Hi All,

It is a very exciting time in Assistive Technology these days!  So much to learn, so many new items to try out and so much new technology  to be vetted! It is utterly exhausting! Just when we thought we had things (mostly) figured out, the whole industry gets turned on our heads!

Anyway, I am having a hard time justifying dedicated speech generating devices to patients with ALS due to the large co-pay they will have for a system that is locked for 13 months. As you know, 13-months is a very long time in the life of a person with ALS and to not have the option of a multi-modal communication system is really a misfortune.  In addition, I have been running into the issue of families who have already met their out-of-pocket deductible for the year, and under the old coverage, the device would have been funded without a co-pay.  Under this option, they family will have to now start paying a co-pay on the rental fee after the first of the year.  What a mess!

So, we have begun to look at the add-on options of systems such the pcEYEgo and the Eye Tech Digital VT system.

I’ve had a chance to explore the pcEyego but have not yet had the opportunity to try the Eye Tech version.

Does anyone have any other suggestions of add-on eye gaze tracking or opinions on the devices?

I would very much be interested to learn more.

Sincerely,

Lisa M. Bruening, M.S., CCC-SLP

Director of Care Services

The ALS Association Northern Ohio

6155 Rockside Road, Suite 403

Independence, OH 44131

Direct: 216-867-1262

Chapter: 216-592-2572

Toll-Free: 888-592-2572