| TECH EDGE
By John M. Williams
About a year ago, I first started hearing about something called the Impulse that was raising excitement among people in the disability community who believe that assistive technology products increase their independence and improve their quality of life physically and psychologically.
The Impulse™ Bluetooth® technology is an access product specifically designed for persons with physical limitations, allowing them to use any muscle surface (face, jaw, neck, arm, leg, etc.) to control their computer. This device is particularly applicable for persons with degenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or any other severe physical limitations or paralysis.
Impulse is not simply a “switch,” but a patented, full-service computer access device. It uses an electrode to measure electromyography (EMG)—or minute muscle contractions—allowing very small movements to control computer devices. Impulse accesses the computer using software installed and configured during the set-up process. The device gives the user the ability to control such tasks as typing and mouse movement by using any muscle the person chooses.
Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows caregivers to attend to other needs without being hampered by wires or disturbing switch alignment. Bluetooth also allows the user to remain connected to the computer even while being transported short distances, such as going to another room.
According to user David Jayne, who has ALS, he took to the Impulse almost immediately after he was introduced to it. Jayne is the founder of the National Coalition to Amend Medicare Homebound Restriction.
“The Impulse was attached to my face and within minutes, I was operating my computer,” he says. “I felt liberated.”
The only functional movement Jayne has remaining is facial movement and one finger.
If he has access to his computer and chair he is much more independent than most nonverbal quadriplegics. “If not I am as helpless as an infant. I can change and control my environment. If it cannot meet my needs I can call for assistance,” says Jayne.
The communications system Jayne uses with Impulse is a Toshiba Tecra laptop with Windows AT&T Natural Voice synthesizer, and E Z Keys augmentative communication software from Words+. E Z Keys enables him to access and control all prgrams, send e-mails and text messages, create Word documents, and prepare text for spontaneous speech or to speak later.
How has the Impulse improved his communication?
Before acquiring Impulse, Jayne was using a fiber optic switch mounted on a pair of glasses, which needed constant repositioning and often adjustment of switch sensitivity. This ranged from frustrating to dangerous because sometimes he would lose the ability to communicate. These issues were eliminated with Impulse.
The speed of the Impulse allows him to type faster with less effort. There are other, less direct benefits for Jayne when using the Impulse: people can hug him without disturbing his communication. This allows him to establish connection with others.
At $2,100 per unit the price is reasonable.
To learn more about the Impulse visit www.ablenet.inc.
John Williams writes frequently for Action. He can be reached at jmmaw@verizon.net.
