Hey Alisa,

 

When I recommend an eye-gaze system it really is the most reliable mode of access and funding is approved.  I have demonstrated head-pointing on an eye-gaze system for someone who is currently able to use a head-mouse but will likely need to transition to eye-gaze.  While I would feel comfortable ordering the system with the rationale that it provides multiple modes of access to accommodate his changing needs, I don’t know how approval would work.  Might be worth asking someone in funding like Lisa Williford at Eye Response.

I do know that Medicare will no longer approve a PRC device with built-in head-pointing when a patient can use a standard USB mouse or touch-screen even if there’s significant UE weakness and we anticipate that manual access will not be an option in the near future.    

 

 

Question for the group:   Has anyone been sucessful ordering an eye gaze unit and getting it funded for a direct selection user?  I am wondering if therapists have been ordering devices for PALS even if they do not need the eye gaze camera and are just using the touch screen or headmouse?   Any feedback will be appreciated.   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 Number: 215-631-1877