I cannot tell from website how much it costs?  I would be very hesitant to recommend for purchase through insurance (if this means we could not fund a different device for future needs given probability of changing access needs with ALS clients.) 

 

But something like this would be awesome for say people with laryngectomy etc.  Or bulbar clients as discussed if it can be purchased out of pocket.

 

Ed Hitchcock OTR/L

Technology Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

 

 

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From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ann Hoffmann
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 10:19 AM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: [Assistive Technology] blackberry software

 

Alisa,

 

I am interested in checking this out!  Do you know if this may be covered through insurance under any DME codes?

 

 

 

Ann Hoffmann| ALS Associatin MN Chapter, Coordinator for the Hrbek-Sing Communication and Assistive Device Program | PH: 763-520-0445 | 

Fax:  763-520-0355|Courage Center | 3915 Golden Valley Road | MPLS, Minnesota 55422
xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  | CourageCenter.org
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From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Alisa Brownlee
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 9:44 AM
To: AT National Listserv
Subject: [Assistive Technology] blackberry software

 

Hello all,

 

Last week at the National ALS Clinical Conference, a discussed occurred in a breakout session about text to speech software for a Blackberry phone.  I did some surfing around on the internet and saw that Gus Inc is now going to distribute this software.  The software will turn a standard Blackberry phone into a text to speech device.  According to an email from Gordon Harris from Gus, the software is beginning to be sold next week.  Information as well as a video on this software is at http://www.gusinc.com/Mobiletts.html

 

Blackberry software could be useful for a small subset of the ALS population like our tech savvy bulbar onset people or those with great dexterity in their hands.  Does anyone else know any other text to speech software for Blackberry phones?  (I believe there was a company in Canada but I can't find anything on the internet)

 

Thanks,

Alisa

 

Alisa Brownlee, ATP

Clinical Manager, Assistive Technology Services

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter

 

Assistive Technology Consultant, ALS Association National Office

 

Direct Phone: 215-631-1877

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