Hi,

I am working with a man with cerebral palsy, and very poor speech, but cognitively able. I would like to set him up with some technology to help him communicate, but don't have much experience in this field, can someone give me some pointers?

Many Thanks Sarah

Hi Sarah,

There is plenty of technology out there to help your man, I think access will be the main issue.

To start with technology first, I have found the Dynavox VMax to be very effective and robust. This can be tailored to the appropriate level of communication, has good voice output, and can also be used to access the internet, email and have environmental control. Dynavox provide a range of machines. The Prentke Romich Company also supply as range of machines. There are a number of different machines out there, so you'll have to do some research.

If your man only has head control, you have several options:

1. A head pointer - this is attached to the head and the individual uses it to access the touch screen of the device.

2. Eye-gaze - these systems allow the individual to move the cursor around the screen with eye-movement.

3. Switch access - you can set scanning up on the device and the individual can access a switch with his head when the on-screen scan reaches the option he wants.

4. Tracker Pro - this device is a little like eye gaze, but done with head movement rather than eye-movement.


All these devices have pro's and cons, and you really need to trial them to find what will suit your client the best.

I hope that gives you a bit of a start.

Cheers Johan