The first question is where they are located.  If they are located in Southeast Michigan, then I would suggest the Rehabilitation Engineering Department at the University of Michigan Health System.  In other locations, I would suggest that they find a local Assistive Technology Professional certified by RESNA (searchable database at http://resna.org/member_directory/individual/index.dot).  There should be a number of switches available that he could use and environmental control systems and communication systems that would automate the scanning process he is currently using.  But, you'd need an evaluation by a trained assistive technology professional on-site to incorporate it into the local nurse call system.

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Alisa Brownlee
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2014 10:36 AM
To: National ALS Association AT Listserv
Subject: FW: Guillain Barre Locked in

Looking for input from the group...any ideas?
(see below)

Alisa

Alisa Brownlee, ATP
Assistive Technology Specialist
ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Association, National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter Conference Chair, RESNA 2014 Convention

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Mark your calendars!
RESNA's 2014 Conference is "Racing Towards Excellence in Assistive Technology"
June 11-15, 2014-JW Marriott Indianapolis, IN http://www.resna.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Kristy [mailto:xxxxxx@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2014 5:16 PM
To: Alisa Brownlee
Subject: Guillain Barre Locked in

We have a family member with Miller-Fisher Guillain-Barre. He contracted the disease just two weeks ago and within 36 hours became paralyized on a respirator. He can only move one eyebrow and his jaw up and sideways. He is cognitively aware and can communicate letter by letter if someone says the alphabet.  He moves his jaw when the correct letter is reached. This is a very slow process. He is a retired engineer and very brilliant.  Our first hurtle is trying to find a method he can use to call the nurse.

Do you know of a way he could use his eyebrow movement to accomplish this basic necessity?  Please point us to the proper resources. The family and his ICU nursing staff have been unable to figure out this solution.

Thank you in advance for any insight you can offer.
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