With a few keystrokes to a device that looks like a touch-screen computer, Doug Goering, 16, of Indian Hill, “described” one of the things he likes to do.
He touched a button on the machine, which is mounted to his motorized wheelchair.
“I like looking at cool people in the mall,” a computerized voice announced.
On another day, Gregory Nelson, who will be a freshman at
Video: See how computerized devices aid students with cerebral palsy
Goering and Nelson are among roughly 500,000 Americans with cerebral palsy, a lifelong developmental disability that limits their ability to use their muscles, including those that control speech.
United Cerebral Palsy’s
It runs the summer writing program that Nelson and Goering are attending this month.
UCP is also the only organization in the region that provides a comprehensive assessment of those with cerebral palsy or similar disabilities, according to its leaders.
Technology is a big part of that.
Companies seek out the nonprofit organization when promoting sample products, so UCP always has the latest and greatest devices to show to clients.
UCP gave two presentations at the Chicago-based National Assistive Technology Industry Association’s February conference, which showcases the best-of-the-best in assistive technology. The annual conference is the largest of its kind in
Locally, clients and their families are glad to have this resource close to home.
“Everyone talks about independence,” said Paul Clawson, of
Assistive technology is a broad term that includes wheelchairs, lifts, voice-activated software and everything in between, including communication devices. It’s at least a multimillion-dollar industry and is growing, said Caroline Van Howe, program director for the Assistive Technology Industry Association.
A single communication device can cost up to $10,0000. Insurance companies or government programs often can defray the cost.
The benefit of the devices is enormous, said Van Howe. “It literally gives them a voice,” she said.
Devices range in sophistication depending on the person’s needs.
The students in the
Others like Nelson operate their devices by head motion. A sensor that resembles a small, round sticker is placed on the forehead so the person can activate the device simply by move moving their heads. to activate the device.
Some communication devices are simply specialized computers. They can include Internet access, mobile phone adaptations and can even be programmed to turn off the television or lights.
Younger children at the center use the devices to say the alphabet or ask for a toy. UCP also runs the
Joe Weinheimer, 14, can speak talk fairly well on his own so he doesn’t need a communication device. But the Oak Hills student and aspiring writer still took the class, using his laptop to perfect a profile that he will link to his own Web site, http://superjoe-agr.blogspot.com.
“It puts my thoughts on the Internet where everyone sees them,” he said. He has already authored a story which is posted on the site.
Communication devices have opened up a whole new world for those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including autism.
As soon as a When child begins using a communication device, “within a few minutes they’re doing something they’ve never done before – drawing a picture, saying the alphabet,” said Melissa Tally, a physical therapist at the
By Jessica Brown
jlbrown@enquirer.com
July 27, 2008
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