From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of xxxxxx@improveability.com
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 12:29 PM
To: ALS AT Listserv
Subject: Communication System - User needs Text

Forgive any cross posting.   Also, this is not specifically ALS related, but I wanted to see if anyone out there has ideas.

So, I am working with a client who has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia.  This is my first encounter with this disease, and after doing research on it and meeting the client, I am a little skeptical that this is his actually disability, but no matter.  As he began having symptoms at age 19, and is now 30 years old and it does not appear that there has been any dramatic progression?  But, that is beside the point.

The issue is that the client does not understand spoken language.  He can understand written language.  We are looking for a solution where the communication partner could easily type questions/phrases such that the client could read them - he is able to verbally respond.  His speech is impaired, but he can be understood. 

He was loaned a Lightwriter, which would be a good solution for him, but the issue is that the display of the Lightwriter is too small.  He needs to be able to see the whole question/phrase as he needs to read it a couple times before he understands it.

Portability and looking "normal" is paramount and the system cannot require an internet connection.  Also, it needs to be a very simple, straight forward system as he will be handing off the device to the communication partner to communicate with him.  I was able to find a couple iOS apps that allow for texting via a bluetooth connection that I think would work, but my main concern is that the connection between the devices may drop off when not in use and would slow down the handing off procedure.  For example, he is at a store and wants to talk to someone, but has to fiddle with connecting the two devices and now the communication partner gets frustrated.  I just wanted to throw this unusual situation out to see if anyone any other suggestions.