We have recently been working with the SCATIR. It is hard to mount effectively as reported and we needed to get a mount custom made for
our most recent attempt. The main problem with the SCATIR is getting a position set up that can deliver a consistent activation that is proportional to length of blink, rather than just activating for an instant as the eye is closing. This is where the positioning
is key and you need both a good mount and VERY patient and dedicated care staff.
I have been having a lot of success recently with the Ping-Pong Switch as a head switch. I was initially very sceptical of it but it
is both forgiving and sensitive with good feedback. I have found that it is far easier to position for effective use than a Microlight or a Buddy Button and it currently my ‘go to’ switch when access is reported as very limited.
Regards
Jeremy
Jeremy Linskell CEng, CSci, MIPEM
Principal Clinical Scientist
Electronic Assistive Technology Service
tel: 01382-496286
fax:01382-496322
Editorial Board Member of
Journal of Assistive Technologies
From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
[mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of
Edward Hitchcock
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 10:35 PM
To: '
Subject: RE: switch question for the listserv[no phi]
I would tend to say I do not really have any preferred eyeblink switch, mainly since mounting is so difficult and unstable. That being
said, I think since Words plus is out of business, we can only get SCATIR now correct?
I would really recommend this person get a full AT eval if possible… I echo Jen’s comments, that nystagmus is not a given rule out
for eyegaze. I have been successful with LC, and accent devices with nystgagmus.
There are any number of switch access options and I would recommend they start with something like spec or buddy button or microlight
at his hand to use with TEcla, Blue2, inclusive tlc or hardwired switch interfaces.
I don’t know a ton about proloquo switch access, but he may want to consider a dedicated device, which may have better switch access
capabilities…
Ed Hitchcock OT/L
Rehabilitation Institute of
From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
[mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of
Coggiola, Jennifer L.
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 3:39 PM
To:
Subject: RE: switch question for the listserv
Can't answer this specific question. However, LC Technologies' Eye Gaze Edge has some settings to accommodate nystagmus.
I'd work with Nancy Cleaveland before completely ruling out eye tracking.
Speech Pathologist
(415) 353-2122 clinic phone
(415) 353-2524 clinic fax
(925) 323-0175 cell phone
xxxxxx@ucsf.edu
From:
xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] on behalf of Alisa Brownlee [xxxxxx@alsa-national.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 1:31 PM
To: National ALS Association AT Listserv
Subject: switch question for the listserv
Colleagues,
I received the following email below. I would like to ask you what your preferred eye blink switch is???? I have my own “favorite” but
would prefer hearing from others….
Also if you want to chime in with suggestions for this therapist, please feel free
I am looking for a switch for an i-pad (iOS 9.2) that runs ProLoQuo4.
The pt has ALS, is cognitively intact and cannot use eye-gaze due to nystagmus.
He at present has use of one finger and direct access to the device is getting difficulty.
Ideally, I would like something that can also operate via eye-blink (or an additional recommendation for that type of switch) if he loses
his finger function.
He was looking at the inclusivetic products (the applicator and iswitch) but I don’t know enough about them or any switches for that matter
to make a reasonable recommendation.
Alisa Brownlee, ATP, CAPS
Assistive Technology Consultant
ALS Association National Office
Cell: 610-812-0361
Follow me on Twitter: alsassistivetec
or
Facebook: Alisa Brownlee ALS
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