Be Extraordinary News for July - August 2011 »

by Corkie Maus, InvoTek Client Advocate

IN THE NEWS

Crawford County Press Argus-Courier 8/10/11

Tom and other staff members were interviewed recently for a feature article in Press Argus. Here is an excerpt: InvoTek is making huge differences in people's lives and changing them forever with the products and services it provides. Larger industries may have something to learn from this small company and its "compassion driven innovations." The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.pressargus.com/articles/2011/08/10/news/news02_081011.txt

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InvoTek was recently awarded a $120,643 Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research Grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop prototypes of a computer control method that integrates head and eye movement into a unified computer access method. This new method is designed for those with high spinal-cord injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), brainstem strokes and degenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), who may find it difficult to operate traditional computer systems. The technology will be developed by InvoTek and outside researchers.

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In July, Tom gave a presentation on our work and products at TIRR Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas. TIRR is part of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model System. The overall goal of the TBI Model Systems program is to conduct research aimed at improving quality of care and outcomes for patients recovering from TBI. Within the program, individuals with TBI who consent to participate in the study are followed for many years after their injuries; some have been followed for more than 18 years. Recently, Tom, Barret, and Erik provided a second in-service for therapists.

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Cheryl Vines, Executive Director of the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission (ASCC) and Tom are working on a grant proposal to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, to help support new Be Extraordinary activities.

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This summer David Albers joined our InvoTek team as an intern. David spent the summer working with Jerry, our product manager. He learned about engineering and working with a small business. David has just begun his senior year. Read David’s blog on our website.

Be Extraordinary Client Update

Tonya Bullard of Tupelo, AR: Tonya is doing well. She has been enjoying a month with her children. In addition to using her computer to read the Bible, she often posts inspiring stories on Facebook.

Charlie Thompson of North Little Rock: Charlie continues to work on his Theology degree at Agape College in Little Rock. You can hear the excitement in his voice when he talks about his studies. His previous medical issue has resolved and he is doing well. I was tickled last month when Charlie call to check on me! He made my day!

Wes Wilson of Emerson, AR: Wes is really enjoying the independence that his remote controlled door opener affords him. Access to the outdoors is very important to Wes. It allows him to check on his animals at any time, as well as just enjoy coming and going as he pleases. Using the laser keyboard and environmental controls further increases his independence. Wes is looking at a couple of job prospects for this fall.

Khiry Neal of Camden, AR: The Camden football coaches continue to work hard for Khiry. Read the article: http://www.arkansassports360.com/25610/harris-camden-fairview-team-coach-keep-paralyzed-player-neal-in-their-minds

Khiry’s family has been in need of accessible housing. Khiry needs to be up in his chair more often to help prevent pneumonia, as well as having easier access to his computer. They have just recently found a house and the sale is pending! They anticipate moving in early September. Once they get in, we will set up a work station for Khiry, so that he has a dedicated area for working on his computer. Khiry will begin actually going to school on the 29th. He is very excited, and all of us here at InvoTek share in his excitement. His sister has qualified to be his aid in the classroom. We couldn’t be more excited for Khiry and his grandmother, Miss Carolyn Lewis.

InvoTek took part in a meeting with other community members who are interested in helping this very deserving family. Take a look our latest Khiry video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMv9HoU7irk

Larry Bell of Lonoke, AR: Meet our newest Be Extraordinary client, Larry Bell. After trying out our systems, Larry felt the AccuPoint system best suited his needs and abilities. He is now able to enjoy reading the Bible on his computer. By the time you read this, Larry hopes to have returned home. He is very anxious to “give back.” We premiered Larry’s video in late July. If you haven’t seen it, check it out at: http://www.invotek.org/giving/people-who-need-funding/larry-bell/

Curtis Earley of W. Memphis, AR: ASCC provided funding for a remote door opener. Our chief engineer, Barret installed it for Curtis. He can now come and go independently, allowing him to interact with “people on the street.” Erik, our software programmer, helped Curtis become familiar with our AccuPoint system. He also had him evaluate Dragon speech recognition system. Unfortunately, Curtis does not have a computer at this time.

Craig Suneson of N. Little Rock, AR: Tom and Doug Fish from ASCC will be meeting with Craig in September to discuss his needs and options.

Other Client News

Billy Arnold of Van Buren, AR: Billy recently suffered a brain stem stroke. As a result, he has a condition called locked-in syndrome, which leaves him paralyzed, and unable to speak. Billy’s situation presents us with unique and significant challenges. We are working on a bite control switch which would allow him to type, making it possible for him to communicate much more easily.

Robert Robinson of Conway, AR: Robert became paralyzed after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. He has been making great strides with the help of many different physical therapy modalities. Recently, with the help of funding from the ASCC, we were able to install a remote door opener, environmental controls and set him up with a laser keyboard.