Have you looked at the program “dasher”?  It is free software and I have had a couple of PALS learn and use it quite well. It takes a little time but can be quite fast with a mouse or even eye gaze. It is compatible with PCs. It is really a new type of keyboard that is like a “shoot the letter” video game.

 

Ron Hankins M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Banner Desert Medical Center

Outpatient Neuro Rehab

(480) 412-3636

xxxxxx@Bannerhealth.com

 

 

 

From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Coggiola, Jennifer L.
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2013 3:31 PM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: RE: laptop SGDs

 

Currently doesn't type on an on-screen keyboard, but on a physical keyboard.

 

Jen Coggiola, MA, CCC/SLP
Speech Pathologist
ALS Center at UCSF
400 Parnassus Ave., 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2122 clinic phone
(415) 353-2524 clinic fax
(925) 323-0175 cell phone
xxxxxx@ucsfmedctr.org


From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] on behalf of Coggiola, Jennifer L. [xxxxxx@ucsfmedctr.org]
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2013 3:29 PM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: laptop SGDs

I have a PLS patient who was using a Dell laptop with Words + software for years  (at least 5) who would like a new laptop SGD.  He types with one finger on an on-screen keyboard and also uses word prediction.  As Words + is no longer in business, any recommendations on comparable systems that we can bill to Medicare?  He really wants to stay on a laptop and not switch to a purpose-built device.  He's fine with a Mac or PC, though he's been on a PC.  I would like to compare his communication speed with his current one finger typing with word prediction to mousing with more core vocabulary.   He can mouse on a touchpad. 

 

Jen Coggiola, MA, CCC/SLP
Speech Pathologist
ALS Center at UCSF
400 Parnassus Ave., 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2122 clinic phone
(415) 353-2524 clinic fax
(925) 323-0175 cell phone
xxxxxx@ucsfmedctr.org