Since I am trached and
on a ventilator, I am in this battle with ALS
for the long haul. So
when it was time to select a way to communicate,
I wanted something that
would last as long as I do. I didn’t want to
buy markers to put on my
forehead or glasses continually.
I chose VisionKey for a
number of reasons. It’s a 2 piece electronic
keyboard. The viewer is
mounted to a standard pair of glasses. I had
it mounted over the
right lens section because that is my dominate
eye. The control box has
a LCD display that prints what you spell.
You can order your VisionKey with a voice
synthesizer so what you
spell is now audible. It can be used just as
a word chart, a basic ABC
chart, or as I use it, advanced ABC chart. In
this mode, I’m able to
have complete control over my computer.
VisionKey can be used in
different lightings. With the lights on or off,
indoors or outdoors,
it’s as portable as you want to make it. It also
comes with an adapter to
plug into your car lighter. VisionKey can
also be used in
different positions. When I’m laying down, partially
sitting up, or sitting
straight up, I can operate VisionKey. My computer
doesn’t have to be in
front of me. If it were possible for my nurses to
stand me on my head, I
could operate my VisionKey. I don’t think
that step will be
necessary.
Some of the earlier
devices were activated by blinking but VisionKey is operated
by gazing. It actually tracks my eye movement. At first I found
myself wanting to close
my left eye but my optometrist assured me in
a few days I would
gradually open both eyes. Sure enough he was right.
It is natural to feel
this way. Some people may find it easier then I to
make this transition.
There are times I find it down right amusing, to
think I’m speaking with my eyes.
This
is one of the most unique purchases I ever had to make, but it is
the
most gratifying. I use my computer like everyone else, emailing
my friends
and surfing the net. I buy medical equipment and other
items
of interest on line. I keep up to date with anything new in the
ALS\MND
world, which means the world to me. All of this wouldn’t
be
possible if it were not for VisionKey. I also use Gus software which
has
a few neat programs itself.
Most
of you who read this will think I have a lot of money. Well that
isn’t
true. In 1999 we had our 25th year reunion from our High School.
Five
ladies from our graduating class joined together and started the
“Friend
of Sam” fund raising committee. There was enough money
raised
to purchase a laptop computer, VisionKey and Gus. I never
thought
they would raise the money that fast. VisionKey changed my
outlook
on this disease, ALS. Just knowing I can keep in touch with
old
friends, the new friends I found and research developments are
a
must with me. I feel I can reach out and contact anyone in the world
with
my computer. That is if they an email address.
From
an idea of one person, to the hard work of five women, dreams
can
come true. One day with numbers of people and numbers of $$$
ALS
will conquered.
Cheers
from Cape Breton,
. Sam
Cole
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