Caitlin Smith presents on new EMG technology called the NeuroSwitch that can aid communication for those with paralysis or speech loss. The NeuroSwitch uses electrodes placed on muscles to detect electrical signals and allow users to control a computer using only their muscles. It has advantages over other assistive devices in being reliable, durable, and not requiring precise recalibration. The NeuroSwitch seamlessly integrates with Apple devices using Switch Control software to allow text entry, speech generation, and other functions through muscle signals alone.

1. Beyond Eye Tracking:
New Technology for Communication
Presented by Caitlin Smith, M.A. CCC-SLP
from Wichita, KS. Owner of Small Talk
Pediatric Speech Therapy. Covering new
EMG technology used to aid those with
paralysis and loss of speech.
AAC-56
Learn more at controlbionics.com

2. BEING “LOCKED IN”
NEUROLOGICAL TRAUMAS & PROGRESSIVE DISEASES

3. BEING “LOCKED IN”
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Primary Lateral Sclerosis
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
NEUROLOGICAL TRAUMAS & PROGRESSIVE DISEASES

4. BEING “LOCKED IN”
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FORM A 3-LETTER WORD?

5. BEING “LOCKED IN”
SEARCHING FOR A SPEECH GENERATING DEVICE
RELIABILITY:
a device for the duration
EASE OF USE:
an intuitive device
EARLY IMPLEMENTATION:
the sooner the better

6. Rapid rate of speech decline
in progressive diseases
EARLY IMPLEMENTATION
WHY “THE SOONER THE BETTER”?
Process to obtain AAC device
can be lengthy
© STUART CAIE
Master a new device before
becoming wholly reliant on it

7. RELIABILITY
CREATING A LIFELINE TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
“I was locked out from so
many things I had previously
taken for granted. This device
has given me back
independence and freedom.”
– GLENN SARGOOD –
ALS PATIENT
© TIM PARKINSON© CHARLES HENRY

8. RELIABILITY
CREATING A LIFELINE TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
© TIM PARKINSON
“For someone who has had
so much taken away from
him, to be able to have this
little bit of independence is so
important for his morale and
sanity.”
– RACHEL SARGOOD –
WIFE OF ALS PATIENT
© CHARLES HENRY

9. EASE OF USE
COULD IT BE AS EASY AS ONE-TWO-THREE?
= useful
© GOT CREDIT

10. OBSTACLES
CHALLENGES TO ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY
Constant Recalibration
Reliability & Durability
Positioning Requirements
Existing/Future Conditions
Available Support/Training
© THE U.S. ARMY

11. EMG TECHNOLOGY
A SOLUTION WITH A CLINICAL PAST
electromyography
noun│elec•tro•myo•graph│-,graf
: The measurement of electrical activity
associated with the activation of a muscle as
detected by electrodes on the surface of the
skin.
© GREEBLIE

12. THE NEUROSWITCH
EMG TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNICATION
The pocket-sized
NeuroSwitch Liberator is
bluetooth equipped, giving
users wireless control and
communications,
and giving caregivers
complete freedom of
movement and access.

13. THE NEUROSWITCH
EMG TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNICATION
Patient Cables are attached to non-
invasive, adhesive electrodes which are
located at a muscle site.

14. THE NEUROSWITCH
EMG TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNICATION
The NeuroSwitch is
completely and seamlessly
integrated with an Apple
MacBook laptop.

15. THE NEUROSWITCH
EMG TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNICATION
This MacBook utilizes
Apple’s Switch Control,
giving patients and
therapists versatile
scanning technology to
enter text, generate speech,
and more.

16. THE NEUROSWITCH
COMMUNICATION IN THREE EASY STEPS

17. THE NEUROSWITCH
COMMUNICATION IN THREE EASY STEPS

18. THE NEUROSWITCH
COMMUNICATION IN THREE EASY STEPS

19. THE NEUROSWITCH
COMMUNICATION IN THREE EASY STEPS

20. THE NEUROSWITCH
SEE THE DEVICE IN ACTION

21. THE NEUROSWITCH
ADVANTAGES OF EMG TECHNOLOGY
Reliable
The NeuroSwitch works regardless
of the patient’s position or current
lighting conditions.
Many complications arise with other
devices when a patient has made
the decision to be put on a
ventilator. The NeuroSwitch allows
communication to continue
uninterrupted after this difficult
transition.
This technology works despite
existing health conditions, related
or unrelated to the patient’s
progressive disease.

22. THE NEUROSWITCH
ADVANTAGES OF EMG TECHNOLOGY
Durable
The pocket-sized EMG monitor allows
the patient to communicate with their
computer via Bluetooth. The
device easily fits in a shirt or
wheelchair pocket.
The MacBook laptop can be
mounted on a wheelchair and
remain powered for up to 12 hours.

23. THE NEUROSWITCH
ADVANTAGES OF EMG TECHNOLOGY
Automatic Recalibration
The EMG monitor transmits 20 times
per second while simultaneously
recalibrating. This allows for the
system to interpret only intentional
signals and filter out other signals
that are due to sudden, uncontrolled
movement.
This also allows the EMG monitor to
recalibrate the signal strength
required according to the individual
patient’s energy level throughout
the course of the day.

24. THE NEUROSWITCH
ADVANTAGES OF EMG TECHNOLOGY
Easy Setup
The setup time is brief once
the muscle has been identified for use
as the switch. When sensors need to
be replaced, either a clinician or a
caregiver can replace them.
Although the sensors need to be sited
on the same muscle, they do not need
to be at precisely the same spot on the
skin each time.

25. THE NEUROSWITCH
APPLE’S SWITCH CONTROL & NEUROSWITCH: BETTER TOGETHER

26. Can it be mounted to
a wheelchair?
What is the cost
of the device?
Is the device covered
under insurance?
How do I get a
demonstration?
Is it compatible with an iPad?
MacBook Pro? Air?
THE NEUROSWITCH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
F QA

27. Q&A
WITH CAITLIN SMITH, M.A. CCC-SLP