Request - Laptop type device/toy for typing for person who cannot talk

deadl0ck

Hi all,
Not sure where to post this, but I reckon here is as good a place as any..

My Uncle has been very sick for the last 2 months in ICU in Beaumont Hospital.
He's started to pull through but has a tracheotomy and cannot talk, but is now strong enough to try and communicate.

He cannot hold a pen, but is there anything like a latop running notepad that he could use to communicate ?

Even a kiddies electronic toy that has a typing function and isn't too big. I realise a laptop would work, but it would be hard to get one without paying a wad.

If anybody has any ideas or suggestions it would be great !

Thanks !

vicadd

Hopefully your uncle recovers quickly but in the meantime...

Would a mobile phone be usable? Could he use the text function to type messages for others to read? I imagine though that this might be quite hard for him to use.

Thinking of kids toys etc., you could browse Smyths or somewhere like that to see if they have anything useful. What about Scrabble? It wouldn't be great for conversations but could be used to get some words across?

Best of luck

deadl0ck

I think the mobile might be difficult for him, but the scrabble is a very good idea !
Will have a look in Smyths too.

Thanks !

cgarvey

Consult his Occupational Therapist. You can also try ringing the CRC (www.crc.ie) for advise .. there are various devices, depending on technical ability, permanent/temp use, private/public healthcare, his level of dexterity, etc. The CRC should be able to recommend someone to talk to (and it's not all about money with them), if they can't help directly. You could just get a cheapo laptop (like you say) 2nd hand .. it doesn't need to be anything fancy (just have decent battery life), if he'd be comfortable with that. Last thing you want to do is force something on to him that just frustrates him .. it should help him, so he really should have something that he feels comfortable with.. an OT should be able to help out with the options (including their finance).

HTH & speedy recovery!

.cg

deadl0ck

Yes indeed - OT etc is very good (and will be done) but we're more looking for something temporary that he can use now - not in 1 week, if you know what I mean.

MarkR

Windows xp has a very limited speech to text function. YOu can find it in the control panel of any windows xp computer / notebook. It's called speech in control panel (classic view).

I used it once for a laugh when my voice was gone. (Damn nerds, can't take them anywhere!)