Be Extraordinary News for September - October 2011 »

by Corkie Maus, InvoTek Client Advocate

IN THE NEWS

Our SSR dysarthric speech recognition technology won this year's daVinci Award in the Communication/Educational Aids category! Congratulations also to our research partners John-Paul Hosom (Oregon Health and Sciences University) and Susan Fager (Madonna Rehab Hospital)! Erik Jakobs (InvoTek Engineering Designer) and Susan Fager attended the ceremonies in Dearborn, Michigan. We are honored to be selected for this prestigious award.

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Following through with our collaboration with TIRR Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, we have become a credentialed vendor.

Be Extraordinary Client Update

Billy Arnold of Cedarville, AR is our newest Be Extraordinary client. In December 2010 Billy suffered a brainstem stroke. Billy is 28 years old. As the result of the stroke, he now has what is called “locked-in syndrome.” This disorder leaves an individual conscious, they can think and reason, but are unable to speak or move.

A former banker and brown belt in mixed martial arts, he lives with wife and 3 year old daughter. He is fortunate to have a very strong family support system.

Over the last few months, with the help of his speech pathologist and family, we determined that the only purposeful movement Billy has is in lower jaw. After some initial failures, we found that Billy could use AccuPoint with newly designed software. On his first attempt he was able to type “cat,” “dog” and “hello”. This requires a great deal of concentration and goes very slowly. Erik (InvoTek Engineering Designer) was able to further tweak the software. Billy then typed “Hi dad.” You have never seen a prouder father! Next he typed “give me something to write.” We discussed with Billy and Tim other changes that could be made to make communication even easier. These changes will require more time and re-writing of the software by Erik.

It is at this point, we realize that Billy is teaching us, and ultimately helping others in the future.

Craig Suneson of North Little Rock, AR: Barret recently set up the AccuPoint System for Craig. With no previous computer skills, it is going to take a while for Craig to learn to use the system as well as navigating the computer itself. We will be turning soon to check on him.

Curtis Earley of West Memphis, AR is enjoying the independence that having a remote controlled door opener affords him. More funding is needed to provide him with a computer. Donate here.

Khiry Neal of Camden, AR is one happy camper! Early last month, he and his grandmother, Carolyn Lewis moved into a home that allows Khiry access to the entire house and the outdoors. Ms. Lewis says that he loves to just sit out in the backyard under the trees.

Chad, one of Khiry’s nurses, has taken Khiry to two home football games. Khiry is delighted to be there to cheer his team mates on.

On a recent follow-up visit to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, in Little Rock, the doctors were delighted with Khiry’s current state of health. His lung function had improved sufficiently to allow his ventilator to be turn down. This gives hope that he may be able to breathe on his own in the future! Getting up in his chair more often is vital to his continued improvement. When the necessary red tape is completed, Khiry will be able to return to his beloved Camden Fairview High School. He is very excited about returning to the classroom and his classmates

We will be returning to Camden later this month to set up a dedicated work station for Khiry. This will allow him to have a place for homework, social networking and hopefully some future blogging. To help Khiry, donate here.

Larry Bell of Lonoke, AR has been dealing with some medical issues. He is still awaiting final approval to be discharged home.

Wesley Wilson of Emerson, AR is still job hunting. In the meantime, he is considering returning to school. We still have a few equipment needs for Wes. Donate here to help.

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