Guest guest Posted August 5, 2002 Report Share Posted August 5, 2002 Jerrie - we're looking at a Dynavox unit - sounds similar - how much was your unit? The Dynavox is $7,000 and we're applying for insurance to cover it - the speech therapist thinks it will be covered (medical necessity). I'm a little concerned about Bob's vision problems - tracking - but we had a demo, and (of course) the salesman thought he was an appropriate candidate. Who makes the AlphaSmart? Thanks Elaine Grimmesey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2002 Report Share Posted August 5, 2002 This is very helpful - especially if the insurance won't pay for it! The good thing about the voice is that Bob has such a problem tracking his eyes that it is helpful to have feedback when he actually depresses (touches) a key.... Thanks for your help, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2002 Report Share Posted August 5, 2002 Hi: Bob uses a fantastic device called AlphaSmart 3000. It is a small keyboard w/screen attached. He can use a couple of fingers to type & it automatically shows up on the screen. Their web site is: www.alpha.smart.com. It is very light weight ( about 2lbs.) & small & he keeps it on his lap because he is wheelchair bound. It is wonderful for us because it enables us to communicate. We can take it with us anywhere due to the size. Hope this helps someone. Regards, jerrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2002 Report Share Posted August 5, 2002 Hi Elaine: AlphaSmart makes it.It only cost about $200. The carrying case is extra. The Dynavox has the mechanical voice, which is a nice feature, but the ins. co. wouldn't pay for it. This works well for us now, as long as Bob can still type. Hope this helps. Regards, jerrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 11, 2002 Report Share Posted August 11, 2002 Just wanted to add; I've been researching communication boards for a patient. The Lightwrighter (unsure of spelling-may be lightrighter) has a typewriter keyboard with displays on the front (facing the person typing) and back (facing the listener), it's small, very portable, speaks the sentence that's typed, and can be programmed to speak various phrases/sentences by touching just one or two keys. It looks great but is expensive. Somewhere around $3,400. Zygo Industries makes it, and a representative can come to demonstrate and also told me insurance will usually pay up to 80% with prior authorization if needed. Just something to check out if you're interested. Also, there's a place called Technology Resource Center in Dayton, Ohio that allows people to come in and try out various types of communication boards. I haven't been there yet, but maybe there are similar places in other cities/states that could help anyone interested. If insurance won't pay, try getting donations from the community (try the Lyon's Club, the Elk's Club, etc.) Rose ----Original Message Follows---- From: deenzer@... Reply-To: shydrager To: shydrager Subject: Re: (MSA)msa-communication Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 21:46:48 -0400 (EDT) Hi Elaine: AlphaSmart makes it.It only cost about $200. The carrying case is extra. The Dynavox has the mechanical voice, which is a nice feature, but the ins. co. wouldn't pay for it. This works well for us now, as long as Bob can still type. Hope this helps. Regards, jerrie If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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