High Tech Meets Heritage
By Zacharias, Karen Spears; New Mobility, Vol. 14, No. 122, pp. 28-32Publication Date: November 2003
Article discusses assitive technology devices utilized by a rancher named Dave Metheny, who sustained a spinal cord injury at the C3-4 level in a horseback riding accident. The rancher monitors the wheat market, stock prices, and weather conditions by using a satellite computer system with voice recognition software that allows him to log on without a keyboard, surf the Internet, or talk on the phone without having to use a headset. At first, Metheny used IBM’s ViaVoice, but soon switched to Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 7.0 due to its greater accuracy. He uses a Permobil powered wheelchair, which weighs 395 pounds and can reach speeds of 6 miles per hour. One of the most important high-tech devices he uses is the Handi-Move ceiling track, which runs from the corner of the room above his recliner, across the bed, around the room, and through an extra-wide door that leads to an extra-large bathroom. Metheny gets ready for his day by riding the conveyor lift through the process of showering, shaving, brushing, flossing, and dressing. For exercise and rehabilitation purposes, he utilizes a StimMaster Galaxy bike, which builds muscle tone through functional electrical stimulation. Metheny uses the bike three times a week for fifteen minutes, which has made a significant difference in his atrophied legs. He complements the lower-body workouts with an upper-body stimulator, also made by StimMaster. Patches with neuromuscular stimulation are simply attached to his upper body. According to Metheny, the extra stimulation has significantly improved his respiratory system. Metheny contends that along with running his ranch, he would also like to find ways to fund such devices to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Assistive Products Discussed: CHAIRMAN 2K CORPUS
DRAGON NATURALLYSPEAKING
VIAVOICE STANDARD
VIAVOICE PRO USB EDITION
VIAVOICE FOR MAC OS X
HANDI MOVE TRACK-TO-TRACK 100
HANDI MOVE WALL-TO-WALL LIFT
CHAIRMAN MPS (MULTI POSITIONING SYSTEM)
CHAIRMAN CORPUS
HANDI MOVE
Published by: No Limits Communications Inc. (Website:http://www.newmobility.com)
