general information
- Facts and Figures
- Acronyms and Definitions
- What is Larynx Cancer (Links)
- Free for the Asking
- Meetings
free for the asking
SOME STATES FURNISH A FREE ELECTROLARYNX
The rules are different in each state - you can check the programs of which we are aware on Talking Again - Electrolarynx.
catalogs
Free vendor catalogs are available via the toll-free telephone numbers, Email addresses, and websites listed on our Supplier page. Many of these catalogs contain educational information, photos and descriptions of equipment used by laryngectomees. If you write an e-mail, be sure to include your name and mailing address.
If you hear of a laryngectomee or caregiver who is unable to make the phone calls, write the e-mails, or navigate to the website; you might have a local person (including yourself) make those contacts for them. It will not cost you, them, or anyone other than the vendors anything. The vendors are more than happy to send the materials.
VIDEO TAPES - signs - brochures
TAPES FROM INHEALTH
Patient Demo by Richard Crum
This video is oriented for a patient audience. The purpose is to demonstrate putting in/taking out a prosthesis, and application of the Adjustable Tracheostoma ("hands-free) Valve.
Speech Demo Video By Eric Blom, Ph.D.
This covers approximately 10 different topics most clinicians will deal with when involved in tracheoesophageal voice restoration. This video is oriented to a clinician audience (SLPs and ENTs), but is suited for showing to patients as well (not graphic in nature). SLPs often use this to demonstrate various aspects of TEP speech to patients. It is not recommended to be shown to most pre-laryngectomy patients, and may not be suitable for viewing by some post-laryngectomy patients because of the high use of technical vocabulary.
To obtain your free copy of these video tapes call their toll free telephone number (800)477-5969. Fax: 805-684-8594. Or you can order from their Website or just by dropping them an e-mail requesting the tapes at order@inhealth.com. Be sure to include your mailing address.
TAPE FROM SIEMENS
Speech Options after Laryngectomee
The video features Richard Crum. He discusses and demonstrates TEP and artificial larynx (Servox made by Siemens). Tom Beneventine, who is a laryngectomee and works for Siemens, provides some tips for good AL use. To obtain your free copy of this videotape call toll free (800) 333-9083, ext. 3566; or by sending an e-mail request along with your mailing address to Peter Baumle.
WebWhispers
Download a .pdf file copy of our WebWhispers Brochure. With this file, you can read/download the brochure to print out on your home computer.
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Contact Libby Fitzgerald for multiple copies for support groups, SLPs and hospitals.
OVER-THE-BED HOSPITAL SIGN
Courtesy of WW Member Merritt Oakes, you can download an MSWord .doc file copy of the above sign for use in the hospital or elsewhere, as appropriate. Be sure to print out this 8 1/2" X 11" sign in "Landscape mode". Once printed out, you could place this sign above the laryngectomee patient's bed ... so that everyone concerned will know his/her breathing situation. Download sign.
HEAD AND NECK CANCER REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
(800) 305-0117
Email Mary Jane Renner
Free Neck Breather Medical Awareness Skin Decal for use in hospital (to make sure the staff knows you are a laryngectomee). Decal should be placed directly below the stoma or on the back of the hand.
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International Association of Laryngectomees Brochure
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These full-color, informative brochures (printed in 2005) are available from the IAL free of charge for your distribution to new laryngectomees or to interested SLP's, ENT's, etc. For copies, contact:
The new address is:
IAL
925B Peachtree Street, Suite 316
Atlanta, GA 30309
non talking communication
InHealth Technologies
Call (800) 477-5969 and ask for the free "Laryngectomee Needs Chart" (below - available in English and Spanish) so you can point at listed items you may need. Actual size is 8 1/2" x 11". Makes communication a little easier. A small bell for your bedside will help get attention. A laptop, if you have one, will let you type messages in detail or a Magna Doodle from the toy store is great for write and erase. So is the little magic slate.
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free reading material
Headlines
This newsletter was started in January, 1996. The articles range from physical care to emotional support and are written by patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. These can be found on WebWhispers. Download copies.
They can also be downloaded on either of two sites, which also furnish other information:
The Official site of the International Association of Laryngectomees:
IAL Site Look under Newsletters.
Whispers on the Web
This newsletter is in .html format and the articals range from personal stories to professioal articles. They are weiten by WebWhispers members, WebWhispers officers and Board members and medical professionals. These can be found on WebWhispers. Download copies.
Medbioworld
Medbioworld is the largest site for free access to medical journals and associations in every field of health and medicine. Links to their ENT/Otolaryngology Journals and Associations are as follows:
ENT/Otolaryngology Journals
ENT/Otolaryngology Associations
translations
Note: When you are translating with a computerized translator, the word it selects may not have quite the same meaning as intended by the original, and because phrasing is not changed, it may be misunderstood. Be careful especially if you are translating medical text or explanations.
Babel Fish
Translates text and web pages from one language to another, including English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. Babel Fish
For those of you interested in cancer care and who care for patients who speak Asian languages, see Cancer Information Translated Into Asian Languages. The Asian Pacific Islander Cancer Education Materials Tool offers healthcare information translated into various Asian languages. The site was produced by the American Cancer Society and the Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training.
free medicine
Sent in by Jack Henshaw
The leadership of most American drug companies believe that no patient in need of their available product samples should be deprived of them. As a means of assisting those patients who can not afford to purchase these products, they offer enrollment in their patient assistance programs. Applicants must be truly needy and must not qualify for government drug assistance or have third party insurance coverage for drugs. For a partial list of common medications available on indigent programs of Pharmaceutical companies, go to this web site:
http://www.doctorhealthynet.com/free_medicine/free_medicine_home.htm
Also, look at these sites for those who need medication and can't afford it:
Needy meds
The Institute - Free and Low Cost Prescription Drugs
The Medicine Program
FREE BENEFITS INFORMATION
National Council on the Aging - BenefitsCheckUp
BenefitsCheckUp ? a free, easy-to-use service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. Researching these programs used to be a time-consuming, frustrating experience. But no longer. The National Council on the Aging created BenefitsCheckUp to help older adults to quickly identify programs that may improve the quality of their lives. Family and friends can also obtain facts about benefits that their loved ones may qualify for. Chances are, you will be surprised to learn what benefits are available to you, regardless of your income. Here's how it works: You take 10 or 15 minutes to enter information about your financial situation into an online questionnaire. Then, BenefitsCheckUp explains what benefit programs you may be eligible for and how to apply for them. Rest assured that BenefitsCheckUp is completely confidential. It does not require your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, or other information that could be used to identify you. You enter simple information, such as your age, income, and ZIP code, and BenefitsCheckUp identifies programs you might qualify for.
Note: Please check out the Before Laryngectomy and Post-Laryngectomy sections for additional information.
For suggestions, contributions or questions about this section, please contact:
Ed Chapman, VP Web Site Information