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Archive for category: ASI News

The autonoME ECU in Hospital Features

ASI News, autonoMe

ECU in Hospital

Part Three

We are continuing our series on the distinct features that make the autonoME commercial/hospital ECU such an impressive and welcomed addition to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.  Our previous article discussed how the autonoME’s integrated environmental control, voice assistive technology and live television features have revolutionized the custom environmental control unit industry.  We also covered key features including different input methods, web browser, user-friendly inputs and commands, bed controls and nurse call capabilities.  Today, we will look at three more reasons to consider the autonoME commercial/hospital ECU for your facility.

Bed Controls

These commands provide the user access to bed control. This is an especially popular feature of our autonoME commercial/hospital ECU because it alleviates the need for a staff member to perform this function.

Telephone

The autonoME’s Telephone application gives users the ability to answer the telephone when there is an incoming phone call.  Users can also create contacts and make calls.

Games

The autonoME’s Games portal is one of the most popular features of our hospital ECU. Games include: Hearts, Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, Chess, and Free Cell. Each can be played via touch, voice, switch, eye gaze, and other associated methods.

If you are seeking to improve the overall patient experience while also freeing staff to address the most critical patient needs, then the autonoME may be just the solution you have been looking for.  Accessibility Services, Inc. has spent more than three decades improving the quality of life for individuals with the most severe disabilities by developing innovative solutions and assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases including ALS and MS. Our autonoME commercial/hospital ECU devices will take your facility to the next level.  Give us a call to schedule a virtual or in-person demonstration today!

January 7, 2021/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ECU-in-Hospital-Features.jpg 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2021-01-07 22:33:342021-01-07 22:34:08The autonoME ECU in Hospital Features

A Closer Look at the autonoME ECU in Hospital Features

ASI News, autonoMe

ECU in Hospital

Part Two

We are continuing our series on the autonoME’s ECU in hospital features.  The autonoME commercial/hospital ECU is the world’s first custom environmental control unit offering integrated voice assistive technology and a full television experience in one single package. Our previous article outlined the autonoME’s different input methods, discussed the integrated television experience, and highlighted how users can easily surf the Internet.  Today, we will look at three more distinct features of this revolutionary custom environmental control unit/speech generating device.

User-Friendly Menus and Commands

The autonoME commercial/hospital ECU features large, user-friendly menus and commands. The main menu page is comprised of two sections: a side panel and the application area.  The side panel contains commands and functions that will always be visible.  The right larger application area contains apps designed for specific features and controls.

Stop Inputs

The Stop Inputs command is located in the side panel menu.  This is used for inhibiting the voice, head tracking and eye tracking input methods.  A user can stop the dwell clicking associated with the head and eye tracking when reading what is on the screen.  The Stop Inputs button will allow them time to find what they are looking for without the cursor moving around and inadvertently clicking commands.

Nurse Call

The popular Nurse Call command activates the nurse call light and alerts the nurse call station.  This is always available even when a patient is using an app or when Stop Inputs is activated.

Our next article will cover more features of the autonoME commercial/Hospital ECU.

Accessibility Services, Inc. is a leader in the development of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as ALS and MS. We customize our autonoME commercial ECU devices to meet the needs of each facility. Not all environmental control units are equal.  We invite you to experience the autonoME difference.  Give us a call to schedule a virtual or in-person demonstration today!

January 7, 2021/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-autonoME-ECU-in-Hospital-Features.jpg 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2021-01-07 22:27:322021-01-07 22:29:36A Closer Look at the autonoME ECU in Hospital Features

The autonoME Commercial / Hospital ECU: A Closer Look

ASI News

The autonoME Commercial / Hospital ECU: A Closer Look

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!

December 9, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/autonoME-Commercial.jpg 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-12-09 18:02:122020-12-09 18:02:12The autonoME Commercial / Hospital ECU: A Closer Look

Voice Assistive Technology: Enhancements to the autonoME’s “my own voice” Software

ASI News

Voice Assistive Technology: An Overview of “my own voice” Software

(part two)

We are continuing our series highlighting the my-own-voice software developed by Acapela Group.  Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) is proud to partner with Acapela Group to provide their advanced voice assistive technology software to our autonoME users.  Version 3 of my-own-voice has many upgrades and added features. Let’s take a look:

Custom Messages

This feature makes the autonoME equipped with my-own-voice the perfect ALS communication device. Users can now record additional custom messages early in their disease progression.  These custom messages will add more intonation and prosody to the synthetic voice.

Voice Tuning Personalization

Another feature that makes the autonoME equipped with my-own-voice such a superior speech generating device is the ability for users to tune their voice in the online type and talk demo page.  This function was available in previous software versions, however, this latest version allows users to save specific settings to ensure the voice is built and delivered with custom settings.

Recorder Applications

The autonoME is all about meeting the customer where they are and providing them with a superior user experience. The latest version of the my-own-voice software offers users the choice to record either in the Acapela recorder application or using the online recorder application.

Voice banking is extremely important to individuals with progressive diseases such as ALS.  The autonoME is a combined custom environmental control unit/speech generating device with advanced augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and voice assistive technology features. If you would like to learn more about how the autonoME’s voice assistive technology can improve the quality of life for you and/or a loved one, we can help.  Give us a call to learn more today!

December 9, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Voice-Assistive-Technology-Enhancements.jpg 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-12-09 17:59:112020-12-09 17:59:11Voice Assistive Technology: Enhancements to the autonoME’s “my own voice” Software

Voice Assistive Technology: An Overview of “my own voice” Software

ASI News

 

Voice Assistive Technology: An Overview of “my own voice” Software

(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.

December 9, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Voice-Assistive-Technology.jpg 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-12-09 17:57:222020-12-09 18:00:29Voice Assistive Technology: An Overview of “my own voice” Software

In Memory of ALS Activist Patrick Quinn

ASI News

In Memory of ALS Activist Patrick Quinn

Patrick Quinn, co-founder of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, has passed away at age 37.  He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) shortly after his 30th birthday.  He partnered with Peter Frates, an ALS activist and captain of the Boston College baseball team, to create the Ice Bucket Challenge.  The fundraiser – where participants were challenged to post a video of themselves dumping buckets of ice water over their heads – raised more than $220 million for ALS medical research and garnered the attention of celebrities including Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.

The staff at Accessibility Services, Inc. even joined in on the fun, raising money for the cause and posting our own Ice Bucket Challenge video:

ALS is now one of the most recognized diseases on the planet, thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge. The impact Mr. Quinn made in the fight again ALS continues as medical researchers make strides in developing new treatments as they progress toward finding a cure.

We salute you, Mr. Quinn.  You may be gone, but your legacy and work toward finding a cure for ALS will continue to live on. Thank you. May you rest in peace.

View Quinn for the Win Facebook Page.

November 24, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/accessibilityservices-1200x1200-layout1372-1frq7tq.png 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-11-24 20:25:212020-11-24 20:25:21In Memory of ALS Activist Patrick Quinn

ALS and Speech Loss

ASI News

ALS and Speech Loss

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.

 

August 25, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ALS-Speech-Loss.png 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-08-25 13:42:542020-08-25 13:42:54ALS and Speech Loss

Veterans and ALS

ASI News, Veterans Administration

Veterans and ALS

As we have discussed in a previous article, those who have served in the military appear to be at a higher risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  Additional studies point to the possibility that military veterans with the ALS may live longer than the average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with the disease (long-duration ALS).  The study also found that veterans with long-duration ALS experienced onset at a younger age, tended to experience slower initial progression, and took longer to diagnose.

Read the Full Study

Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) was founded by Fred Thompson in 1991 with the primary mission to help veterans.  ASI has been on the forefront of developing assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as ALS for nearly three decades.  Our proprietary autonoME is one of the most popular tools for quadriplegics and those with ALS because it is a combined custom environmental control unit/speech generating device.  Advanced voice assistive technology features such as voice banking and full augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) make it a much sought after ALS communication device.

Although we have expanded our reach over the years, we still take our commitment to military veterans very seriously.  Not only do we employ many veterans, but we have installed our autonoME in Veteran’s Administration (VA) spinal cord injury units and have also worked with veteran’s who qualify to receive the autonoME through their VA benefits.

If you or a loved one is a veteran who has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), be sure to talk to your local VA representative about the autonoME. Give us a call to learn more today!

August 25, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Veterans-ALS.png 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-08-25 13:39:412020-08-25 13:39:41Veterans and ALS

Protecting Your Family From COVID-19

ASI News

Protecting Your Family From COVID-19

(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.

 

 

August 25, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Protecting-Family-COVID.png 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-08-25 13:30:292020-08-25 13:30:29Protecting Your Family From COVID-19

Neither ALS Nor Covid-19 Kept This Father From His Son’s Games

ASI News

Neither ALS Nor Covid-19

As a premier provider of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases, we work with many clients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). So, when a story like this catches our eyes, we feel compelled to share!

Jim Hilliard is a retired orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon diagnosed with ALS in 2018.  His son, Sam Hilliard, is a rookie outfielder for the Colorado Rockies.  Although COVID-19 is keeping fans out of baseball stadiums nationwide, Hillard and his wife Tamara were able to watch their son play live.  Team management granted special permission for the Hilliard’s and their daughter-in-law to attend an exhibition game and the Rockies first game of the season.

Hilliard made is major league debut last August and has been working to raise money for ALS research ever since. His mom, a former Miss Texas, has played an integral role in these efforts.

Read More

At Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI), we continue to be inspired by stories like these.  Nearly three decades ago, our founder, Fred Thompson, founded ASI to help those with disabilities become more independent. Today, ASI is a leading provider of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as ALS. In fact, our autonoME – a combined environmental control unit / speech generating device with voice assistive technology –  has become a preferred ALS communication device for individuals throughout the country affected by this devastating disease. If you would like to learn more about how the autonoME can help you, your loved one or patients, give us a call to schedule a consultation today!

August 11, 2020/by ASI
https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/accessibilityservices-1.jpg 1200 1200 ASI https://accessibilityservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ASIProposedORIGINALColor-01-e1608563760310.png ASI2020-08-11 18:43:292020-08-14 01:09:37Neither ALS Nor Covid-19 Kept This Father From His Son’s Games
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  • autonoMEMeet Robert, a gentleman managing his ALS with the help of autonoMEAugust 24, 2014 - 2:10 pm

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Fred Thompson

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

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