Providing limitless opportunities.
At Mary Free Bed, we offer a variety of specialized technology to patients of all ages, from school-age children to people having difficulty at work, to the elderly — and all ages and life situations in between.
We offer devices to help you use computers, televisions and other environmental systems — and even to communicate your thoughts when you can’t speak for yourself. We also have solutions for potential challenges with tasks like turning on or off light switches, temperature control or using a remote control.
Specially trained technicians and therapists work with you, your family and other caregivers to determine the best technology to power your independence and decreases the demands on your caregivers. You’ll also be able to try them out yourself to give you a feel for what will be most helpful.
Augmentative Communication
If your ability to speak is limited, we have options!
An occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist will work with you and your loved one to determine an alternative or supplement to verbal communication. We’ll discuss and explore your hopes and goals, and then you’ll work with therapists to create an individualized communication plan.
No-tech options such as pictures, alphabet boards or partner-assisted scanning may provide opportunities for beginning communication. There also may be an immediate option to communicate by pointing or moving your eyes.
We can also explore low-, middle- and high-tech options. We work closely with speech-generating device companies to maintain a supply of commercial and disability-specific tools. These are available for practice during augmentative communication sessions.
These devices can be controlled via touchscreen, eye gaze, head mouse, and even through switch-scanning, a technology that can help you communicate when you can only make one movement.
We serve patients of all ages and conditions, including:
- Brain injury
- Stroke
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Rett syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Computer Access
Software modifications and hardware additions to your computer can help eliminate challenges you might have with typing, spelling, reading, moving a mouse or seeing what’s on the screen.
Our tech experts can adapt, customize and set up your equipment to ensure easy access to computer resources and other technological devices. These tools can boost your ability to complete certain tasks.
The process begins with a computer evaluation to identify the solutions and modifications that will work best for you to enhance your lost or limited physical skills.
Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL)
Devices called Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL) are designed to enhance your independence at home, school and work. Operated by infrared signals, radio frequency, Wi-Fi or voice control, they may include:
- Emergency call devices
- Door opening systems
- Switch-operated telephones
- Remote-controlled lights or fans
- Remote-controlled audio systems.
Our team will evaluate your needs to see which might suit you best. Our services also include equipment trials, helping you get prior authorization from your insurance provider, assisting with funding sources, coordinating equipment purchase and setup, training and customization.
Contact us
616.840.8007
800.474.0324
