Yes, I send people the link to the videos all the time, they really help people understand how useful this method is.

 

Thanks Margret!

 

 

Thanks, Antoinette.

 

I did.

 

I even sent them the “you tube” video Margaret Cotts’ posted!  (thanks, Margaret!)

 

 

 

 

Lisa,

 

In these situations, I suggest using a laser pointer – it is “high tech” enough to make people think you are not denying them that, but it is low tech enough to be cheap to implement and very flexible.

 

Also, the PALS will have a level of independence that they would not have with partner assisted scanning.

 

(But, I am sure you have already recommended this.)

 

 

Thanks everyone for the ideas…

 

I contacted Dynavox, they do not have a rep in South America.

 

I do not think the patient is well enough to travel out of the country for an evaluation in the States.

 

Again, I appreciate all of the suggestions.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Anne Lowe at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale does AAC evals for folks with ALS...She works with students some of whom speak Spanish.

Nancy Gizzi, M.S., C.C.C.-Speech Language Pathology
Lee Center For Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Campus of Cape Coral Hospital
Lee Memorial Health System
Phone: 239-772-6572
Fax: 239-574-0317
Pager: 239-930-4613

 

From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jessica Bianchi
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 3:40 PM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: referrals for South America

Hello,

 

     My thought would be to contact DynaVox to inquire if they have any Representatives or connections in Ecuador who can assist the family with setting up an evaluation.

 

 

 

Hi All,

 

About 9 months ago we met a man from Ecuador who had traveled to the Cleveland Clinic for care related to his ALS diagnosis.  At the time, he only needed mobility equipment.

 

Now, the family is requesting communication device assistance for devices that speak Spanish.  I referred them to Dynavox Spanish speaking devices/software and Tobii ATI, as well as all of the various free and low cost solutions for Spanish speaking software/apps and also included information via email on no technology i.e., paper communication boards.

 

Now they are asking for a prescription from the Cleveland Clinic for a Dynavox VMax with eyes gaze communication device even though he has not had an evaluation or even seen the device. Actually, the email states that I recommended it, even though I did not.  I recommended they get an evaluation and try the device.  The man has never used a computer or a typewriter so I have some concerns if he would even want to learn it or use it.  I am not sure how insurance works in Ecuador—maybe the insurance company doesn’t care if he has an eval or not?

 

So, the question is… where can they go in South America (Ecuador) for a communication device evaluation?

 

I see the International ALS/MND is in Peru. I suggested they call there for referrals…. They thought that was too far away.  (They said this to me while they were in Cleveland!!)

 

I also see ISAAC has NOTHING in South America.

 

I do not think he is well enough to travel to Cleveland or to Miami (where his son has a business office)…

 

I asked my Executive Director to fly me to Ecuador to do the eval, but I don’t think that is in the budget this year.  Hey, I tried!

 

 

Any other suggestions?

 

 

 

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

Patient Services Coordinator

The ALS Association

 Northern Ohio Chapter

phone: 216-592-2572

toll free:  888-592-2572

fax:  216-592-2575

 

Check out our webpage:  www.alsaohio.org

 

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