Hi Julie,
My experiences are the same.  Laser pointer with an AlphaCore board is one of the most rapid and well liked method I set up for clients.  During conversations with people experienced with this method I have forgotten I am communicating with an AAC user because the pace is fast.  If people want to see this method in action I have a video with a few people using it at AAC Methods (Low Tech) - Amy and Pals .  Select the first video (A Tour of Low Tech Communication Methods) and jump ahead to minute 5 to see people using laser pointers.  I have to apologize for the truly awful quality of these videos but the content is great.  

While we are giving shout-outs to the AAC/AT methods that deserve praise I would like to mention a newer access method that has really impressed my clients and me.  It is called the BJoy Ring.  It enables people to use their power chair joysticks to control their computer or SGD mouse.  It is a fraction of the cost of upgrading a Permobil with Bluetooth controls and actually has advantages over that system.  For example, the user can access controls to change the speed sensitivity and also the center dead zone size.  It also has built in jacks for 2 switches so folks can use it for computer as well as SGD access.  I had been nervous that it would not work as well as the more expensive wheelchair upgrade so I wanted to share with you that works beautifully and in some ways better.  The BJoy Ring is available through Grasp Assistive Technology, a wonderful company that brings to the US many of the best AT solutions that are popular in other countries but are hard to find here (think Quha Zono which also is amazing).
grasp assistive technologies

 
Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist



Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center
2324 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Cell (415)518-0592
Fax (415)600-3778


From: "McCaffrey, Julia" <xxxxxx@cshs.org>
To: "xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com" <xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com>
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2016 12:56 PM
Subject: Head mounted laser pointer

I have loads of clients currently using low tech head mounted laser pointers in combination with communication boards (usually large mounted Alphacore board ).

Just curious to survey the group, do you also find this to be a popular solution? And if so, do you also have clients who seem to prefer to use the laser (in lieu of a high tech SGD) for face to face conversation, but then go on to use the SGD for other things (email, internet, etc)?

It's not a problem per se, as I'm happy they have effective communication either way, just still surprises me sometimes... :)


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