I'm a pediatric nurse. One of our patients had brain trauma that left him unable to speak and weakened his extremities. He can't hold a crayon or pen well enough to write his requests. I know there is some sort of machine like a laptop where he could type in something and it shows up on a screen. I don't know what it's called. His mom asked social service for assistance, but they were unable to do so. Does anyone know what this doohickey is called, and any resources to obtain it(preferably through insurance)? Any help to enable him to communicate is truly appreciated. Thank you!!!
First: THANK YOU to everyone who responded with incredible advice!!! I only see this young man when he's admitted to our hospital, but when he was here last winter, his mom told me she was on a waiting list to get the deovice...since it was comng from the state of illinois, you can imagine the red tape that must involve! She also expressed thanks to everyone who helped. I don't know if she followed up or not, but I referred her to Mamasource also. Unless an acute illness presents itself, i may never see this kid again..but thanks to all of you for trying to make his life a little more livable! K.
You can call any local school and ask them. Most schools have this gadget that I also cant remember the name of. I know they use it for the handicappped students however.
Can you contact an Occupational Therapist? They can help you to get these things or design something specific. You could try contacting a school like UIC-Chicago OT department for help.
I know of one that can be used by people who are blind or deaf, it's just a computer program but I don't know that is what you are looking for. let me know and I will look up the name of the program. It is also a tutoring program for kids who have ADHD. I know certain insurance companies will cover the cost.
Hi K.,
I'm a speech-language pathologist at UIC's early intervention agency. You are right on regarding the need for augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) for this kid!! However, before receiving any AAC device, he needs an assessment performed by a speech path with expertise in AAC. There are SO MANY different types, from the most basic, low-tech switches and visual scanning boards to the the most sofisticated voice-output devices... This professional will ensure that the device recommended matches the child's cognitive, motoric, visual, and other levels of performance.
Here at UIC we have the AAC Assistive Technology Unit (ATU). They provide team assessments (they can go to your location in their mobile unit), as well as advice re: obtaining/financing the device. You may contact them at ###-###-#### (Patricia Politano, SLP). Their website is: http://tigger.uic.edu/~politano/ATU-AAC_Services.htm
There are other places that offer AAC services, like RIC; for a list of other places, you may go to: http://www.iltech.org/rehabpeopleplaces.asp
Best of luck. Your little patients are lucky to have such a resourceful and concerned nurse.
G.
Hi-
I am a teacher and can get the info for you. I am trying to think of the name offhand and cannot remember. AlphaSmart maybe? I will check when I get to school tomorrow because we have several at school.
What a tragic story- my heart goes out to the family.
S.
Everything that Grethel said. However, if the child is school aged they should go that route first and find a device that fits the child's needs with an assessment. Once they find a perfect match the child would then need a device for home/summer because the schools will only provide it during the school year unless it is purchased by insurance or out of pocket by the family. There are tons of Augmentative Communication Devices so it would be hard for someone to tell you the name. This child should also get a speech evaluation and an OT evaluation since his needs are so high because of the brain trauma. These things can be done in the schools if he is school aged or through EI if he is younger. Also if the device is medically necessary, which it will be, insurance should cover most if not all of the cost.
I don't know where to get it but often times through rehab they can do this. Rehab Institute of Chicago has great rehab and they may be able to let you know where/how to go about getting this type of device. Tehre are a few different options for communication devices and so it is also probably worth having the child evaluated by speech/OT so they can help determine the best device.
Hi There,
I am a special ed teacher, and have seen those. There are some that you type and the machine speaks for the person. I think it's called augementative communication. A speech therapist would know the most about these devices. How old is this patient? They may be able to get it throgh the school system if they are between 3-21.
K.
I am a speech-language pathologist. It sounds like the child is in need of a speech/language evaluation, as well as an assistive technology evaluation. If the child is younger than 3 years, you would seek these evaluations out through your local Child and Family Connections office. Or if the child is school-age, his or her school should be able to provide this type of evaluation. There are several different types of communication devices, including ones that you can type on (I believe there is one called an Alpha Smart), but several others with pictures/typing.. They can be very expensive, therefore an evaluation by a professional would be your best bet. Not sure where you live, but Easter Seals in Lombard is also a great source to find pediatric speech pathologists...if not they would definitely be able to point you in the right direction. Maybe try contacting them. Hope this helps!
