Hi Alisa,

I have ordered eye tracking systems when a person with ALS can still utilize a different access method BUT does not have the endurance to successfully use that other method to meet their communication needs throughout the entire day.   I don't think there is much hope of getting and eye tracking system through Medicare that the person does not currently need for some reason.  This particular rationale though does leave a lot of wiggle room since fatigue is such a huge factor with PALS.  I also typically include any additional data that supports eye tracking as a superior access method over the other system.  This may include comparing the two systems for rate (which I measure with words per minute using the identical sentence produced via both access methods repeatedly for one minute) and the client's self reported effort level for both systems on a scale of 1-10.  I also note if there is any pain associated with the use of the other system especially for head tracking. 

I am curious to hear what others have to say about any success ordering eye tracking early.

 

Thanks for the tip on ordering the memory upgrade on the VMax to allow it to be upgraded to eye tracking in the future.  I imagine MDA will cover this small cost in most areas even if Medicare will not.

 

Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist

Forbes Norris ALS Research Center
2324 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
P (415)600-1263
F (415)673-5184



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--- On Wed, 11/12/08, Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: