9 replies to this topic

[velogrrl]

Hi I am the sister of a new quadriplegic, so I hope it is OK if I use this forum, as my darling brother is still in hospital and hasn't yet got any form of written communication. I know it is still early days but I am going mad trying to find information from any of the staff and your forum has provided me with great comfort and more info than any other source. All I seem to get from the professionals is"hmm, this is going to be a very long and hard road". We had already figured that out!

Anyway, I have a million questions, but if I can start with the basics - what is the easiest way to use a computer. My brother has C4/C5 and has limited use of his left arm, so far. I need to find an Australian supplier of computer equipment that he could use. Also need to get him set up with a telephone. This probably seems like minor stuff, but he is really frustrated just lying in hospital and it would be great if he can at least get in touch with people and get into cyberspace.
He has also asked me to find out about door locks. He lives in an appartment block. We can sort out the security door with the caretaker, but can you get a device that could be used by a quadriplegic to open the actual appartment door. What do other people do?
I won't bombard you with any more questions, but thank you so much for the hope and inspiration that you have provided. Keep it up!

[KarenFerguson]

I'm so glad you've found this website. Off the top of my head (about the door knob situation) hubby used to use a door knob adapter kind of like this. It was very similar. Hope this helps a bit.

[velogrrl]

KarenFerguson, on May 1 2008, 07:19 PM, said:

I'm so glad you've found this website. Off the top of my head (about the door knob situation) hubby used to use a door knob adapter kind of like this. It was very similar. Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks Karen, that looks like it could be handy inside. He is thinking more about the external lock to the appartment, ie from the shared hall. I think I might be able to get something like the remote control you can use on a garage door??? Anyway, thanks for the reply!

[Quad65]

Ask the apartment caretaker/manager to change the lock-set to one that resembles the one in Karen's link. When my wife and I met with our contractor to work out our home design, we specified L-shaped door-handles/lock-sets. They should be readily available at any builders supply store or hardware outlet. You can get them for interior as well as entry doors. Very common item.


For computer use, if he has very little control or function, there may be some voice recognition software available. One I know of is Dragon Naturally Speaking. I've not used it personally. From what I understand, it may be more for writing documents, like with a word processor. I don't know if you can use it for controlling other PC functions. I'll do some digging for you and try to get back to you.

Here's a link for you. Looks like it does quite a lot:

http://www.naturally...m/standard.html

Edited by Quad65, 02 May 2008 - 06:12 PM.

[velogrrl]

Thanks, I'll follow that up

[shawzfun]

I have been using the dragon naturally speaking program for about 1 year and it is very easy to use, simple to install and easy to train your voice. It can be used for documents, but more importantly can be used to surf the web and any other function you use your computer for. The program is for all levels of spinal cord injuries and is completly hands free.

[Becca82]

Hi. If your brother has some arm movement then he could always try using a splint to use the keyboard like my boyfriend does (hes also C4/5 Comp) he also uses this splint to use the keys on his phone, landline and mobile! (i think the material is called aquaplast or somethign, but there are many variants, of many different colours and strengths, your brothers Ocupational Therapist should be trained in making these...and ones for eating too, although these are slightly different, link at bottom of page! (also, the pink thing in the end is one of those rubber things that you put on the end of a pencil...works well as a pokey!)
The one in the pics is the spare one, but the one he actualy uses has a bit of the material used to make them going around the palm and back of his hand to keep it on (i cant take a pic of it at the mo, because he is using it...hence why its my hand in the pic!!)
Your brother wont need finger movement in order to use it, although wrist movement may be a benefit!
As to the door, my partner has 'possum' controls that work pretty much anything/everything you want...such as DVD player, Sky box/Tv, front door, landline etc, although im not sure if they have the exact same system in Oz, im sure they must have something similar!

The front door can be automated, like the ones in shops etc, but im not totally sure of the locking systems, as although my boyfriend can let himself in and out of ours, i have to lock/unlock it!!!

if you need any more info on general equipment that may/may not be of use then let us know!




http://www.4mobility.....ti_holder.asp

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[ParaforGod]

Im sorry to hear about your brother but welcome to the forum.

[Cuseman]

hi i am a c3-4 incomplete i too have limited use of my left arm. i use a bfo which stands for ballbearing feeding orthosis its a 3 piece apparatus that hitches up to the wheelchair post i use a wrist splint along with it. i have been using it for 24 years it lets me use my computer i use a kensington expert mouse roller ball i can answer and push buttons to make phone calls use the tv remote and using the wrist splint i can feed myself.if u got any questions email at sport327@hotmail.com

[velogrrl]

Thanks for the tips - since I first posted a few people have mentioned this Dragon software, so it looks like it's the one. thanks so much for the reply. I have also printed off the photos of the pink tipped typing splint. We are a long way from thinking about the locks on the door, it seems, but I am going to keep them on file for when my bro does come home, so thank you also for those.
thanks again

Edited by velogrrl, 25 May 2008 - 02:18 PM.