Helping Richard

The article I chose that I thought could possibly be of benefit to Richard was a Product Spotlight titled, Breakthrough in adaptive reading technology opens new doors for millions with impaired vision. This article can be found by visiting http://www.closingthegap.com/lib/pdf/2005/Dec-Jan05/Spotlights/myReader.pdf. This article is an appropriate choice for Richard because during his interview with Crystal, he expressed his concern with not being able to read the newspaper and that his wife was getting tired of reading him the sections he enjoyed. The product mentioned in this article is called myReader, which is a low vision auto-reading device made by Pulse Data HumanWare. This product is could be a good choice for Richard because it describes it as a compact, transportable device which Richard mentioned that he would like something transportable. This device can make reading the paper, which Richard misses, more of a possibility than having to move his head around and becoming too fatigued to continue. Another highlight of this article is that one of the first users of the myReader also has age-related macular degeneration and stated that it made a huge impact with her ability to read. This product can make the task of reading more enjoyable and satisfying by only having to place the reading material on the table and choosing the size of the letters, speed, and the colors that you want. The myReader can help Richard enjoy one of his hobbies or activities that he has had to "give up" on because of his macular degeneration. One concern is that it may be difficult to transport because it does have a 15" screen and could possibly be quite expensive. I think it would be beneficial for Richard, Crystal, and his wife and son, thought of other options to assist Richard. There is so many products available for low vision that Crystal could help find Richard the best and most appropriate AT for him.

Once again, as I think Helen mentioned in our discussion board, Dr. T and/or J made a pretty cool presentation and had awesome graphics. I think it was a good experience to see the COPM conducted in this manner.