If a person has no understandable speech or speech which is extremely hard
to understand, she can communicate using special computer programs. These
programs are basically text anticipation programs which put up a selection of
"guesses" as to which the next word will be and the user clicks on
the correct word. Others then read the message, or listen to the computer
converted speech.
But how does she operate the mouse? There are programs which allow eye
movement to move and click the mouse. The mouse can also be controlled by head
tracking or manipulated using a sip and puff switch.
If her speech is clear enough, the computer can be operated by way of speech
recognition programs. These control the mouse by verbal commands and convert
speech into typed text.
For people who are unable to read, the computer will read whatever text it's
on. Special flatbed scanners will read books and convert text to speech on a
tape or disc. These scanners are found in some libraries and in most college's
centers for person's with disabilities.
The cup holder
The cup holder is so obvious that it is often overlooked. People who are
quadriplegic are often not sufficiently hydrated because they are sometimes
alone and also because they are reluctant to keep asking someone to hold a cup
for them. The cup holder needs have a full range of movement so it can be
placed so the straw is easily accessed. It needs to be able to hold a cup large
enough to hold liquids for several hours.
How is all this paid for?
Medicare or Medicaid may pay for some things, certainly for a wheelchair.
Social Security has two programs called the PASS program and the ERWE program
which will pay for equipment needed to prepare a person to enter the workforce
or to support her when she is in the workforce. In many states the departments
of rehabilitation will pay for equipment.