities for Quadriplegics

Job Opportunities for Quadriplegics

ABILITY JOB FAIR Holds Online Video Career Fair

for Individuals with Disabilities

We have been featuring different jobs for quadriplegics on our website each month.  This month, we want to highlight the ABILITY JOB FAIR, which is holding an online video career fair specifically for individuals with disabilities.  The ABILITY JOB FAIR takes place on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm Eastern and will include employers such as Facebook Careers, Waste Management and abilityjobs.com. If you would like to sign up or learn more about this online job fair, visit https://abilityjobfair.org/.

The event is part of the abilityJOBS, a website dedicated to connecting recruiters with individuals with disabilities.  If you cannot attend the online job fair, but you would still like to explore job opportunities for quadriplegics, https://abilityjobs.com/ is another great resource to consider!

Accessibility Services, Inc. specializes in quadriplegic assistive technologies designed to help individuals achieve independence.  Our signature autonoME is an environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device (SGD) combined into one convenient package.  Since every disability is different, we design a custom environmental control unit with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) capabilities to fit each individual we serve.  One of the most popular features of the autonoME is its ability to accommodate different input methods such as touch, voice, sip and puff, eye gaze and head tracking.

ECU devices have revolutionized the way quadriplegics interact with their surroundings.  The autonoME is especially popular with job seekers because of its ability to not only help individuals control their environment but communicate as well.  We encourage the quadriplegics we serve to check out the abilityJOBS website to learn more about how they can connect you with potential employers and help you find an enjoyable, fulfilling career.

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Adaptive Equipment for Quadriplegics Can Make The Impossible Possible

environmental control units

Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) has been on the forefront of providing communication devices for quadriplegics and environmental control units for disabled individuals for more than two decades.  We have witnessed first-hand how advances in technology have made the difference in the lives of quadriplegics and their families.

While we focus primarily on environmental control units and speech generating devices, other types of adaptive equipment for quadriplegics have also helped make the impossible possible.  Check out this story of a quadriplegic who broke his neck in an accident 15 years ago.  Pieter du Preez from Johannesburg is completely paralyzed below the chest, and can only move his wrists, biceps and shoulder.  Yet, he has secured a sponsorship from Isuzu Motors South Africa to participate in the Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship:

https://www.rnews.co.za/article/21550/quadriplegic-athlete-warms-up-for-isuzu-ironman-70-3-world-championship

It is important to note that du Preez is not participating in an event for persons with quadriplegia; the Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is a full Ironman competition with no separate category for quadriplegics.

ASI believes in inspiring and empowering individuals with spinal cord injuries and debilitating diseases to pursue their goals and dreams.  We don’t take a cookie-cutter approach when it comes to helping quadriplegics achieve independence.  We customize our environmental control units and speech generating devices to accommodate each individual’s unique needs.

ASI salutes brave individuals such as du Preez who serve as role models and are living proof that even the impossible is sometimes possible.  Contact ASI today to learn more about how you, too, can achieve the independence to pursue your lifelong dreams.

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