My Accent 1400

By Lee Papierowicz, PRC Blogger

In April 2017 I got my new device and my father missed the drop off from Fed Ex so I had to wait until the next day for it! (If it was UPS they would have signed off on it because my dad knows everyone and told them it was ok). I tried all different kinds of devices and landed with the Accent 1400 by PRC. I chose the Accent because I used to do scanning and it was too slow for me. I used a Maestro and used Picture Word Power 100 with left, center, right scanning. I used my head to activate my switch when scanning. I never realized the Accent would be easier for me compared to the Maestro because I never knew that a company had a device with a bigger and clearer screen. This device has a better sound quality that means you can understand it when it talks. People had trouble understanding the Maestro at times.

The communication program I now use is Essence 84. This device is faster for me because it uses infrared from the reflective dot that is located on my forehead and sticks there with an adhesive back. It is a new way for me to communicate. I had also tried the Tobii eye gaze but it didn’t work for me because I move around. I wanted to try it because you never know what might work for you! With head tracking spelling on Essence is easier for me because I am not banging my head into my head rest to use my switch. I used to break a lot of head rests with my switch!

I love to go skiing in the winter. I ski at the Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) in Windham, New York. Last winter I starred in a video for ASF demonstrating my skiing skills. This fall, ASF asked me to give a speech about the skiing program. I was able to give the speech with my PRC device!!

With the Accent I can go on Facebook and YouTube to look for Nick Carter videos and I can use gmail. I can use Alexa which is a speaker you control with your voice. I can control Alexa with my Accent. I use my device 24/7 and I would be lost without it!!