LGDA understands how important effective communication is for people
with ALS and how devastating it can be when this ability is compromised
or lost entirely. In response, LGDA has an assistive technology
program to help its members in the following ways;
• Assess member communication needs by a qualified Speech Language
Pathologist
• Refer members to several communication and assistive technology
vendors
• Loan members available communication equipment from the Harold
L. Wilde Loan Closet
• Provide equipment instructions and training
Most of the cost of many assistive and augmentative communication
devices are covered by Medicare and by some private insurance companies.
It typically takes several months, however, to receive insurance
approval and the equipment. Some members may have no insurance.
Under its assistive technology program, LGDA will assess the situation
and loan members communication devices that best meet their needs
from its loan closet on either a short or long-term basis. LGDA
is replacing older communication devices in the loan closet with
several new units offering the latest in functionality and ease
of use. The devices in the loan closet range from simple hand-held
communication units for someone with hand dexterity and wanting
only pre-programmed statements to fully functional laptop computers
with speech enabling technology. An assortment of buttons, switches
and other input control devices is available for members to use
as their condition changes.
An integral part of effective communication is the ability to
call someone within the home for assistance and to call someone
on the telephone in an emergency. LGDA will provide a simple button
alarm to all members. These inexpensive devices ($35) operate much
like a remote door bell. The call button can mounted anywhere in
the home or worn around a person’s neck.
Members will be encouraged to obtain a GEWA Jupiter telephone
from Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. This $1,100 telephone
is free to qualifying Florida residents. It is a speaker phone
with automatic dialing and memory to store up to forty-eight numbers.
The telephone also has infrared capability, allowing it to be used
remotely by communication devices that have a programmable infrared
transmitter.
Another aspect of assistive technology is environmental control.
LGDA believes it is important to provide members a means to control
at least a portion of their environment to promote a sense of independence,
peace of mind and self-esteem. LGDA will offer members a basic
home automation kit utilizing X10 technology. This kit contains
individual modules that plug into wall outlets and are controlled
remotely by an infrared device. With one small hand-held transmitter
the user can operate and control virtually everything electrical,
including turning on and off appliances, lights, TV’s, radios,
and even answer a phone call. Communication devices that have a
programmable infrared transmitter can also be used to control electrical
devices that are connected to X10 modules. Each home automation
kit costs $120 and consists of the following –
Hand-held palm-pad controller that can control up to sixteen devices
2-way transceiver module
Three lamp modules
Two appliance modules
Additional modules and other types of remote control units are
available from X10.
LGDA will continue to assess other types of assistive technology
devices and will procure additional items for the loan closet that
are responsive to member needs.