A Better Way to Unlock Speech
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In this webinar, we discussed an innovative way to give the joy of communication back to those living with paralysis or loss of speech. Topics covered: •How people with ALS, Cerebral Palsy, MND, and spinal cord injuries can use the signals sent by their brains to their muscles to communicate. •Where eye tracking technology falls short and how electromyography (EMG) provides a better experience with less hassle. •Tips on how caregivers and clinicians can share the latest in assistive communication technology with their patients Control Bionics is the maker of the NeuroSwitch, an assistive and augmentative communication (AAC) devices for people living with paralysis and loss of speech. Our mission is to develop the most advanced technology to enable our users to enhance their abilities, dignity and independence. We work with people living with conditions like ALS, MND, SCI, cerebral palsy, aphasia, and locked-in syndrome. See videos, case studies, and learn how the NeuroSwitch works at www.controlbionics.com.
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A Better Way to Unlock Speech
- 1. CONTROL BIONICS INC. © 2015
- 2. GUEST SPEAKER NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF SALES HANNIBAL BRAY
- 3. QUESTIONS?
- 4. • How people with ALS, Cerebral Palsy, MND and spinal cord injuries can use the signals sent by their brains to their muscles to communicate • Where eye tracking technology falls short and how electromyography (EMG) provides a better experience with less hassle • Tips on how caregivers and clinicians can share the latest in assistive communication technology with their patients
- 5. 4 Categories of AAC • Low-Tech / Rapid Access – Letter/picture board, head pointer, lasers • Mid-Tech – Apps for tablets, phones, and computers; simple call systems and inexpensive switches (jelly bean, proximity, sip-and-puff) • High-Tech – Custom speech generating devices (SGDs), fully-accessible computer systems, and environmental controls • Wearables – the next generation… Heads-Up visual Display (HUD) controlled by neural inputs (EMG vs. EEG) h<p://www.alifestoryfoundaCon.org/pals-‐center/ Assistive Technology (AT) & Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- 6. Need for Early Implementation • The rate of speech decline in ALS is fast • Process to obtain an AAC device can be lengthy • Learn to use your device in a stress-free environment and gradually incorporate it into every day living • Start Medicare 13-month clock ticking and take ownership sooner h<p://www.alifestoryfoundaCon.org/pals-‐center/ Assistive Technology (AT) & Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- 7. Functional Issues • The Eye • Light – #1 problem • Positioning Specific Conditions • ALS – Eye Hydration • Brain Injuries & Stroke • Cerebral Palsy • MS • Nystagmus • Eyes Don’t Track • Eyes Don’t Move • Pupil Not Round • Ptosis • Poor Vision • Dry Eyes • Abrasions • Eye Freeze • Mydriasis • Double Vision • Spasticity • Cataracts
- 8. • Do you want to have to pick between watching TV, looking at family / friends, or communicating? • Needs calibration whenever light changes • Can’t use outside or in direct sunlight • Training / proficiency for caregivers • Deteriorating eyesight / optics • Ventillator complications Limitations of Eye Tracking / Eye Gaze
- 10. • Reliable signal regardless of body positioning or ambient light conditions • Automatic calibration so you can stay online all the time; you become the switch • Performance unhindered by eyesight issues or oculomotor disabilities • Minimal training required for family and caregivers (24/7/365 SUPPORT) Advantages of the NeuroSwitch
- 13. • The NeuroSwitch sends each signal you make with your muscle wirelessly (via Bluetooth) to a MacBook Air • You make selections using “scanning” – Software (AssistiveWare) displays a menu on the screen – The software highlights options on the menu one by one, and you generate the signal with your muscle when the option you want appears (rows, then columns) – You can type words out letter by letter, or utilize predictive text to type more efficiently – You can also select various preset words and navigate to various “favorite” functions How EMG Signals Become Communication
- 14. Speech Generation & Much More!
- 20. Gaming, Blogging, Editing, Fundraising
- 22. Breaking the Lock 24/7/365 SUPPORT, NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE
- 23. • 3 Leads – (2) Detection – WHITE (longitudinally along muscle) – (1) Reference – BLACK (offset; filters out “noise”) EMG (Electromyography) Basics Tapping into the FLEXOR CARPI ULNARIS
- 24. Harnessing the Signal FRONTALIS FLEXOR CARPI ULNARIS RECTUS FEMORALIS VASTUS LATERALIS VASTUS MEDIALIS TIBIALIS
- 25. • The NeuroSwitch is smart enough to recognize and filter out muscle twitches, spasticity, and athetosis (or even sleeping) • Only your intentional movements are interpreted as signals • This is empowerment! You, in Control
- 26. • Reliable and durable • Fast – both your body’s electrical system and the NeuroSwitch processors are incredibly fast • Sensitive – works even when you are tired • Feels effortless to use (you become the switch) • Flexible – sensors can be moved as necessary • Personalized / customized for each user A SWITCH THAT WORKS FOR THE DURATION Features of the NeuroSwitch
- 27. Testimonials I was locked out from so many things I had previously taken for granted. This has given me back independence and freedom. -‐ GLENN SARGOOD
- 28. Testimonials Gary flies on this – he is typing at least 3 times as fast as any other switch device – anything anybody can do on a computer he can do. -‐ CHAD CONRAD, CAREGIVER FOR GARY GRIFFIN
- 29. Testimonials Everyone who has ALS is fearful of being locked in. Because of NeuroSwitch my husband is able to communicate with us with less effort and more speed than ever before…. NeuroSwitch has provided relief not only for him but for everyone else involved in his life. -‐ LISA GRIFFIN, WIFE OF GARY
- 35. QUESTIONS?
- 36. THE JOY OF COMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH PARALYSIS OR LOSS OF SPEECH. CONTROL BIONICS INC. © 2015 VISIT WWW.CONTROLBIONICS.COM AND FOLLOW US!
- 37. hrbray@controlbionics.com 1-‐855-‐831-‐7521 1-‐513-‐453-‐4848 NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF SALES HANNIBAL BRAY