For several months Patty has been working hard on accessing a single switch with her right foot. Patty’s progress has been reported on this blog. There are so many variables—some obvious and some not so obvious—that are part of the mix: the tightness throughout Patty’s muscles and body, Patty’s medication, Patty’s vision, Patty’s positioning in bed or in her wheelchair, the temperature of the room, Patty’s mood, the technology, Patty’s breathing, and more.

Teresa and I are working with Patty but are only permitted to visit during weekends. Patty’s life and schedule is such that more regular visits are difficult to accommodate by her family. So we are all struggling to master what is a delicate and difficult task with very little time to practice. The switch access strategy is all tied to the goal of providing Patty with enough control so as to independently demonstrate her receptive language and cognitive ability by accessing a single switch that when connected to a device and then activated would indicate a simple choice between a “Yes” and a “No.” To achieve this goal would redefine the quality of Patty’s life in so many ways.

And it is becoming increasing clear that Patty needs more practice on a regular and daily basis. We will be working closely with Patty’s family to build a daily routine that will give Patty the opportunity to master her switch control, one day, one muscle, one switch at a time.

— MS