Apparently Words Plus has resumed operations. I spoke with Gaylon Ponder yesterday and he is offering a windows 8 laptop based dedicated device. Ok for Medicare. I am awaiting documentation on this but it is very good news. His website is not up yet but offers information on his email and phone contact.

Mary A Johnson, MA CCC-slp
Speech-Language Pathologist
(916) 698-5752
FAX (866) 848-1366

From: xxxxxx@ric.org
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: RE: laptop SGDs
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:22:14 +0000

Don't know about an SGD that is laptop based and funded.

Would he consider a Tobii/Dynavox or other SGD that is windows based and then unlocking it to allow for use with etriloquist or other software ideas? Then maybe transition to word based core vocab?

Ed Hitchcock OT/L

Technology Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] on behalf of Hankins, Ron [xxxxxx@bannerhealth.com]
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2013 3:56 PM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: RE: laptop SGDs

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.

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