http:\/\/www.legacy.com\/obituaries\/telegram\/obituary.aspx?pid=190361455<\/a><\/p>\n“David R. Hardy, 65, of St Albans Bay, Vermont. <\/p>\n
David Hardy went to The Lord September 27th, 2018 at UVM Medical Center, Burlington, VT after a lengthy illness. Born in New Bedford, MA to late Richard E. and Barbara L. Hardy. He graduated Framingham North High School in 1971, and entered into the USAF, serving in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n
After his service he worked as a part time Hopkinton, MA Police Officer, Clark University Campus Police, as well as several technology companies later on.<\/p>\n
Dave was a passionate supporter and volunteer with local veterans group. Interment will be at The Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph, VT.
\nPublished in Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Oct. 1 to Oct. 2, 2018”<\/p>\n
Godspeed Dave…<\/p>\n
==================================================================================<\/p>\n
Here is where any info about OFD and any project we undertake will be.<\/p>\n
Posts and comments moved here in a more or less “newest at the top” format.\u00a0 Original details below that.<\/p>\n
(Edit by RickH: I have enabled comments on this page; they will appear in first-in-first-out order. Less work for Nick to copy\/paste comments, although he can still do that.)<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ok, hardware wise, ATM-<\/p>\n
Jenny is sending a lappy hd, and eye tracker (thanks Jenny)<\/p>\n
Greg is sending a lappy (thanks Greg)<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve got a win7 license, if that doesn\u2019t work, I\u2019ll be asking for win8 or 10<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll get that hardware together, install an os, and the onscreen k\/m. if it works, I\u2019ll install and update all the rest o the joy of a win install.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m copying the relevant comments to the OFD project page, in a \u2018newest at the top\u2019 format. That should capture the OFD stuff for anyone who\u2019s following along at home.<\/p>\n
Any bitchin\u2019 and problems will be \u201cblog fodder\u201d and I\u2019m hoping for solutions from the group.<\/p>\n
Ok, READY TEAM? \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 BREAK!<\/p>\n
n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
I think we should get all the parts in one place, do all the config, get the chatboard working with the eye tracker (if we go the hardware route instead of the webcam route) and then send it to someone else involved to start from \u201copen the box\u201d to \u201cthe machine talks\u201d to validate it\u2019s all working.<\/p>\n
Only then send it or deliver it to Liz and OFD for final setup and use.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m inclined toward cheap by nature, using a webcam and free software for the tracking, and free or cheap app for the chatboard. HOWEVER this might be a case where spending some money would save a bunch and actually help with the integration.<\/p>\n
The components (as I see it) are \u2013<\/p>\n
hardware platform \u2013 in this case a laptop running some version of windows<\/p>\n
eye tracker \u2013 either built in or add on webcam, or commercial product
\n\u2013there are dependencies for the hardware, the gamer one is native only on win10<\/p>\n
Software \u2013
\n-an onscreen kb\/m program to maneuver in windows and any \u201cnormal\u201d apps
\n\u2014as much as it pains me, maybe win10 with tiles would actually be easier to use
\n\u2014Dave\u2019s been using linux, might not be familiar with win10, I\u2019m not<\/p>\n
-AAC or chatboard app, either from app store, MS talkingTiles, or similar freeware
\n\u2014-there are dependencies for the voice \u2013 windows versions must have a voice tool or addon helper for the voice<\/p>\n
-teamviewer (for support)
\n-skype (ditto)
\n-audible?
\n-kindle reader?
\n-pdf reader
\n-voice screen reader (might get fatiguing using an eye tracker)
\n-email tool?
\n\u2013<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll be needing the office suite\u2026 but can be installed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
@Nick
\nI hear what you are saying about keeping the costs low by going webcam, but time is valuable too.<\/p>\n
I looked at the \u2018Additional Information\u2019 for the Tobii EyeX listed for $99 here\nJenny<\/span><\/cite>says:<\/span><\/div>\n 22 February 2018 at 23:18<\/a>(Edit)<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/tobiigaming.com\/product\/tobii-eyex\/<\/a>
\nand it says compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, or 10.
\nThe Tobii EyeX requires USB 3.0, however.
\nThat in combination with the free OptiKey software here
\nhttps:\/\/github.com\/OptiKey\/OptiKey<\/a>
\nlooks quite promising.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve got an extra $99 burning a hole in my pocket. It would be best if I had it shipped to someone in the lower 48 as shipping to AK is stupid expensive.<\/p>\n
The drive I have is a Western Digital, 1 TB, bought some time ago for a project I never executed. You are welcome to it if something better doesn\u2019t turn up.
\nWD drive model #WDBMYH0010bnc-NRSN<\/p>\n
If you want to try the Tobii EyeX email me your shipping address. I\u2019m willing to take a chance on it not being the perfect tool.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
@Nick
\nI hear what you are saying about keeping the costs low by going webcam, but time is valuable too.<\/p>\n
I looked at the \u2018Additional Information\u2019 for the Tobii EyeX listed for $99 here<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nhttps:\/\/tobiigaming.com\/product\/tobii-eyex\/<\/a>
\nand it says compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, or 10.
\nThe Tobii EyeX requires USB 3.0, however.
\nThat in combination with the free OptiKey software here
\nhttps:\/\/github.com\/OptiKey\/OptiKey<\/a>
\nlooks quite promising.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve got an extra $99 burning a hole in my pocket. It would be best if I had it shipped to someone in the lower 48 as shipping to AK is stupid expensive.<\/p>\n
The drive I have is a Western Digital, 1 TB, bought some time ago for a project I never executed. You are welcome to it if something better doesn\u2019t turn up.
\nWD drive model #WDBMYH0010bnc-NRSN<\/p>\n
If you want to try the Tobii EyeX email me your shipping address. I\u2019m willing to take a chance on it not being the perfect tool.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
==================================================<\/p>\n
OFD’s current state–<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Regarding OFD, I got this from his wife Liz the other day:<\/p>\n
==================================================<\/p>\n
\u201cHi Nick- Dave can\u2019t move his arms or legs or speak and is still in the hospital- looks like he will be here for a while. Docs slay that recovery is going to be slow and they are trying to get his nutritional status to the point where they can begin to wean him off the vent. He is not up to participating in much right now. Also, he can\u2019t check email, so I go through it when I can- my email is [redacted] if you want to reach me directly. Thanks so much for all the cards and prayers- keeps hope alive. Thanks again\u201d<\/p>\n
===================================================<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve got a plan, needs discussing and help.<\/p>\n
Perhaps \u201cplan\u201d is overly generous. I\u2019ve got a \u201cdesire\u201d and an \u201cidea.\u201d<\/p>\n
My idea is to get a lappy with win7 (as the last non-tile UI) and a webcam and install the open source\/free stuff I linked to previously.<\/p>\n
-eye tracker
\n-whatever mouse click helpers are needed
\n-remote support<\/p>\n
Then test that it actually does work, either-
\n-with a \u201cchat board\u201d which is selectable words and phrases for communicating
\n-with windows control utilities so that he can use at least FFox<\/p>\n
The \u201cchat board\u201d is likely the most helpful. (there used to be hardware called that for non-verbal people, searching on that term will get nothing useful)<\/p>\n
The search terms relevant are \u201cAssistive Communication Device\u201d or \u201cAugmentative Alternative Communication Accessories\u201d<\/p>\n
So, get hardware, get software, config and train to verify it works, integrate additional software, standard windows crap, then send it to a tester to go thru the instructions and training of the eye tracker, then deploy to OFD\u2026.<\/p>\n
Liz is not technical, so anything we did would have to be straight forward, and have simple and complete instructions.<\/p>\n
From Jenny================================<\/p>\n
@Nick
\nWhen my friend was stricken with Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease she lost her ability to speak and was very weak.<\/p>\n
I built a speech machine for her with a Nexus 7 touch screen tablet, it\u2019s built in text to speech, and a tiled phrase builder app that cost a few dollars.<\/p>\n
-added-\nLiz Reardon Hardy<\/cite> says:<\/span><\/div>\n 30 January 2018 at 14:09<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nThis was the app:
\nSpeech Assistant AAC
\nhttps:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=nl.asoft.speechassistant<\/a>
\n-resume original comment-<\/p>\n
We built in a couple of common phrases and she used it to aid communication in her last few months of life.<\/p>\n
Took me a couple hours to build, and less than $250 out of pocket. We had to add a lightweight speaker as the Nexus speakers were too anemic from her elderly husband to hear.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll try to find my notes on the app I used. It was pretty slick. Might be a good fast option for OFD if he can move a finger for touch screen.<\/p>\n
Great advantage was the cost and light weight.
\nDown side was it had no capacity for eye tracking.
\nI did find several do it yourself eye tracking tools but they were all beyond my brain power (still nursing a baby and super stupid then as a result)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
WRT OFD\u2026<\/p>\n
Thanks Jenny, that sort of app is exactly what I meant by \u2018chatboard\u2019. Unfortunately, Dave doesn\u2019t have ANY movement of arms or below, according to Liz.<\/p>\n
However, that sort of app combined with an eye tracker should work, if anything will.<\/p>\n
I like a lappy better than a tablet, mainly because of form factor. You can set it on a table and point it at the user. Also, more free stuff available simply because laptops have been around longer.<\/p>\n
There are services and paid apps that do most of the work for you. They might be a simpler option, but are sure to be more expensive. EVERYTHING to do with special needs is stupidly expensive. I asked Liz if the VA was going to do anything along these lines for Dave, but she didn\u2019t answer. The VA would probably find it easier to manage him as a patient if he\u2019s paralyzed and unable to communicate, so I don\u2019t know where their true motivation lies. If that consideration makes me a bitter cynic, so be it.<\/p>\n
Regarding time. We\u2019ve got time to trade for money in this case. OFD is going to be in this condition for a number of YEARS. It\u2019s my personal belief that if he\u2019s really unable to communicate or interact with the world, he\u2019ll go nuts or give up long before that. So there is some<\/i> urgency as he\u2019ll benefit more the earlier he gets the ability back.<\/p>\n
nick<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
This was the original note from Liz, OFD’s wife:<\/p>\n
===========================================================<\/p>\n
Hi Nick and the rest of Old Farmer Dave\u2019s buddies \u2013 this is his wife, Liz. I figured I\u2019d just comment on the most recent post to notify you all that Dave has been hospitalized since the end of October and as been diagnosed with a variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the motor nerves. We spent Christmas and New Years in the ICU, and he is now in a regular room, but is on a ventilator, has a feeding tube, and can\u2019t use his arms or legs. Docs say he has turned the corner, but full recovery won\u2019t happen til the motor nerves grow back \u2013 one Neurologist said that nerves grow at the rate of 1 mm. a day and he has a meter to grow \u2013 do the math. He is amazingly brave and patient \u2013 but it is a tough road. He can\u2019t talk or text, but he would love cards \u2013 can see them from his bed. His current address is Dave Hardy, Baird 494,. UVM Medical Center, 111 Colchester Avenue,Burlington, VT 05401. I\u2019m checking his email for him, and will pass along whatever messages you have. We both send our condolences to Barb and thank all of you for being such an important part of Dave\u2019s life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Updated on Oct 1, 2018<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, we (I) were never able to help Dave before the end.<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.legacy.com\/obituaries\/telegram\/obituary.aspx?pid=190361455<\/a><\/p>\n
“David R. Hardy, 65, of St Albans Bay, Vermont. <\/p>\n
David Hardy went to The Lord September 27th, 2018 at UVM Medical Center, Burlington, VT after a lengthy illness. Born in New Bedford, MA to late Richard E. and Barbara L. Hardy. He graduated Framingham North High School in 1971,<\/p>\n
» Read more about: The OFD Project »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3852","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ttgnet.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3852","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ttgnet.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ttgnet.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ttgnet.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ttgnet.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3852"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ttgnet.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3852\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ttgnet.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}