March 1st, 2006
more success
Well, for the first time I left the person’s house leaving a known-to-work system. It consists of a powermate talking to their existing Windows PC, and a custom JavaScript local HTML page that goes through phrases on demand. He was able to use the phrases on the mac version several times this evening, so that was encouraging. (He had to go to sleep before the PC version was tested.) Also he spoke in a complete sentence yesterday, and the family’s theory is that the additional mental stimulation has been a factor.
Here’s some of what he wrote using the letter-chooser: KKKKKKKKQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQLLLIIIIIIIIYYYYYYYYYZZZZ… I see him working intently on it, going through the letters, etc.. it really seems like part of the brain dealing with forming letters in this way may not be working right. I say this because he can hear, understand, and write words on paper when prompted.
The PowerMate was ‘modified’ a bit. Sunday night it seemed to be a little slippery. So, I put two wide rubber bands around the knob, and the hook side of some industrial strength velcro on the top of the knob. sadly, this grip seemed to be a bit too efficient in my hands – the knob top came unglued. No matter, as this actually gave me the opportunity to fine-tune the friction surface inside. Will post pictures soon.
As an employee of Griffin, I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see a device such as the PowerMate being used in such an unconventional way. You should be commended for your creativity! We here in tech support think is just “way cool” and hope you’ll keep us posted on your progress.
RachelG