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

 

 

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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This e-mail message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and contains confidential and/or privileged information. Any unauthorized disclosure, copy or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and delete this e-mail.

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


______________________________________________________________________
All Inbound Courage Center email is scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
______________________________________________________________________


______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
______________________________________________________________________

This e-mail, and any attachments, is intended exclusively for the
individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain legally
privileged and/or confidential information, including but not limited to
protected health information.
If the information contains legally privileged or confidential information,
you have an obligation to comply with all laws and regulations regarding
its disclosure and safe keeping.
If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby
notified that any dissemination, distribution, printing or copying of this
e-mail, and any attachments, is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender
immediately and destroy the material in its entirety, whether in electronic
or hard copy format.
If you have a concern related to the receipt or disclosure of such
information, please do not hesitate to contact RIC's Privacy Officer at
312.238.7066 or xxxxxx@xxxxxxxx
Thank you.