Question
Hi Ken, My brother Bud is a quad and has been for 16 yrs he is getting ready to purchase a computer (laptop) and is in need of finding a mouth piece to use and other accessories do you have any advice on this that might help, companies and accessories that could make life easier and open his world up to so many new things thank you for your time love debra

Answer
Hi Debra,

I'm sorry for the delay in responding. I needed to look up some info. I use 3/8 wooden dowels that you can find at craft stores. The reason I use that type is because plastic/rubber sticks make me gage. On the tip of the stick I use the light green rubber piece you can find in most leg bag packages, it is normally used on the end of the leg bag tubing.

I will attach some web addresses so you can look for other type of mouth sticks if you so choose. As for computer accessories, there are plenty. Depending on his level of injury he may be inclined to use one type over another.

Because I am a C4-C5 quad I use a mouth stick occasionally and type with the side of my hand too. The use of a mouse is something I am able to do with a bit of difficulty, but because I don't exercise on a regular basis I find how I use my computer the only real means of exercise for myself.

There are voice activated software that can be used, track balls on the keyboard to be used as your mouse, etc; etc;. One feature I have setup on my computer is the use of the numeric keyboard as your mouse, this feature can be turned on through a process which can be setup on your computer through the accessibility option.

If you have more specific questions or additional questions feel free to write again. Below you will find some web addresses you can use to find more info.

Sincerely,
      Ken      

http://www.mcfeelys.com/

http://www.spinalcord.org/resources/index.php?link=C&list=19

http://www.makoa.org/computers.htm