Chapter Highlights
Communication Device Donations Needed in Massachusetts!
We need your help! We rely on donations of dedicated speech generating devices (SGDs), with and without eye tracking cameras for our Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program. We also rely on donations of SGD mounts (wheelchair and rolling floor mounts). Our current eyegaze device inventory in our AAC/AT loan program is critically low. If you obtained a SGD through insurance and it is no longer being used, please consider donating it to our chapter, so we can help another person with ALS in need.
The Impact of COVID-19 on AAC Services: Access to AAC evaluations with qualified speech-language pathologists has been challenging during the COVID pandemic and Medicare does not cover these evaluations when they are delivered via telehealth. Therefore, it can be difficult for people with ALS to obtain necessary SGDs through their insurance. For people with ALS living in long term care facilities with severely restricted visitation due to COVID-19, a loaned SGD may serve as their only safe connection with their family and friends. Your tax-deductible donation can make a significant impact for a person with ALS!
We are seeking SGDs that are preferably less than 4 years old (Please email Jen at [email protected] with questions about donating older devices).
- Tobii Dynavox I-12 or I-15, preferably 2017 or newer, or I-13/I-16
- PRC Accent with NuEye or Look eyegaze
- Eye Gaze Inc. (Formerly LC Technologies) EyeGaze Edge
- Forbes AAC (Formerly FRS) Winslate with Enable Eyes eyegaze camera
- Talk To Me Technologies Zuvo with eyespeak camera
- NeuroNode Trilogy
We are also in need of wheelchair or rolling floor mounts for SGDs. If you would like to donate a wheelchair mount, please let us know the wheelchair year, make and model.
- ConnectIT mounts
- Rehadapt mounts – Classic or Pentalock
- Daessy mounts
Interested in donating?
Please contact Jennifer Chapin, Speech Pathologist and AAC Specialist, at (781) 234-5307 or via email [email protected].
October Community Groups
Register today for our Community Groups! This month we have a robust schedules of groups meeting throughout the month at various times either virtually or IN PERSON so you can choose what best fits your needs and schedule. We hope you'll join us for at least one of these wonderful groups but feel free to attend them all! Contact us with any questions.
