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Assistive Technology

As people living with ALS (PALS) experience a loss of motor skills, they may find that using assistive technology solutions helps restore independence and function in their environment. Devices can be utilized to use a computer, turn on lights, or even communicate. Assistive technology solutions are as varied as each person's disease process; it is important to implement a device that best suits the individual needs of the PALS.

While some PALS may require hardware technologies, which can range from simple hand switches to sophisticated eye-tracking devices, to help preserve their independence, other PALS find software technologies like screen magnifiers or on-screen keyboards may provide an adequate solution. It is important that PALS be able to try different accessibility options to see which meet their needs.

The ALS Hope Foundation is grateful for funding from a Christopher Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grant that allowed us to purchase assistive technology for trial in the clinic. Individuals can see and try different assistive technology solutions to issues they may be experiencing. Our work is also funded by the generosity of the Gitlin Family Fund and the ongoing support of the Kevin O'Donnell Independent Living Initiative.

You can help support our assistive technology initiatives by donating to the ALS Hope Foundation's Kevin O'Donnell Independent Living Initiative.

Ongoing Assistive Technology Projects

There are several assistive technology solutions and resources available to you through the ALS Hope Foundation and the MDA/ALS Center of Hope. New technology is always coming down the pipeline and we are always involved in new projects. You can also learn about our ongoing trials of assistive technology devices (such as EEG-based communication and brain-computer interface) on our Clinical Research page.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please email info@alshopefoundation.org.

Assistive Technology Education

Webinars/Presentations

Written Resources and Guides

  • Assistive Technology by Sara Feldman, DPT, ATP in R. Bedlack and H. Mitsomoto (Eds.), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Patient Care Guide for Clinicians (pp. 151-160). New York: Demos Medical Publishing
  • Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes by Therese Willkomm, PhD, ATP
  • Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes II: Ordinary Items, Extraordinary Solutions by Therese Willkomm, PhD, ATP

Assistive Technology Suppliers

DIY Assistive Technology Guides

ALS Assistive Technology Blogs and Websites

Previous Assistive Technology Projects

Conductive Contact Switch

  • Function: Utilizes conductive material (i.e., cloth or tape) to activate switch comprised of two separate pieces of material. Contact of two pieces of material creates electrical circuit. Activation is an emulation of a latch switch.

Chime Assist

  • Function: Adapted call bell equipped with a 3.5mm mono audio jack and plugs into conductive contact switch attachment. Also compatible with other assistive technology switches.

Assistive Technology Resources

Environmental Control Through Consumer Products by Sara Feldman PT, DPT, ATP

Controlling your environment using assistive technology has primarily been limited to people willing to spend a lot of time, effort, and often money, toward the activity; however, turning your home into a smart home is becoming much more accessible. Hands-free devices, voice controlled technology, smart phone apps, all of these options are offering new ways to address environmental control. The objective of this presentation, given at the ALS Association Clinical Care Conference in 2018, The objective is to educate health professionals on commercially available environmental control technology and how it can be used by individuals with ALS/MND.  

Webinar on Assistive Technology for PALS by Sara Feldman PT, DPT, ATP

The objective of this webinar, presented by Sara Feldman, Physical Therapist at the MDA/ALS Center of Hope, is to educate health professionals and PALS on where to begin when addressing high-tech assistive technology options and to increase their knowledge on available devices.

Making your Home a Smart Home by Sara Feldman PT, DPT, ATP

Dr. Sara Feldman discusses how readily available consumer technology can be used to maintain independence in the home. Presented at the Allied Professionals Forum in Boston 2017.

Computer Access Options for Individuals with ALS by Sara Feldman PT, DPT, ATP

Dr. Feldman describes the spectrum of computer access options.

Written Resources and Guides

  • Assistive Technology by Sara Feldman, DPT in R. Bedlack and H. Mitsomoto (Eds.), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Patient Care Guide for Clinicians. (pp. 151-160). New York: Demos Medical Publishing
  • Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes by Therese Willkomm, PhD, ATP
  • Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes II: Ordinary Items, Extraordinary Solutions by Therese Willkomm, PhD, ATP

Assistive Technology Suppliers

DIY Assistive Technology Guides

ALS Assistive Technology Blogs