LOGAN'S PONY CLUB
FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY Contact Logan
COMPUTER HELP APPRECIATED
Re: 'Toshiba helps a son talk to a dad' (Dec. 27)
After receiving my rejuvenated laptop computer from Daniel Deschamps at Toshiba Canada, complete with a new motherboard, I worked feverishly all night to build a speech interface program that would help my disabled son, Logan, communicate better.
With the help of Microsoft Publisher and ReadPlease 2000, I was able to construct an interactive Web page.
Logan activates a touch pad when a flashing cursor is hovering over a picture and a corresponding voice clip plays over the built-in speakers.
For example, when he clicks on a picture of himself sleeping, the computer says, "Mommy, I am very tired now and would like to go to bed."
Now when I ask Logan if he wants to use the talking computer he gets excited and eager to participate in the fun, learning activity.
I wish Daniel Deschamps from Toshiba Canada and Al MacRury of The Hamilton Spectator's Action Line could have been there to witness Logan's delight when he clicked on my picture and the computer said, "Daddy, give me a great big kiss right now."
Of course I have obliged him each time he has activated the phrase.
This fine example of good corporate citizenship by Deschamps and Toshiba Canada should not be overlooked, especially when a boy like Logan is the recipient.
Thank you for making my dream of a better way to communicate with my son a reality.
-- Mark-Alan Whittle, Hamilton.