ALS & Augmentative Communication Links

ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

I have started to put together a list of web sites which have information on ALS, or information which may be helpful to ALS patients, families, or caregivers. If you know of other useful links, or have suggestions for improvements to this page, please send them to me.

ALS Resources:

Communication Aids:

  • E-triloquist - A free speaking utility which reads aloud phrases which are typed in to it. A Windows utility, E-triloquist provides an easy means to store and retrieve commonly used words or phrases. E-triloquist Version 5.0 includes US English Male and/or Female voices as part of the free package. E-triloquist can play pre-recorded sound files as well as performing free-form speech synthesis. See the E-triloquist home page for details and download instructions.
  • CHIPSpeakingtm (Conversational Help for Individuals with Problems Speaking) is a similar, free (non-commercial), text-to-speech communication aid based on the Microsoft Agent voices. The web site includes the download of the program, various Microsoft Agent characters/voices, and some background.
  • TalkForMe! - Speech Software for Macintosh from HyperSolutions. TalkForMe! is a communications tool for people who can no longer speak. It uses Apple's built-in Text-To-Speech capability to simulate speech. It allows common words and phrases to be stored and spoken.
  • MyVoice X - Another free speech application for the Macintosh and Windows. MyVoice X works with Mac OSX, Mac Classic as well as Windows. It allows you to enter and save your own phrases, and have them spoken by the computer.
  • Proloquo - from AssistiveWare. A Multipurpose and multilingual speech solution for Mac OS X utilizing both pictures and words. Can be combined with their KeyStrokes virtual on-screen keyboard and SwitchXS switch access solution for the Macintosh.
  • Words+ manufactures electronic devices that let people communicate, access computers, control their environment, and more. They also sell augmentative communication software products, including EZ Keys for Windows. EZ Keys is a software program designed to enable people with disabilities to operate a computer. EZ Keys for Windows is most often used in conjunction with other Windows applications such as word processors or web browsers. It can also operate stand alone as a full-featured voice communication and environmental control program. EZ Keys includes mouse emulation, word prediction, instant phrases, abbreviation expansion, scanning keyboards for single-switch use, and more. Demo versions are available for downloading from the Words+ web site.

On-Screen Keyboards, Word Predictors, and Related Software/Hardware:

  • Click-N-Type virtual keyboard from Lake Software is a free on-screen virtual keyboard designed for anyone with a disability that prevents him or her from typing on a physical computer keyboard.
  • Virtual On-Screen Keyboard by MiloSoft - a free on-screen keyboard which allows you to use your mouse to type in any text environment, including chat, email and word processing programs. The Virtual On-Screen Keyboard is available through the ALS March of Faces website.
  • Dasher - an information-efficient text-entry interface, driven by natural continuous pointing gestures. Dasher is a competitive text-entry system wherever a full- size keyboard cannot be used. There are Windows, Unix, and PDA (Pocket PC) versions available. The Special Needs page also has information for connecting E-triloquist and Dasher (go to the bottom of the page for instructions).
  • Origin Instruments Corporation SofType® On-Screen Keyboard for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. Demo versions available for downloading. SofType® is an on-screen keyboard designed to allow users with motor impairments, which hinder use of a normal hardware keyboard, to type into Windows applications. SofType® can be used to input speech into E-triloquist, or other programs. Includes Word Prediction, keyboard scanning for use with a single-switch (adaptive switch), and more.
  • WiViK® is another Windows on-screen accessible keyboard with options for single- or multi-switch scanners and word prediction. WiViK® can be used to input speech into E-triloquist or other programs. A 30-day demo version is available by request.
  • Prentke Romich Company sells a variety of Augmentative Communication Products and Accessories, Mounts, and Switches. For example, they make the Headmaster Plus which allows you to control your computer's cursor using your head.
  • beKey on-screen keyboard - an on-screen keyboard including both word prediction and next-word from be-enabled. Free 30 day trial version is available.
  • My-T-Mouse is a Windows software program that provides on-screen keyboards, user programmable macro buttons, and other functions to create a powerful interface compatible with any pointing device (Mice, Trackballs, Touchscreens, GlidePads, Pens, Switches, Digitizers, etc.), while providing complete access and control over all computer functions. Demos can be downloaded from their web site. My-T-Mouse and other IMG products work with all Windows applications and run under all Windows graphic environments.
  • VKB32 is a virtual keyboard and mouse, which can be operated via joystick. This virtual keyboard does not obstruct the screen as most other similar products do because it uses a 2nd monitor (have you seen how cheap monitors are these days!?!). JoyMouse32 is a program which redirects a joystick to mouse functions.
  • Disability Keyboards - A large document via FTP describing lots of keyboards for people with typing injuries. Includes single-switch inputs. You may also want to check out the higher level directory which includes other typing-injury related files. Note - most of the other files in the ftp directory are compressed Unix (.Z) files. Still, it may be worth a look.
  • Microsoft Accessibility Technology - Information from Microsoft on accessibility capability within their products, and links to 3rd party add-on products.

Hardware - Alternative Input and other Physical Devices:

  • Asyst provides communication and home control products and services for people with disabilities. Products include a variety of specialized hardware products as well as custom solutions which they develop by working together with the individual to determine the best plan for each person.
  • Madentec - Maker of headpointer, single-switch, on-screen keyboard, predictive typing, and other hardware and software aides.
  • Crestwood Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Communication Aids for Children and Adults, including a new hand-held speaking aid.
  • Speech Enhancertm. A headset-like device which makes speech clearer electronically.
  • VisionKey from EyeCan. Portable eye tracking keyboards
  • Eye Response Technologies. Available as a complete eye-controlled communication device, or as an eye-control add-on to an existing Windows or Macintosh computer.

Resource Pages created by PALS (People with ALS) and their Caregivers

  • ALS Network. "a central site where PALS can track and follow the treatment programs and ALS status of other PALS in the battle with ALS." Also includes info on Living with ALS as well as resources for patients and caregivers.
  • Rideforlife.com - News and information of interest to PALS and caregivers, plus PALS Profiles and a calendar for ALS-related events and support groups.
  • The ALS March of Faces is a patient/caregiver governed and operated non-profit organization, dedicated to heightening public awareness of ALS, and advocating on issues that concern and/or benefit PALS.
  • ALS and Associated Web Pages. Loads of links compiled by PALS Steve Weekes.
  • Joe's ALS Advocacy
  • www.alsforums.com provides a free service in the form of a moderated Internet support group. The support community consists of individuals working together to exchange information and offer moral support. You're not alone! Together, we provide hope, information, support, and friendship to people affected by ALS/MND; mothers, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends alike.

Links to More Links and other Information Resources:

  • The Les Turner ALS Foundation - the nation's largest independent publicly supported non-profit organization devoted to the treatment and elimination of ALS. The Foundation supports the ALS community in Chicago and its suburbs and is affiliated with Northwestern University Medical School. Their web site includes background about what ALS is, resources for people with ALS and their families, information about the Foundation's programs to help people with ALS, and ways in which you can help the Foundation. They have been a tremendous help to my family and many others.
  • The Neuromuscular Disorders Program at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine - provides information about the world-renown research and clinical programs at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Learn about their clinics and expert and compassionate staff. Meet the research team and read about their current investigations. Explore research projects that interest you.
  • The ALS Association's mission is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. They provide a wide variety of services through Advocacy, Patient Services Programs, Research, and Events that help support each of these areas. The National ALS Association website has information concerning the ALS disease and research and may be accessed at www.alsa.org. The ALS Association, Arizona Chapter, is one of 42 individual state chapters throughout the USA, and has many resources available for people with ALS and their families, including Support Groups, Patient Care Programs (including Respite, Transportation, and DME Loan Closet), Contact Information, and more. It may be accessed at www.alsaz.org.
  • International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. Includes an on-line newsletter, summaries of past symposiums, and a directory of all the countries and organizations involved with the ALS/MND Association.
  • MEDLINE - pre-eminent medical library and search engine.
  • Interwork Institute, San Diego State University; Disability Websites, Rehabilitation Counseling Services, and Job Assistance.
  • Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis.
  • Adaptive Consulting Services provides augmentative communication and computer access technology for persons with speech disorders and physical limitations.
  • The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a network of community-based resource centers dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. Centers can be found all across the country. Their web page includes a profile of ATA, a list of assistive centers organized by state, links to vendors of assistive devices and software, and other resources.
  • Assistive Technology News Portal - Axistive offers free news, articles, product reviews and all product and vendor information of assistive technology devices. You will find objective information on how to use and find devices that make the use of, and access to the digital world easier.
  • Doctor's guide to ALS Information & Resources. Medical news and information for patients or friends/parents of patients diagnosed with ALS and ALS-related disorders.
  • Extra Hands for ALS exists to assist people with ALS and their families, raise public awareness of the disease, energize the ALS community, and introduce young adults to community service.
  • RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) is "an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability". Their site includes a Directory of Certified Assistive Technology Practitioners (ATP) and Suppliers (ATS).
All resources included here are provided as a service to the reader, and do not imply endorsement of any of the products or services presented here. Follow the links and make your own judgement.