11 replies to this topic

[eva]

I am new to this, I am trying to find a computer that my dad can use, not sure where to start. He has a c4 injury, no mobility below his collar bone. Any advice would be appreciated.

[alyssa]

A head mouse and Dragon Naturally Speaking might be good options to consider.

Edited by alyssa, 06 December 2007 - 02:15 AM.

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

The following my be of use to you.

Eye control systems on the market

Today there exist at least eight different eye trackers on the market, which are available for interactive applications

• EagleEyes - http://www.bc.edu/sc.../csom/eagleeyes
• Eye Response Technologies ERICA - http://www.eyeresponse.com
• EyeTech Digital Systems Quick Glance - http://www.eyetechds.com
• H.K. EyeCan VisioKey - http://www.eyecan.ca
• LC Technologies Eyegaze - http://www.eyegaze.com
• Metrovision VISIOBOARD - http://www.metrovision.fr
• TechnoWorks TE-9100 Nursing System - http://www.t-works.co.jp/page011.html
• Tobii Technologies MyTobii - http://www.tobii.com

Each of these systems has its own particular advantages and disadvantages: some of the systems should be mounted on the users head, some of them do not allow involuntary head or eye movements, some of them can only be used with dedicated communication software, etc.

Regards

Simon

[Captain Pike]

As I just posted under this forum's sub topic to a thread started by Lucy dog, I use Dragon Naturally Speaking software version 8 .0. This allows me to use my PC completely as I used to before my accident. I also have a nice rollerball mouse -- I can move my arms, and thus, am able to control the mouse. This software has support for completely controlling the mouse pointer with voice commands. They are cumbersome, but if you couldn't use your arms at all, I suppose you would become very adept at commanding the mouse completely by voice.

I am able to surf the Web, read and dictate e-mails, execute applications on my PC -- it's about anything I used to do before my injury.

If you need further assistance, feel free to private message me or ask a question in this thread.

Good luck.

_P.

[Scottl523]

Hi, I'm a quadriplegic C3-4 complete I to operate the computer with what is called a headmaster it's made by Prentke Romich www.prentrom.com I wear a head set when I move my head a laser moves the mouse and I blow in a straw to click the mouse I've seen the Quad control but never tried it maybe I'll be able to try it one day my brother has a PS3 I could use it with. There is also a company with other devices Origin
Scott

[Captain Pike]

You sound pretty upbeat Scott, are you using dictation software or somehow using the laser pointing device to write?

The Dragon software is pretty good. Sometimes, since i use an array microphone, noises in my home will interfere with the transcription. Also, and this is kind of funny, if I start getting testy, the software begins to not recognize my words, displaying little question marks, or just entering wrong data. This, in turn, angers me some more, my voice becomes more strained, more stressed, and the result is more misinterpretation! Arrrgh! I have to roll away from the computer for a while.

Some people get pretty good using sticks, if they can move their hands around. At least, that way, one can use any PC. I opt for less prosthetic devices, the more I can use my body some alternate way (like massaging my wife's back with my hand and my elbow). I'm glad my hands are curled up; I can do a lot more, using the natural tone in my hands.

Anyway, welcome to the forum, you'll find somebody who knows something about just about everything here.

_P.

[sisterhelp]

I just wanted to post a "Thank-you". My brother has a C3-4 incomplete injury and has asked me to help him figure out how he can use the computer. I am going to check out all of your suggestions! Hopefully soon he will be on here to read and ask his own questions.

[ChrisUSN]

Scottl523, on Jan 31 2008, 03:46 PM, said:

Hi, I'm a quadriplegic C3-4 complete I to operate the computer with what is called a headmaster it's made by Prentke Romich www.prentrom.com I wear a head set when I move my head a laser moves the mouse and I blow in a straw to click the mouse I've seen the Quad control but never tried it maybe I'll be able to try it one day my brother has a PS3 I could use it with. There is also a company with other devices Origin
Scott

I wanted to add my recommendations to Scott's for the Headmaster system. My system predates laser technology and uses ultrasonic signals instead. I'm sure it operates very similarly to laser headsets. I've used Headmaster and Wivik on-screen keyboards for nearly 20 years. Wivik was especially nice when I went to graduate school because it allowed me to add words easily to the database. I should upgrade to the laser headset, but if it ain't broke...
Peace/out,
Chris

[d parmar]

eva, on Dec 6 2007, 01:25 AM, said:

I am new to this, I am trying to find a computer that my dad can use, not sure where to start. He has a c4 injury, no mobility below his collar bone. Any advice would be appreciated.

I am using IntegraMouse. it is a device that enables the user to activate all computer functions by use of very small lip movements.
it is connected to the PC via USB and no software installation is required. It is primarily intended for people who are unable to use their hands and have no head movement. I have been using it since 2005 and find it very useful.

good luck

d parmar


http://www.keytools....d...at=0&page=1

[n0f34r]

my school got mine from www.madentec.com check there mines all head movement!

[quad]

I haven't been on here in awhile I'm a c3_complete. Last year I got a computer for my birthday it's a simple dell desktop that came with Windows Vista and Windows Vista came preinstalled with voice recognition. Before I got the computer I was contemplating getting a voice recognition program but it turns out when I got the computer it was already on the system. I used on a the program before just for dictation but didn't allow me to have control of them else so I have other people do it for me.

The voice recognition that comes preinstalled on the computer allows for me to tell it to stop listening to me and it will shut off and when I tell it to start listening it will turn on the voice application and this into my commands. It gives me full control over computer like an able bodied person would be able to do with the keyboard and the mouse. All with voice.
I have tried using dragon naturally speaking before and this one has all the features that other programs to and is much easier to control.

[www.GimpGear.us]

eva, on Dec 5 2007, 08:25 PM, said:

I am new to this, I am trying to find a computer that my dad can use, not sure where to start. He has a c4 injury, no mobility below his collar bone. Any advice would be appreciated.

Eva, I just received an e-mail about your question. I myself am a quadriplegic and my company, Broadened Horizons designs, manufactures, and markets unique adaptive equipment specifically for individuals with upper extremity limitations- little or no use of their hands and arms. Our products are designed and supported by the disabled for the disabled.
Computer Accessibility And Head Mouse Controllers by Broadened Horizons:
http://www.Broadened...cessibility.htm

We have a variety of cost effective solutions to meet your father's needs. I always recommend first and foremost a good way to control the mouse cursor. Graphical user interfaces like Windows, Macintosh OSx, or Linux are designed around some sort of pointer. We offer a variety of different head mouse controllers, have two or three new ones in development, or for someone with no head movement they can even control the mouse using just their tongue. For those reading this one of the new head mouse controllers is a baseball cap you put on and it senses the motion of your head control the mouse!

Second assuming your father is able to speak clearly I would recommend Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice recognition software however it is extremely important to get an appropriate microphone. Here again we offer a variety of cost-effective voice-recognition microphones both wireless and flexarm desktop.

I imagine your father has other needs such as controlling the television and other entertainment devices by voice, being able to use a cell phone mounted on his wheelchair or landline speakerphone, independent access to water when lying in bed at night, maybe a mounting solution for a new laptop on his wheelchair, transfer solutions for travel and recreation opportunities, and more. We have a constantly growing list of solutions to meet most of these needs.

To the best of my knowledge we are the only company in the world focused exclusively on individuals with upper extremity limitations.