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See Impulse In Use

a man in a power wheelchair and business clothes

 
See Impulse In Use
While a new product from AbleNet, Impulse has been out in the "real world" for quite some time. One early adopter, David Jayne, was kind enough to appear in the video below and answer a few questions about his experience using Impulse. Born and raised near Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Jayne is the founder of the National Coalition to Amend Medicare Homebound Restriction. Mr. Jayne was New Mobility magazine's Person of the Year in 2002, and currently is involved in building a natural gas and electricity business with Ignite. Mr. Jayne uses the Impulse for computer control on a daily basis.
Download the video to your computer (Quicktime format)



As a 21-year ALS survivor, can you describe how ALS has impacted your life in terms of physical abilities, and how you have made accommodations for physical limitations?
 The only functional movement I have remaining is facial movement and one finger. If I have access to my computer and chair I am much more independent than most non-verbal quadriplegics, if not I am as helpless as an infant. I can change and control my environment. If cannot meet my needs I can call for assistance.

 Please describe the communications system you are using in conjunction with Impulse.
 A Toshiba Tecra laptop, AT&T Natural Voice voice synthesizer, E Z Keys augmentative communication software from Words+. It is a normal Windows operating system computer. E Z Keys enables me to access the programs and speak.

 How long have you used this system?
 I have been using E Z Keys 15 years. The system has evolved with improving technology.

 How does it assist you in communicating?
 E Z Keys enables me to email obviously, text, create Word documents, prepare text to speak later and spontaneous speech.

 Where did you first learn about Impulse?
 I have worked with Dr. Phil Kennedy, Neural Signals, since 2000 when they began developing their EMG switch technology. They have kept me updated on their research.

 How is it [Impulse] different from other devices you’ve used?
 The most amazing feature of the Impulse is the lightening response. I did not realize how much time and effort I was wasting trying to anticipate and time a switch activation. The Impulse is instantaneous.

 How did you integrate it into your communications system?
 The change was simple and took minutes to install and begin using.

 What specific issues has it solved for you in communicating?
 I was using a fiber optic switch mounted on a pair of glasses, which needed repositioning through out the day and switch sensitivity required adjustments too often. This ranged from frustrating to dangerous because sometimes I would lose the the ability to communicate. These issues were eliminated.

 How is the device different from what you’ve used before? What capabilities are especially valuable to you?
Again, the speed allows me to type faster with less effort. The wireless feature is wonderful because people can hug me without disturbing my communication. Being surrounded with so much technology this is one less barrier preventing my connection with others.

 How do you think Impulse would benefit others with physical limitations?
 This technology will improve the quality of life for the nearly locked-in exponentially.

 Why would you tell them to consider using Impulse?
 For individuals in my condition, communication is just about all we have left. They will understand this switch will improve their ability to communicate dramatically.

 How has using Impulse improved the quality of your life?
 Everything I do is now accomplished with greater speed and accuracy. Frustration no longer exists.
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AbleNet, Inc.
2808 Fairview Avenue North - Roseville, MN 55113
(800) 322-0956 US & CAN
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