ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Progress
This content is sponsored by Prentke Romich Co.
For people living with ALS, the diagnosis creates enormous challenges. At Prentke Romich Co. (PRC), a global leader in the development of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions, we work with families, clinical teams and individuals with the diagnosis to provide the technology, software and support that enables continued communication.
“It’s about making a difference in people’s lives,” says Dave Moffatt, CEO. “And we know that making a difference isn’t just about technology. Great technology and software have to come with great support.”
For over 50 years, PRC has been instrumental in the development of innovative devices and language systems and supports for those who cannot speak.
It all began in the early 1960's when Barry Romich, a freshman engineering student at Case Western Reserve University, met Ed Prentke, an engineer at Highland View Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. The two men soon found they had a similar mission: to help individuals with disabilities. Prentke and Romich decided to form a partnership and, in 1966, the Prentke Romich Company was born.
Speech-generating devices (SGDs) are defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as, "durable medical equipment that provides an individual who has a severe speech impairment with the ability to meet his or her functional speaking needs." But for people living with ALS, these devices can be life changing. AAC empowers individuals to continue participating in their personal, social, professional and medical interactions.
PRC provides a full range of devices, language systems and access options to meet the changing needs of people living with ALS.
It’s not enough, however, to simply provide devices and access methods. PRC is dedicated to providing support and services that promote success.
We do this through a nationwide network of consultants. Themselves speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, special educators or other rehabilitation professionals with a wealth of AAC expertise, they provide clinical support and training to our customers, their families and their support teams.
PRC Consultants share your mission of empowering individuals to achieve their maximum communication potential.
“The delivery of a PRC solution is just the beginning of our relationship with people who use our systems and the family members and professionals who support them,” said Moffatt.
We offer assistance in selecting the right AAC device and accessories, support during the funding process and, once the device is received, customization, programming and training.
In short: Your success is our success.
|
In 2015, Congress approved a bill that made sweeping changes to Medicare. Included in the bill: a provision to no longer fund the purchase of speech-generating devices, or SGDs. Among those pushing to have the defunding overturned was former New Orleans Saints football player Steve Gleason. Himself diagnosed with ALS, he is a passionate advocate for those with ALS. On his website, he noted that, “When a person is diagnosed with ALS…he is expected to fade away quietly and die. This is not okay.” He is right. It is not okay, and for over 50 years Prentke Romich Company has been leading the way in giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. |
