Comment by codpiece
3 years ago
Not sure if it counts as tech, but I created a voiceboard for my mother to help her communicate while in hospice. She had a massive stroke and could no longer speak.
I thought of a tablet app, but the stakes were too high, so it wound up as a laminated paper. You can read about my design decisions here:
This absolutely counts. This is such a great testament to how simple engineering and thoughtful design can do good in the world. You're a good son!
Is there a reason besides preventing commercial use that you don't just have a PDF link on your site?
I tailor them upon request. I would like to make a self-serve site, but don't have the time or skills. I would prefer to give this away, people are usually in their worst moments, so a little generosity makes me feel like I make the world a better place.
Actually, I think I just forgot to put the newer, generic version up on the site for download. Good thinking!
Thanks for designing and publishing your work! I was surprised too, that there is nothing similar when I was at a stroke unit for a relative.
I wish you all the best for your mother. Keep caring for her, before caring for the website.
Your website is covered in "contact me", but I see no contact information, and your HN profile is similarly anonymous. Sorry, I couldn't figure it out.
I don't know what skills you lack, but if they're web development skills, and if you want some help with your wonderful project, my email is in my profile. I cannot, alas, do anything about your insufficient-time problem.
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When my sister was in the ICU at a hospital in a big city, I created something similar for her. The nurses complimented me on it and said it made their lives easier, but I was shocked to learn that they didn't have anything like it unless families made them themselves.
I was shocked to find that out too. A friend pointed out it helps for people on ventilators, was that your case?
This is a wonderful project, I hope someone in the community helps you with a self service version, love the thought you have put into it and Thankyou for explaining the reasoning. You should share this in the Occupational Health community.
I am very interested in this - my mom has MSA and is quickly losing her ability to talk. Not sure how to contact you, but I'll check the website and your profile again in a bit to see if there are updates
I sent you a message, I would be happy to make a board for your mom!
They make something like that for autistic people and others that are non-verbal. The commercial product, which is essentially just a binder with printed words or pictures, is surprisingly expensive so lots of people DIY them.
They're called PECS, Picture Exchange Communication System. A speech therapist is trained to work with people who have verbalization or accent issues and help them work through them. Or if they can't, suggest PECS so they're still able to communicate.
I found your love for your mom and your dedication to taking care of her to be really touching. This is really wonderful!
Amazing work. Of all the great projects on this thread, this is my favourite
Definitely counts. Very cool.