Alternative ways to access AAC technologies.

Abstract

More than 21 years ago, I had a car accident that led to a brain stem stroke, leaving me paralyzed and unable to speak. I was desperate to communicate. One day, my sister wrote down the alphabet and pointed to each letter accordingly. I nodded, yes or no, and she wrote my message down. Later, I used a laser light with a letter board and then a laptop with a head pointer. More recently, I started using a gyroscopic air mouse. During outings, I use the laser and the letter board. They are easy to carry and use. Plus, I can communicate in English and Spanish which is very important because my family does not speak English. I am currently enrolled in a clinical trial at the University of California, San Francisco to investigate brain computer interface to control a robotic arm and communicate. They placed an implant in the surface of my brain; the implant connects to a computer system that collects brain signals and translates neural activity from my sensorimotor cortex into intended speech and motor actions. This type of research is needed to enhance communication and improve lives.