Noteboom The Law Firm

Giving Disabled Veterans the Power of Communication

Researchers at the University of Buffalo (UB) are attempting to help veterans communicate effectively despite suffering injuries that make it very difficult for them to do so. One of their tools in this effort is The Talker, a computer program available to help victims of stroke by speaking what the stroke victim types.

The veterans the researchers are working with have suffered serious injuries making it extremely difficult for them to:

• remember appointments;
• remain in contact with loved ones; and
• use computers.

Veteran hospitals are using assistive technology such as iPods and smart pens to grant disabled veterans more control over their ability to communicate. The enhanced Talker program and the assistive technology equipment was first tested last month at the James A. Haley  Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Tampa, Florida. This will assist those veterans injured in such a way that they can no longer speak and have no use of their hands.

Meanwhile, researchers are attempting to establish a wireless communication network at the Spinal Cord Injury Center. Each patient will use a network or tablet computer to connect to caregivers, other patients, and the Internet via wireless network and OmniSwitch software, which was also developed at UB.

Patients using this system will be no more restricted than a person using a regular mouse. Being connected to the outside world and distant family members is crucial in the healing process for many disabled veterans.