RE: [QUAD-L] computer access

[Lana Baugh]

Joan,   Thanks I’ll look it up. It sounds like one product we looked at.   Thanks, Lana Gabe’s mom   From: Joan Anglin [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2005 2:13 PM To: Lana Baugh Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] computer access   Lana Don't know if you saw this but thought it was cool.   Joan   On May 29, Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Week reports on a new medical device that is helping to improve the lives of those living with disabilities.  Lisa's 4-year-old son Billy has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, a disease that has minimized his movement and muscle control, leaving him with just the slightest movement in his hands. After trying several very expensive alternative input devices and being disappointed with the results, Lisa found the SmartNAV from NaturalPoint. The SmartNAV is a hands-free mouse alternative that allows for complete control of a computer using only slight head movements or, in Billy's case, arm movements. The SmartNAV can help a wide range of people, from those with physical disabilities like ALS and quadriplegia to those who are experiencing pain from repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.  Head tracking devices, like the SmartNAV, have been on the market for years, so while this is not a revolutionary new type of device, the price is. The industry standard price for head tracking devices is $1000, which does not include the software necessary for complete computer control. If a user wants the ability to perform an actual mouse click, that software will cost them extra. The SmartNAV product line ranges in cost from $199 to $399, with the $399 model offering built-in dwell-clicking and on-screen keyboard for truly complete computer control. These prices allow families and friends to purchase the device without needing insurance companies or subsidies, which can be very slow or may not be available. Nearly 80% of SmartNAV purchases are funded personally without the need for grants or insurance companies.  A common misconception is that because of the low price the SmartNAV is inferior to the $1,000+ head tracking devices. Reading through the product testimonials, one will discover that many users have replaced their older, more expensive head-controlled mice with the SmartNAV. When asked how the SmartNAV delivers the same performance as competitors at a fraction of the cost, NaturalPoint's president Jim Richardson said, "When I was designing the SmartNAV I was driven from the perspective of what a user would need, including the need to be able to afford the device." This focus included incorporating cutting-edge technology that allowed Jim to eliminate the need for costly microchips by utilizing the power of modern computers. Devices for disabled dazzle Lana Baugh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Jim,   I’m not sure Gabe could do this, but will try anything. I believe Gabe has the right to try to access anything and everything.   Thanks, Lana Gabe’s mom   From: Jim Lubin [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 12:05 PM To: Lana Baugh; 'Andrew Crowe'; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] computer access   Lana, Have you looked at morse code or scanning? I use a sip and puff to input morse code. No voice, no movement needed. Just need to use 1, 2 or 3 switches. See my web page at http://www.makoa.org/jlubin/morsecode.htm At 10:17 AM 6/24/2005, Lana Baugh wrote: Along with the SCI Gabe has CP and a severe speech impairment that hasnt allowed him to use voice activated software. Im hoping that as new stuff comes out and he gets interested hell join in. We are working on it. Im putting a lot of time into switches and modifying the computer further. Were going to try a mouth stick out. Its outdated but we want to try everything.