Birgit and her MyTobii P10

"What has surprised me the most about getting MyTobii is that I can write email. And that I can have a meaningful conversation with my husband, without any misunderstandings or having to involve other people"

Two bright eyes greet us as we step into the home of Birgit Krumschmidt. The last few years she has been living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and has as a result of the disease lost the use of her limbs and voice.

On the door of Birgit's living room hangs a note encouraging those who enter to first greet Birgit and to then stand behind her MyTobii screen. The reason for this is that Birgit is often in the middle of a private conversation via eye control communication.

Eye control increases the independence

The technological aid has given Birgit her 'voice' back and with it, new dignity as a human being. Now she can once again express her thoughts and wishes, manage several tasks herself online and via email and not least, communicate in detail with everyone from doctors and helpers to family and friends.

"Earlier when I went to talk with the ALS team at the hospital, conversations did not always take place on my terms. I would be left with unanswered questions. This caused many frustrations. Today, I have my MyTobii with me and can present extensive questions that I have prepared in advance," says Birgit.

Communication means quality of life

"What has surprised me the most about getting MyTobii is that I can write email. And that I can have a meaningful conversation with my husband, without any misunderstandings or having to involve other people," says Birgit.

"It is important to me that people respect me for the person I am. I have regained a small part of my life with MyTobii, and I have gained access to several new possibilities that I am trying to take advantage of. It is impossible to describe how it feels to once again be able to talk with my husband and 20-year-old son—it has made a huge improvement to my quality of life."