ALS Assisted Technology Campaign
Donation protected
As many already know, my husband Paul was diagnosed with ALS in 2014.
Although his progression is on the slower side (compared to others they would say), he is relegated to spending his days in an electric wheelchair (after he is lifted from our bed), of which he solely controls with his head. He has no ability to use his arms, hands, fingers, legs or feet.
Up until a few months ago he was able, with assistance, to position his hands and fingers just so around his cell phone to write a simple text, read an article on the internet, or listen to his messages from friends and family. This has become virtually impossible unless someone else is doing it for him.
Also, as many know, Paul became a teacher after 21 years working as an engineer. This is where he shines. He is a man of science, curious, and has a true passion for sharing his knowledge and experiences with his students, peers, family, and myself.
Some time ago he had begun to write short essays and share them among his Facebook friends. The topic would be sparked by some experience, act of kindness, or unfortunate event. Through these essays Paul continued to express his true passion for sharing his knowledge and experiences, teaching and inspiring others (again, myself included). You never knew if you would end up in tears or laughter….sometimes both by the time you finished reading his posts.
To this point, Paul’s voice has remained stable. Because he retains the ability to communicate through speech he is ineligible for Eye Gaze assistive technology through medical insurance.
Upon much research and guidance from Paul’s medical team we have found a lower scale solution for what would provide a similar type of technology, allowing Paul to control a tablet with his eyes that would be mounted directly to his electric wheelchair. He would essentially be able to search the internet, read articles, create and listen to text messages to communicate with family and friends, resume writing his short essays, and much more…all with his eyes.
The cost of such technology would be all out-of-pocket and is estimated between $5,000 and $6,000 and requires the following: tablet with mount, special Eye Gaze bar, and a wheelchair mount.
Please considering joining me in this gift for Paul. A gift that would enhance his quality of life, return a sense of purpose and meaning, provide independence, and most importantly the gift for him to share his knowledge and experience with others…the gift he so truly deserves!
Thank you for your support and consideration.
Although his progression is on the slower side (compared to others they would say), he is relegated to spending his days in an electric wheelchair (after he is lifted from our bed), of which he solely controls with his head. He has no ability to use his arms, hands, fingers, legs or feet.
Up until a few months ago he was able, with assistance, to position his hands and fingers just so around his cell phone to write a simple text, read an article on the internet, or listen to his messages from friends and family. This has become virtually impossible unless someone else is doing it for him.
Also, as many know, Paul became a teacher after 21 years working as an engineer. This is where he shines. He is a man of science, curious, and has a true passion for sharing his knowledge and experiences with his students, peers, family, and myself.
Some time ago he had begun to write short essays and share them among his Facebook friends. The topic would be sparked by some experience, act of kindness, or unfortunate event. Through these essays Paul continued to express his true passion for sharing his knowledge and experiences, teaching and inspiring others (again, myself included). You never knew if you would end up in tears or laughter….sometimes both by the time you finished reading his posts.
To this point, Paul’s voice has remained stable. Because he retains the ability to communicate through speech he is ineligible for Eye Gaze assistive technology through medical insurance.
Upon much research and guidance from Paul’s medical team we have found a lower scale solution for what would provide a similar type of technology, allowing Paul to control a tablet with his eyes that would be mounted directly to his electric wheelchair. He would essentially be able to search the internet, read articles, create and listen to text messages to communicate with family and friends, resume writing his short essays, and much more…all with his eyes.
The cost of such technology would be all out-of-pocket and is estimated between $5,000 and $6,000 and requires the following: tablet with mount, special Eye Gaze bar, and a wheelchair mount.
Please considering joining me in this gift for Paul. A gift that would enhance his quality of life, return a sense of purpose and meaning, provide independence, and most importantly the gift for him to share his knowledge and experience with others…the gift he so truly deserves!
Thank you for your support and consideration.
Organizer
Kim Fierro
Organizer
Easton, PA