Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tank!ncar!asuvax!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!Ron.Rothenberg From: Ron.Rothenberg@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: Information Message-ID: <9534@bunker.UUCP> Date: 12 Jan 90 02:18:19 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Ron.Rothenberg@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA Lines: 147 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 6202 PH> Ron- PH> You recently posted an address for info published by Whirlpool PH> for information. Could you post it again? PH> Additionally, some months ago, you responded to a request by me PH> for info concerning keyboard input devices for people lacking PH> manual dexterity. Would you please repost? Hi Paul: Whirlpool Corporation Appliance Info Service Benton Harbor, MI 49022 "Designs for Independent Living" and "Tools for Independent Living" I think I posted info on several devices, particularly the Magic Wand. There is an article on the Magic Wand in this winter's Accent on Living Magazine. Original messages: Communi-Mate(c) Wells & Ryan, Inc. Communi-Mate(c) Communication Converse - Carry on a conversation with family and friends using a library of commonly used words and phrases, which can be easily expanded and modified by the user! Write - Compose letters to friends and family, write messages to the doctor, "things-to-do" lists for the kids, even speeches! Anything composed can be printed, viewed, spoken or stored and recalled immediately, or at a later date! Speak & Print - Use the voice synthesizer to say what you've written or to carry on a conversation with family and friends. Use the printer to produce high quality 8-1/2" x 11" type-written pages for any correspondence! (The voice synthesizer is a Votrex speech producer. We have not found this to be a major problem; however, a more sophisticated voice can be purchased from Wells & Ryan, Inc., though their prices can be high.) Medical Assistance - Indicate basic medical conditions such as lower back pain, headache, back needs scratching, etc. Also call for assistance with a signal that can be activated from most menus! This signal can be heard in the next room over the television. It is a continuous beep. Communi-Mate(c) Environmental Control Over 250 household appliances can be controlled by the user by plugging this system into any electrical outlet in the home. This system can turn lights, televisions, stereos, alarms, ~ anything electrical ~ on, off, up or down! Optional accessories include the thermostat control, recliner chair and bed control, home security devices, emergency phone caller and many more! How It Works Communi-Mate(c) is controlled entirely through the use of a single switch. There are many different types of switches available, such as a blink switch mounted on eyeglass frames, a brow switch implanted in a favourite headband, a pressure-sensitive switch, or a puff and sip switch. Custom switches are available for special needs. It's Simple To Use Even though Communi-Mate(c) is a powerful and full-featured comunication and environmental control system, it's very simple to use. Communi-Mate(c) comes with a large, easy to read screen. Anyone can begin using it in a matter of minutes. People from ages 5 to 75 have used Communi-Mate(c) with ease. It's Fast - Yet Controllable Communi-Mate(c) users can set their own pace. Communi-Mate(c) allows the user to speed the system up as fast as they like, yet beginners can set a slow, easy pace to learn Communi-Mate(c). It's Portable Communi-Mate(c) is easily transportable and can be operated from any electrical outlet. Communi-Mate(c) is also available for hookup on electric wheelchairs. A special device allows the system to operate using battery power directly from the wheelchair. (Wells & Ryan Inc. readily admit that the correct term would be luggable. We have built a wooden tray to sit on the front of our wheelchair and the monitor sits there. We intend to suspend the CPU from the back of the chair by means of Bungee Cords. We have had the system just over a week.) It's Well Designed >From basic conversation to complex text composition, Communi-Mate(c) methodology is as close to the human thought process as possible. Years of extensive research, working closely with patients and actual users of Communi-Mate(c), have resulted in an extremely powerful ~ yet easy to use ~ communication and environmental control system. The Communi-Mate(c) system is the result of years of research and development involving the key ingredient ~ people using the system. Communi-Mate(c) Service Communi-Mate(c) representatives are strongly committed to service! Just call the 24 hour hot-line number (312) 816-8580 with any questions or probloems. Service contracts can be custom designed for the individual and regional needs. System improvements, added features and accessory equipment are continuously being developed. Current versions are available in both English and Spanish. Other languages are available upon request. Wells & Ryan, Inc. is dedicated to the continued development of Communi-Mate(c) for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life! Wells & Ryan, Inc. 39 Crestland Road Indian Creek, IL 60060 (Our entire system - monitor, cpu, voice synthesizer, printer, video training tape, written manual in straightforward English, loud alarm or chime alert and one appliance module (More of the latter available at Radio Shack $10- $15) came to a grand total of $2500 US. A service contract was $375 per year and includes FREE software upgrades. Muscular Dystrophy in the US reimburses $350, but you'll have to scramble for the rest. We were impressed, overwhelmed, stupefied, and dumbfounded when we received our system. Steve Wells is a most personable young man, who is very anxious to assist patients in any way he can. We have found him to be most helpful. He is always actively seeking feedback from users so that the product can continue to grow to fill their needs. We feel this is one of the most important factors along with the service contract, which includes free software upgrades and 24-hour replacement of defective parts or the whole system if anything goes wrong.) (continued) ... It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick-D. Barry's Mom -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!Ron.Rothenberg Internet: Ron.Rothenberg@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org