Quick Glance 2S
Eyegaze
Dragon Speak Preferred 8
Dynavox Access IT
Xtrac Ripper Optical Mouse Pad
Click-n-Type
Dasher
Point-n-Click
USB UIRt/Girder TV Controls
Quick Glance 2S
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer:
EyeTech
Cost: $4,500-$10,000
Reimbursement:
Pros:
John Lore has ALS and was excited to discover the Quick Glance 2S because it has enabled him to regain the ability to communicate easily and to take full advantage of his computer. He was able to master using his Quick Glance 2S in less than two days and he has been “talking” and emailing his friends and family non-stop ever since. He uses free software called Dasher to generate text and "speak". John says that he is able to "type" faster with his Quick Glance 2S and Dasher than he could before he was affected by ALS! John's notebook computer is mounted on his power wheelchair and the wheelchair is also the power source for the computer and the Quick Glance 2S. Because of that, and a wireless home network, he is able to be completely mobile.
In addition to communication, John also uses his Quick Glance 2S, in conjunction with his computer, to pay all of the bills, shop online, control the TV and explore his interests on the internet. He says that he has used other systems but "The Quick Glance system gives me the ability to do
everything on the computer quickly, easily and it should continue to fulfill all of my needs as the disease progresses."
Cons:
Summary:
Comments From Other Users:
Add your comments.Eyegaze Communication/Computer Control
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer: LC Technologies
Cost: $15,000
Reimbursement: Medicare covered, MDA will give up to $2,000 toward your 20% copay
Pros:
The Eyegaze unit that I was shown from LC Technologies was a PC tower that connected to a monitor that could be mounted on my wheelchair. On both attempts to try the
Eyegaze unit I was able to rapidly adapt to the system and control the unit.
Cons:
I don't know if there is a laptop or other form factor available, but this unit was not very portable. When I asked about computer access I was shown the ability to connect another
computer to the unit and control the cursor on the other computer through a mechanism that involved looking at the Eyegaze unit to select a direction to move the computer cursor and to start the
cursor moving. I then had to look at the computer monitor until the cursor reached the desired location, then look back at the Eyegaze unit to stop the cursor.
Summary:
The clumsy nature of this interface and difficulty in controlling the cursor precisely made this unit unusable for my needs. To be fair, the LC Technologies unit could have many
other capabilities, but the person showing it to me (and ultimately responsible for the sale) failed to show them to me (in fact a recent post by David A. illustrates capabilities that I was not aware
of).
Comments From Other Users:
Add your comments.Erica Eye Response Communication/Computer Control
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer: Eye Response
Cost: base price $7,300, unlocking fee to allow full use of the computer, not just the speech device, is $600
Reimbursement: Base price is covered by Medicare, MDA will give up to $2,000 toward your 20% copay and unlocking fee
Pros:
The Eye Response unit (named ERICA) is a tablet computer that attaches easily to my wheelchair and can operate for about 2 hours when unplugged (7 with the extended life
battery). It is a single unit, and very portable outside of the mounting arm which, while a little clunky, you would need whatever solution was chosen. (If portability isn't a priority, ERICA
can also be installed on your desktop computer.)
On the first demo, it was very difficult to calibrate to my eye, and even with technical support on the phone we were never able to get control of the unit. The second demo
(necessitated by the computer access issue related above) was much more successful. I was easily able to calibrate to the unit, and controlled the unit with ease. Computer access with ERICA is simple:
the unit itself (for a $600 unlock fee) is a fully functioning tablet computer. It comes with a wireless network card, and integrated quite easily into my existing wireless network.
Cons:
Summary:
Eyegaze and Erica were the only two products that my speech therapist was
aware of that are Medicare approved. I ended up purchasing the Eye Response (Erica) unit. I have been using it for almost a month now, and I cannot imagine life without it.
Add your comments.
Dragon Speak Preferred 8
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer:
ScanSoft
Cost: $149-$199
Reimbursement:
Pros:
I will be writing this entire review by using Dragon speak preferred eight. After about a half-hour of training, I was able to dictate and use this program to write long e-mail us,
answers to web site postings, letters to friends and relatives, and anything else I wanted to write. It's very fast and relatively mistakes free. I could never express my feelings or things I want
to write if I didn't have this program because my fingers can not type for more than a few minutes before they are too tired.
Cons:
When first turning on the program and beginning to dictate, sometimes it gets a little flaky. I think it needs to warm up before becoming totally accurate. It does make some mistakes, but
they are easy to correct using the program.
Summary:
Some people have used earlier versions of this program and found them wanting. Obviously this latest version has found all of the bugs, or at least most of them, and I would
highly recommend buying this program when your fingers can no longer do the walking. I got this program on sale at Staples for $149. List price is $199.
Add your comments.
Dynavox Access IT
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer: Dynavox
Cost: $309
Reimbursement: MDA picked up this cost once Medicare declined coverage.
Pros:
This device works with the Dynavox DV4 Speech Augmentation Device and uses infrared to communicate with a computer. The device is plugged into the computer and the DV4's commands allow you to have mouse control. This gives you the ability to go to websites and compose email and documents.
Cons:
For someone who uses the DV4 in 'scanning' mode, this is a slow process. It helps to have someone set up a lot of the common commands first making navigation a bit faster.
Summary:
This device is the answer for computer access for someone who is totally dependent on the Dynavox.
Comments From Other Users:
Add your comments.
Xtrac Ripper Optical Mouse Pad
Reviewed by: Diane
Manufacturer: X Trac (website has links to retailers)
Cost: $12.99
Pros:
Having to repeatedly lift the mouse and move it back so you can reach your target can be very tiring for weak hands and arms. This extra large mouse pad is 11” X 17” and 1/8" thick to give your mouse extra room to roam. Because your wrist can rest on the pad there is no more pushing over the edge of the pad. The smooth cloth surface allows easy movement and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The design on the pad is made to help an optical mouse track with accuracy. Gripper back holds it in place.
Cons:
I'd rather have a pretty color or picture but will definitely settle for the ease of mousing.
Summary:
A little thing but a major energy saver.
Add your comments.
Click-n-Type
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer: Click-n-Type
Cost: Free
Pros:
Click-n-Type is an onscreen keyboard that allows you to type with
minimal hand strength. Holding the cursor over a key on the onscreen keyboard
will type the letter. CNT works in any computer program including Internet
browsers. It includes a word completion option: begin typing a word and a list
of possible words pops up. You can create macros for things you frequently type
so you just click the alt key and a single letter you chose. For example, "alt
a" could be a macro that would type Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. This is very
handy for filling out forms with your name, address, etc. and for typing often
repeated phrases or words with capital letters such as BiPAP.
The program comes with a couple of keyboard layouts and by using
CNT Designer (also free), you can create your own. I created one with the
letters arranged in a square to so I don't have to move the mouse so far to
reach all the letters, and a vertical keyboard that is often easier to position
conveniently on the screen. The keyboard can be dragged to resize it, dragged
anywhere on the screen, or set to to hide when not in use.
Cons:
Although it certainly beats struggling with a real keyboard it is
still a slow way to type. Although you can assign a macro to any key, the number
of easy to remember macros is limited.
Summary:
Much better than the onscreen keyboard that comes with Windows
XP. Although it is freeware, it isn't just a cheap imitation of a "real"
onscreen keyboard. CNT works so well I haven't felt any need to spend money any
other keyboard program.
Add your comments.
Dasher
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer: Dasher
Cost: Free
Pros:
Dasher provides the main thing that is missing with an onscreen
keyboard :
SPEED!
Rather than hunting and pecking letter by letter, Dasher letters flow
to you. It feels a lot like a video game where you steer a race car along a race
track. The letters are spread across the side or top of the screen (I prefer the
top) and you move the mouse to "drive" toward the letter. As you reach it, a
whole new alphabet appears behind it and you just drive on to the next letter.
Dasher helps speed you on your way by anticipating what the next letters are
most likely to be, and quickly learns words you use frequently. The amount of
mouse movement need to drive through the letters is minimal unless you go back
to correct every typo as you work. It has all the punctuation, numerals and
symbols of a standard keyboard. You can type into Dasher`s text box then copy it
into another program, or set it to type directly into another program.
Another great option is that Dasher can also speak what you have written!
Dasher will also work with programs like Eyegaze.
Although you can correct typos as you go along, for me the real value of
Dasher for me is the ability to get my words out there nearly as fast as my
train of thought. I just race along ignoring typos and do all the necessary
corrections later with Click-n-Type.
Cons:
Dasher is so different from using a keyboard that it takes a bit of
time to get the hang of it. You know you have mastered it when anyone watching
over your shoulder gets carsick as you whiz along!
Summary:
Dasher is for speed and getting my thoughts written.
Click-n-Type is for accuracy.
Add your comments.
Point-n-Click
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer:Point-n-Click
Cost: Free
Pros:
Point-n-Click is a great way to eliminate the need for repeated
and tiring mouse clicks. Simply move the cursor over the spot and hold it there
for the amount of time you have the program set for and it will click
automatically. You can set it to single click, double click, click and drag,
left or right click. I use it when playing games or surfing the net. I really
appreciate it for selecting groups of files in My Computer and other programs
because I can't hold down the shift key while selecting multiple files. The
control panel can customized to show only the buttons you use frequently and it
can be set to hide off the edge of the screen when not needed.
Cons:
Point-n-Click is harder to learn than it could be simply because it
is hard to remember what each of the symbols on the control panel stands for. It
really needs to have a short description show when you hover over a symbol.
Summary:
The weaker my hands get, the more I love this little freebie!
Add your comments.
USB UIRT/Girder TV Controls
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer:USB UIRT Girder
Cost:$50 for USB UIRT, $20 for Girder Software
Reimbursement:Not filed.
Being able to control a TV using a standard remote control is difficult if not impossible as hands and fingers weaken. The combination of the USB UIRT hardware and Girder software allows your computer mouse to control the TV, cable, satellite receiver and any other entertainment units or devices that have a remote control. The USB UIRT is a small infrared receiver/transmitter unit that plugs into a USB port. By holding your TV or other remote next to it you can "teach" the Girder software the infrared codes for each button on the remote. Then you assign a keyboard key for each command; "o" for on/off, "u" for volume up, etc. Now when the Girder program is open your keyboard becomes a TV remote -- and one that won't hide under the sofa cushions to boot!
Pros:
Relatively inexpensive. The Girder software can be used to control about anything. It works with an onscreen keyboard such as Click-n-Type so it will work with minimal hand strength and even with eyegaze type computer controls.
Cons:
Girder can teach your computer to do so many things the software is overwhelming to a non-geek. I was disappointed to find that the keyboard is used rather than having an image of a remote control to click buttons on, but the keyboard works well.The USB UIRT is not at this time (3/2008) Vista compatible.
Summary:
There are now much easier programs than Girder available. The USB UIRT hardware is inexpensive and easy to set up.
Add your comments.
IRCommand2 TV Controls
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer:
wdpsoftware.com
Cost:$9.95 for lite, $34.95 for full version
Reimbursement:Not filed.
Pros:
This is the best, simplest, and least expensive computer based TV remote control I have found after years of searching the Internet! In order to control your TV and other entertainment equipment from your computer you will first need an infrared transmitter for your computer. I use the USB-UIRT described above. The IRCommand2 website lists other compatible IR Transmitters (also called "dongles"). The IRCommand2 software is easy to install and only slightly confusing to program. Once set up, turning your TV on, changing channels, viewing the guide is a simple mouse click. The lite version limits the number of favorite channels you can list but all channels can be accessed by using the number pad or guide. In order to control more than on device such as TV and a DVD player, CD player, etc. you will need the full version.
Cons:
IRCommand2 should run on Vista but at this time (3/2008)I haven't found a dongle that is Vista compatible.
Summary:
A great program!
Add your comments.
Cost: Free
Pros:Click-n-Type is an onscreen keyboard that allows you to type with minimal hand strength. Holding the cursor over a key on the onscreen keyboard will type the letter. CNT works in any computer program including Internet browsers. It includes a word completion option: begin typing a word and a list of possible words pops up. You can create macros for things you frequently type so you just click the alt key and a single letter you chose. For example, "alt a" could be a macro that would type Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. This is very handy for filling out forms with your name, address, etc. and for typing often repeated phrases or words with capital letters such as BiPAP.
The program comes with a couple of keyboard layouts and by using CNT Designer (also free), you can create your own. I created one with the letters arranged in a square to so I don't have to move the mouse so far to reach all the letters, and a vertical keyboard that is often easier to position conveniently on the screen. The keyboard can be dragged to resize it, dragged anywhere on the screen, or set to to hide when not in use.
Cons:
Although it certainly beats struggling with a real keyboard it is still a slow way to type. Although you can assign a macro to any key, the number of easy to remember macros is limited.
Summary:
Much better than the onscreen keyboard that comes with Windows XP. Although it is freeware, it isn't just a cheap imitation of a "real" onscreen keyboard. CNT works so well I haven't felt any need to spend money any other keyboard program. Add your comments.
Manufacturer/Retailer: Dasher
Cost: Free
Pros:Dasher provides the main thing that is missing with an onscreen keyboard : SPEED! Rather than hunting and pecking letter by letter, Dasher letters flow to you. It feels a lot like a video game where you steer a race car along a race track. The letters are spread across the side or top of the screen (I prefer the top) and you move the mouse to "drive" toward the letter. As you reach it, a whole new alphabet appears behind it and you just drive on to the next letter. Dasher helps speed you on your way by anticipating what the next letters are most likely to be, and quickly learns words you use frequently. The amount of mouse movement need to drive through the letters is minimal unless you go back to correct every typo as you work. It has all the punctuation, numerals and symbols of a standard keyboard. You can type into Dasher`s text box then copy it into another program, or set it to type directly into another program.
Another great option is that Dasher can also speak what you have written! Dasher will also work with programs like Eyegaze.
Although you can correct typos as you go along, for me the real value of Dasher for me is the ability to get my words out there nearly as fast as my train of thought. I just race along ignoring typos and do all the necessary corrections later with Click-n-Type.
Cons:
Dasher is so different from using a keyboard that it takes a bit of time to get the hang of it. You know you have mastered it when anyone watching over your shoulder gets carsick as you whiz along!
Summary:
Dasher is for speed and getting my thoughts written. Click-n-Type is for accuracy.
Add your comments.
Manufacturer/Retailer:Point-n-Click
Cost: Free
Pros:
Point-n-Click is a great way to eliminate the need for repeated
and tiring mouse clicks. Simply move the cursor over the spot and hold it there
for the amount of time you have the program set for and it will click
automatically. You can set it to single click, double click, click and drag,
left or right click. I use it when playing games or surfing the net. I really
appreciate it for selecting groups of files in My Computer and other programs
because I can't hold down the shift key while selecting multiple files. The
control panel can customized to show only the buttons you use frequently and it
can be set to hide off the edge of the screen when not needed. Cons:
Point-n-Click is harder to learn than it could be simply because it is hard to remember what each of the symbols on the control panel stands for. It really needs to have a short description show when you hover over a symbol.
Summary:
The weaker my hands get, the more I love this little freebie!
Add your comments.
Manufacturer/Retailer:USB UIRT Girder
Cost:$50 for USB UIRT, $20 for Girder Software
Reimbursement:Not filed.
Being able to control a TV using a standard remote control is difficult if not impossible as hands and fingers weaken. The combination of the USB UIRT hardware and Girder software allows your computer mouse to control the TV, cable, satellite receiver and any other entertainment units or devices that have a remote control. The USB UIRT is a small infrared receiver/transmitter unit that plugs into a USB port. By holding your TV or other remote next to it you can "teach" the Girder software the infrared codes for each button on the remote. Then you assign a keyboard key for each command; "o" for on/off, "u" for volume up, etc. Now when the Girder program is open your keyboard becomes a TV remote -- and one that won't hide under the sofa cushions to boot!Pros:
Relatively inexpensive. The Girder software can be used to control about anything. It works with an onscreen keyboard such as Click-n-Type so it will work with minimal hand strength and even with eyegaze type computer controls.
Cons:
Girder can teach your computer to do so many things the software is overwhelming to a non-geek. I was disappointed to find that the keyboard is used rather than having an image of a remote control to click buttons on, but the keyboard works well.The USB UIRT is not at this time (3/2008) Vista compatible. Summary:
There are now much easier programs than Girder available. The USB UIRT hardware is inexpensive and easy to set up. Add your comments.
Manufacturer/Retailer:
wdpsoftware.com
Cost:$9.95 for lite, $34.95 for full version
Reimbursement:Not filed.
Pros:This is the best, simplest, and least expensive computer based TV remote control I have found after years of searching the Internet! In order to control your TV and other entertainment equipment from your computer you will first need an infrared transmitter for your computer. I use the USB-UIRT described above. The IRCommand2 website lists other compatible IR Transmitters (also called "dongles"). The IRCommand2 software is easy to install and only slightly confusing to program. Once set up, turning your TV on, changing channels, viewing the guide is a simple mouse click. The lite version limits the number of favorite channels you can list but all channels can be accessed by using the number pad or guide. In order to control more than on device such as TV and a DVD player, CD player, etc. you will need the full version.
Cons:
IRCommand2 should run on Vista but at this time (3/2008)I haven't found a dongle that is Vista compatible.
Summary:
A great program! Add your comments.