I don't have answers - just questions.  A regular computer will not be covered by insurance, correct? Can communication software loaded onto a computer be covered by insurance?  What are the alternative access options if a regular computer is considered.

Nancy Gizzi, M.S., C.C.C.-Speech Language Pathology
Lee Center For Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Campus of Cape Coral Hospital
Lee Memorial Health System
Phone: 239-772-6572
Fax: 239-574-0317
Pager: 239-930-4613

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Coggiola, Jennifer L.
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 11:16 AM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: using SGDs vs modifying computers

Hi eveyone,

My high-tech patients have been really frustrated these past 2 years with their SGDs.  They are on Dynavox (V Max/EyeMax) or Tobii (P10, C12/Ceye) devices.  Everyone's devices have broken at some point.  Most have sent them in for repairs at least 2 times.  The SGD is not a fully functioning computer, even when unlocked.  Patients have had problems with software incompatability, device freezing related to RAM or processor, not being able to watch online television/video due to limited RAM, slow uploading/downloading of email related to SGD company's server, etc.

I'm really re-thinking the idea of introducing these into peoples lives vs keeping them on their computer as long as possible.  Maybe only ordering the eyegaze systems as a last resort for my high tech patients, and having them give EZKeys a really long trial if they have a switch access point.  My biggest challenge with using computers instead of SGDs is mounting.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Any success with mounting computers?

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@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx