ALS News Today Forums » All Posts https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/forum/navigating-als-challenges/mobility-aides-assistive-technology-and-medical-equipment/feed/ Fri, 24 May 2024 04:26:43 -0500 http://bbpress.org/?v=2.5.14-6684 en-US https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/your-tips-for-wearing-afos-ankle-foot-orthosis/#post-25225 <![CDATA[Reply To: Your tips for wearing AFOs (ankle-foot-orthosis)]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/your-tips-for-wearing-afos-ankle-foot-orthosis/#post-25225 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:10:31 +0000 Micky Hi Heather,

I saw your message about your husband’s AFO, and I thought to mention that I use my 2 carbon AFO braces with Sketchers slip-on sneakers. It took some effort, but I removed the insides using a screwdriver, and was fitted with both feet for spongy foot inserts. They work like a charm, and I cannot pull up zippers so I fit them inside my loose legged pants that I just pull up. I try to walk every day 1-2 miles – always with my AFO’s. I also use a 1/2” higher shoe size. You can use a full size greater too.

Good luck!! Mike (Micky)

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/your-tips-for-wearing-afos-ankle-foot-orthosis/#post-25201 <![CDATA[Reply To: Your tips for wearing AFOs (ankle-foot-orthosis)]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/your-tips-for-wearing-afos-ankle-foot-orthosis/#post-25201 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 04:54:55 +0000 Heatherb Yes I bought my husband a pair of the Sketchers slip-ins. It would be nice if he could also wear them with the afo but they don’t have removable soles, so that’s out. He wears one afo right now and for some reason it makes his lower leg and ankle very swollen. So depending on where he is going and who he will be with, he just wears the sketchers and uses his cane. They are really convenient and comfortable.

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/your-tips-for-wearing-afos-ankle-foot-orthosis/#post-25197 <![CDATA[Reply To: Your tips for wearing AFOs (ankle-foot-orthosis)]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/your-tips-for-wearing-afos-ankle-foot-orthosis/#post-25197 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:24:55 +0000 Dagmar Has anyone tried the new slip-on sneakers (like Sketchers) to wear with AFOs? Or, even to wear without AFOs?

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/artificial-voice-speech-equipment/page/2/#post-25019 <![CDATA[Reply To: artificial voice/speech equipment]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/artificial-voice-speech-equipment/page/2/#post-25019 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 17:34:11 +0000 <div>This is relatively new:</div>

Brain implants give a voice to people who cannot speak (ft.com)

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/artificial-voice-speech-equipment/#post-25012 <![CDATA[Reply To: artificial voice/speech equipment]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/artificial-voice-speech-equipment/#post-25012 Sat, 23 Dec 2023 00:04:33 +0000 Dianne Has anyone tried Voiceitt? You speak about 200 (Ithink) prescribed short phrases sitting at the computer, then it learns how you say those sounds. Made for those with speech difficulties. As your speech gets worse, it still interprets. It types your speech in real time, or uses a robotic voice in real time to speak out loud. My husband has, so far, done the words, but that’s as far as we’ve gone. YouTube has a video of a guy with MS doing it, looks wonderful! His speech is pretty hard to understand, but the Voiceitt2 immediately is typing out what he’s saying. We are paying 59 /month. The app is not the updated most recent version, we are using RAZ Mobility to access the Voiceitt, access through any browser . Supposed to be next generation assistive technology.

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24792 <![CDATA[Reply To: Foldable active lift]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24792 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 09:50:17 +0000 svarog Thanks, guys. If I also find something I’ll post it here

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24790 <![CDATA[Reply To: Foldable active lift]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24790 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:33:02 +0000 Sonovia Horace I’m also looking for a portable / foldable wheelchair lift. I looked online and left a few messages for vendors that specializes in changing a car seat into a handicap accessible seat. It’s very expensive. I will continue the search and keep you informed.

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24788 <![CDATA[Reply To: Foldable active lift]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24788 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:19:03 +0000 Dai I found some in the UK but they are $2500 so too expensive for us, but I am looking at how to modify simple scissor lifts that are small enough to help with vehicle access and we have to get into an RV so quite a lift distance. Anyway will keep looking and If we find something to modify or build then will let you know. Dai

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24782 <![CDATA[Foldable active lift]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/foldable-active-lift/#post-24782 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:57:38 +0000 svarog I’m searching for foldable / compact active lift that can be used to get me in and out of the car seat, and also that can be easily packaged and transported in the trunk. I’ve looked up online and found some options but they are either too expensive or too difficult to assemble and disassemble. Has anyone had experience with this kind of device and could provide some advice?

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https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/a-brand-new-sub-forum-lets-discuss-mobility-technology-and-medical-equipment/page/2/#post-24769 <![CDATA[Reply To: A brand-new sub-forum: Let’s discuss mobility, technology and medical equipment]]> https://alsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/a-brand-new-sub-forum-lets-discuss-mobility-technology-and-medical-equipment/page/2/#post-24769 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:25:23 +0000 Jeff_B I would like to add two general points to this thread.

My first point is simply to be proactive and stay one step ahead of your mobility needs. If you are using walking poles, get a rollator. If you are using a rollator, start looking at power wheel chairs, scooters and so on. It takes time to assess and obtain these devices and yo want them proactively available for use before you have an “incident”, thus avoiding the setback of an injury.

My second point is that you should attempt to get the right tool for the right job. Sticking with the prior examples, the correct rollator for inside the house is not the same as a suitable rollator for use outside. You need two different devices. My inside rollator is compact, nimble, has a nice tray and importantly has a one handed brake that brakes both wheels (Trust Let’s Go indoor rollator). My outside rollator is very sturdy with a wider footprint, large wheels, and a seat for a brief rest if needed (Trust Let’s Fly outdoor rollator). The same concepts are true for wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices.

In summary, get what you need, before you absolutely need it, and get the right tool for the right job. Procrastination and compromises can have big consequences, if you fall and get injured.

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