communicATor

Michael S., "Mike," was referred to the CIDE (Center for Innovative Design and Engineering) Assistive Technology Clinic following a recent diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. Mike is a 56-year-old law professor who noticed increasing discoordination and changes in sensation in his hands, making writing, typing, using a mouse, and many basic daily tasks difficult to perform. Mike also lives with a lifelong Essential Tremor — a neurological condition causing involuntary shaking — that has made most daily tasks more challenging, particularly eating independently. Mike was evaluated by Rebecca Breaux, PhD, OTR/L, ATP (Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Professional), who found that he was spending one and a half hours to grade a single paper — out of 35 he had to grade — because of typing mistakes, reduced hand control, and difficulty accurately clicking with a mouse. Academic writing had become overwhelming, and Mike had begun avoiding eating in public or in front of colleagues, friends, and family because of his tremor.

The CIDE Assistive Technology Clinic emphasizes best practices throughout our services, which always includes patient-centered problem solving and hands-on device trials to ensure final recommendations are both effective and support independence. Clinicians worked directly with Mike to systematically test a range of options — adapted keyboards, ergonomic and specialty mice, adaptive writing tools, and positioning devices — observing in real time how each affected his comfort, control, and confidence. Every recommendation is earned through this process, not assumed. Adaptive tools for mealtime independence were also evaluated, with trials ongoing as the team continues to identify the right fit for Mike's specific needs.

He and his CIDE clinician found solutions that will dramatically improve his speed and accuracy at the computer. A speech-to-text program called Dragon Professional Individual will allow Mike to operate his computer through voice dictation rather than typing, supporting the demands of his professional work, improving performance, and reducing stress. Trials also found that placing a reverse wedge — a simple angled support — under Mike's arms allowed him to write and type with noticeably greater ease and accuracy. Work continues alongside Mike to find similar solutions for mealtime independence.

What Mike found through the clinic illustrates something important: assistive technology — any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system, whether purchased off the shelf, modified, or custom-built — isn't always what people expect. Used to increase, maintain, or improve a person's functional abilities, it can be as sophisticated as a professional speech-to-text program or as simple as an angled wedge. Through the skilled work of the clinicians at the CIDE Assistive Technology Clinic, Mike found both, and with them, a path to continued independence in his profession.

Author: Aleaza Goldberg