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John Cameron · Jan 19, 2006, 02:57 PM

I'm trying to establish if there is a device available that will let a severely paralized individual contol a TV and DVD. The individual involved has what's referred to as locked in syndrom. Essentially, their mental capacity is in tact, but physically nothing works below the nose. Verbal comunication can only be accomlished using eye blinks in response another party rhyming off a specially developed alphabet. There is however some slight volentary head movement but with little to no stength.

Voice activation is out of the question and what I'm trying to establish is if there is some device ( Controler) out there that is menu driven and would respond much like a computer 0 & 1's to slight touch, and at the same time emit the signals necessary to operate a TV and DVD in the same way that normal remote controlers do and are shipped with these products.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 19, 2006, 03:29 PM

I do not know of any item on the market that would do this, You do need to check with one of the more advanced medical supply stores.

Also ( no idea of the cost) they make a controler for an electric wheel chair that operates off "puff's" of air or "sucking" on a tube. I am sure one of the advanced techs that makes the chairs using this, may be able to wire the controller into a TV controller, but the cost even if possible would be in the thousands.

John Cameron · Jan 19, 2006, 06:13 PM

Thanks for responding. I hadn't thought of the air approach and was focused on the modest head movement. I'll check with our local wheelchair supplier and see if he can direct me to an appropriate manufacturer through which I can explore that possibility. Money is definitely an issue but so is quality of life, and it doesn't hurt to ask or explore. My problem is the local professionals aren't prepared to think outside the box.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 19, 2006, 07:25 PM

Invacare ( major US wheelchair manufactorer) and I believe Pride Mobility both make switches that operate on the puff and suck method.

They are used to open and close pneumatic switches that then operate electric switches. They use them in wheel chairs to make the chair go forward or reverse and to turn right and left. They can also make the seat rise and lower and tilt.

For example two quick puffs and it goes forward, two slow puffs may make it turn right. A suck may make it go back. And so on.

Now I doubt anyone has made it into a TV remote but it is possible from my very general knowledge of the equipment.