.

Grant Money Available.  

At some point during the disease progression, many people with ALS could benefit from the use of a communication device. The ability to convey basic needs, share ideas, and interact socially is central and paramount to maintaining a sense of belonging, personal identity, and control of one’s destiny.

When shopping for a device, consumers face prices so artificially inflated even the savvy shoppers are left in open-mouthed disbelief. In an attempt to ease the burden, Muscular Dystrophy Association has $2000 grants available for the purchase of a device. To qualify, several conditions must be met.

·        A diagnosis of a disease covered by the MDA umbrella. If unsure, go to www.mdausa.org/disease or call 1-800-572-1717.

·        A prescription from a physician.

·        A speech evaluation report.

·        Have no insurance or have been denied by insurance.                                                                          

Another possible funding source comes from local ALS association chapters. To locate a nearby chapter go to www.alsa.org or call 1-800-782-4747.

Product Evaluation: Gus! Communicator 2000                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Gordon Harris of Gus Communication, Inc. offers the Communicator 2000 for $1999 with free shipping. The Communicator 2000 is a non-dedicated laptop loaded with Gus speech software, Windows XP and plenty of other computing goodies.  When coupled with the Gus switch friendly mouse, even those with physical limitations can enjoy many computer-based activities including the Internet.

The computer is a Compaq with 1.3  GHz Intel Celeron M processor, 256MB RAM memory, 15” XGA TFT display, 40GB hard drive, 2 USB 2.0 ports, built-in wireless LAN, Ethernet LAN, 56K modem, and DVD-ROM.

If using a switch to operate the scanning software, be sure to have a keyboard user close by because the computer locks up frequently. The scanning keyboard, which operates as a gateway to the other scanning programs, has several endemic problems. The keyboard sometimes refuses to respond to the mouse and using the www key to access the Internet causes an error and the computer promptly locks up. In spite of all of this, when it operates properly the Communicator 2000 is a joy to use and users can do most any task including surfing the Internet and email. It won’t always be trouble free, but by current standards it is a good choice for individuals who otherwise are unable to afford a communication device or are looking for a low cost alternative to higher priced devices. It is important to note that Gus communication software operates with any windows system and can be installed on any computer which is worth consideration given the Compaq's small hard drive and RAM. The absence of a rewritable disc drive is a problem for productive minded users.

Gus Communication has no field representatives to demonstrate equipment or to train users, so buyers are on their own to learn the software. What they do, however, is permit free a thirty-day download of the total software package at www.gusinc.com. This is a good idea for people able to use a keyboard, but switch users will need to first purchase the Gus mouse and a switch.  To speak to Mr. Harris directly, phone (866) 487-1006. (Nelson 2005)