Local funding source provides life-changing communication device for young boy
posted on January 1, 2009 - 3:39pm
In Pearland, Texas, Connie Guinn worked tirelessly for several months to gain access to a speech-generating device for her son Benjamin, 6, who has myotubular (centronuclear) myopathy.
With the exception of making noises and sounds, Benjamin was nonverbal. Guinn had tried to help her son learn sign language without much success.
A variety of devices make independence a little safer for people with disabilities
posted on July 1, 2010 - 11:31am
People with disabilities are more apt than the general population to encounter situations in which they need help, whether it’s emergency medical treatment or simply assistance getting from one location to another in the house. Fortunately, several devices and services are available to help out in these circumstances.
Cell phones
It’s logical that cell phones, given their presence nearly...
Tech-savvy Girl Scouts designed and built an award-winning wheelchair backup camera for friends with SMA
posted on May 25, 2011 - 12:18pm
Ten-year-old Quinn Schnitzlein has been using a power chair since he was 3, so he’s a pretty good driver. But the boy from Marietta, Ga., who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), often bumped into things when he backed up.
One day last year, Quinn and some friends were at a fast-food restaurant. “We were at different tables,” Quinn says, “and when I’d try to turn around to talk to them, I kept...
Don't let hand weakness interfere with using a tablet, e-reader or smartphone
posted on October 1, 2011 - 3:37pm
Technology has put the world into the palms of our hands through hand-held mobile devices such as the iPad, smartphone and e-reader. But when disability caused by muscle disease takes the “hand” out of “hand-held,” the tips and products detailed in this article may help.
A writer with muscle weakness borrows an iPad, and evaluates the pros and cons of this innovative technology
posted on October 1, 2010 - 4:55pm
The iPad is extremely thin and portable. But at 1.5 pounds, it was still a bit heavy for the author to hold easily.
posted on October 1, 2011 - 8:32am
Bedtime is when I prefer to curl up with a good book.
Hunching over the hardcover in the dark, I squint and squirm trying to find a comfortable position and read my Book Club’s selection of the month. A lamp would disturb my husband’s slumber, so I use a book light. The tiny beam needs constant adjusting. To save eye strain, I’ve even borrowed the “large type” books from the library. No matter...
Video games can serve the higher public good when players work alone or with a team to solve genetic and biochemical puzzles
posted on March 31, 2011 - 11:57am
Note: This article was updated Sept. 19, 2011.
Video games have a reputation for being big time-wasters. But what if you could help solve scientific mysteries — such as unraveling the origins of a genetic disease — at the same time as you’re having fun?
That’s the idea behind several new online games designed to harness the collective brain power of computer users — a process known as “...
posted on October 1, 2010 - 5:00pm
For many people, being able to walk or run is no big deal. But for sisters Lauren and Claire Gibbs of Roeland Park, Kan., it is a very big deal indeed.
Laptop provides lifeline for man paralyzed by ALS
posted on May 1, 2008 - 9:41am
After 20 years of living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), David Jayne can’t speak and is immobile except for minimal facial movement.
But he’s able to communicate, drive his wheelchair, maintain his independence and control his environment — all thanks to his Toshiba Tecra laptop.
Locabulary lets your Apple iPhone talk for you
posted on August 10, 2009 - 9:00pm
A new software application, available for download free through Apple's iTunes Store, lets people use their iPhone to speak when they're unable.
