Assistive Technology Research

Overview

ALS is a devastating disease for both people living with ALS, caregivers and loved ones. Every person affected is different and ALS presents in various ways. It can cause loss of motor function in muscles from their legs, their arms, in the mouth and jaw, among other muscles that eventually leads to total paralysis. Ultimately, ALS affects the diaphragm leaving people unable to breathe on their own. Assistive technology can include a variety of tools and devices that improve quality of life for such as communication devices that allows people with ALS to communicate with ease, despite all their limitations.

Examples of communication devices:

• Speech generating devices (SGD’s): electronic devices that synthesize speech.
• Eye gaze control systems: devices that use eye movement to select letters and words on a computer to synthesize speech.
• Writing tablets: devices used to communicate when people still have the ability to write.
• Brain computer interface (BCI): a system that allows a person to control a computer or other electronic devices using only his or her brainwaves, with no movement required. They can be used for communication, computer access or to control devices such as a wheelchair and prosthetic arms, among other applications.
• Text to speech computer software programs: programs that consist of an on-screen keyboard and mouse that allows use without needing a person’s hands.
• Text to speech apps: apps for use on smart phones or tablets that convert text to speech.
• Voice banking systems: devices that allow people with ALS to store the sound of their voice and recorded words and phrases before they lose their ability to speak.

Communication devices are categorized into two segments: dedicated and undedicated. A dedicated device is strictly a communication device in that the only function it performs is speech generation. Undedicated devices, which are computer based, not only speak, but also feature all the functions of a regular computer, such as word processing, email, internet access, among other applications.

Assistive technology is a means to help improve the lives of people with ALS. It helps people become maintain independence, communicate medical decisions, and overall become a more active participant in their family and community. Assistive communication devices can be life changing in that people go from very little to no ability to speak to the ability to communicate again. Caregivers and loved ones can also benefit from the advances in assistive technology, by making life easier and less stressful both physically and mentally.