Look carefully through the various offers listed below to have fun and find what you might need.

Lary education and video

The video, “Laryngectomees Loving Life” was previewed at the IAL Annual Meeting to great reviews. A copy can be requested by calling the IAL Office at 866.425.3678 or by emailing IALED@theial.com. A $5.00 donation per DVD, to help defray the cost of sending these to individuals, in order to ensure this project will be able to continue to others, is not mandatory, but greatly appreciated.

Cancer Hope Network

Another great resource is the Cancer Hope Network. They have a lot of resources for matching with others and events to meet others that have gone through the same that you have. They can always use volunteers also!
CancerHopeNetwork.org

Advocacy Connector Group

Find Advocacy Groups Near You

Use this tool to find organizations near you that can help. Advocacy organizations offer a range of different services, including financial support or transportation services. They may even be able to help you in ways you never expected. Start by choosing the type of cancer you are interested in, your ZIP code, and the resources you’d like to locate.
AdvocacyConnector.com

Imerman Angels

Imerman Angels’ mission is to provide comfort and understanding for all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers through a personalized, one-on-one connection with someone who has been there.
We envision a world where cancer is not a solitary experience.
Imerman Angels

2013 IAL Conference EMT Training

During the IAL conference in Spokane, WA in 2013, a new training program was created. It was to help Emergency Medical personal understand the concerns and needs of a laryngectomee in emergency situations. The program has become a part of the IAL conferences across the country. The following 3 videos have been put on YouTube by the Spokane Fire and Rescue, from that training session. The intent is to share them with anyone, to increase awareness in emergency situations. You can download them from YouTube and put them on a CD to share with your local Fire Departments or medical personal that may not have experience with laryngectomees.

Ed Chapman of Richland, WA was also very instrumental in creating this program. He also has the operating procedures, algorithms and reference material that Spokane County adopted for their medical/first responder personnel. He can be contacted through his email in the members list.

The first video, Laryngeal Anatomy, is presented by Brian Mitchell, DO Spokane Ear Nose and Throat. This highlights the understanding of anatomy of a laryngectomee.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW3eroF8-Qc

The second video, Laryngeal Communication Methods, presented by Brian Shute, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. This highlights the limitation of a laryngectomy for communication in an emergency situation.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfZZ_t_Q0D8

The Third video, Laryngectomies in Distress, is presented by Susan Bruemmer, M.S., CCC-SLP and Tamara Drapeau, Paramedic-FTO. This video helps to understand other concerns and problems a laryngectomee may face in an emergency situation.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mterDUjYEW8

Videos Featuring Laryngectomees

Youtube has exploded with videos on every subject and they are free.  Here is a selection of ones we thought you might find interesting along with others from our own site.

Frank Klett, NJ – 2008 is watching for good items for this area or your suggestion may be sent to Library@webwhispers.org

MY STORY – Ellen Frohardt

Our WW member (2009) Ellen Frohardt just decided to tell her story at a story-telling event in Colorado Springs a few months ago and found this to be incredibly transformative.  It is worth your time for every second of the 21 minutes she is talking. Please go to youtube to see it:

BASIC EDUCATION – LARYNGECTOMY

This is a 22 minute video and is an excellent educational discussion of what the pre/post laryngectomy patient can expect before, during and after surgery.


Patients and physicians at The University of Kansas Department of Otolaryngology discuss expectations and experiences for patients and families planning for a total laryngectomy.

Published on Mar 26, 2012 by KUMedCenter. FK

After your Laryngectomee

Another YouTube video to help the laryngectomee after surgery was created by the Spokane and Richland, WA laryngectomee group. It talks about what to expect following surgery and how you can adapt to being a laryngectomee. It is an informative video that gives support to the new laryngectomee.

“HOW TO” –  self-help videos usually made by the laryngectomee

1. Steve Staton using the Blom-Singer prosthesis

Gel Cap installation, PART ONE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF7cs4Q29WA&feature=relmfu (7min)

Gel Cap installation, PART TWO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkeOQf_ZpUg&feature=relmfu (8min)

2. How to install hands free valve holder by Steve Staton (8 min)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wo1z5_n1j8&feature=related (8min)

3. Self Help for the Laryngectomee (The Blue Book)
Written by Edmund Lauder, Edited by Jim Lauder,

https://www.academia.edu/1150836/Self_Help_for_the_Laryngectomee_book

PDF copy of book donated by Lauder Enterprises

MISC INFO

1. Someone posted this on the forum and it’s a good idea…A one minute instructional video produced along with the San Antonio PD. What to do as a a Lary during a traffic stop. FK

2. Do you have a video for this space?

MUSIC

1. Laringectomizado total tocando sax

Beautiful.  He plays so well.

SINGING

1. Tor Wold is the laryngectomee singer from Trondheim, Norway.- From the CD

“Aldri Åpenbart” (2010) Tor Wolds Blue Bombers. www.torwold.no (not in English)

2. Our WebWhispers member Tommy Cook, “The Singing Cowboy”

3. Tony Talmich is a professional drummer and WebWhispers member. He has created a video of himself singing with a TruTone electrolarynx. This is a great example to show that you can do amazing things. Great Job Tony.

4. Tony Talmich singing Old Time Rock and Rollwith his TruTone EL. Wow

http://www.smule.com/p/94488751_16518441

5. Brazilian Singers – Laryngectomee Choir in video on YouTube:
“O Coral Inesperado – A.C.Camargo Cancer Center” — English version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q61HQoA6v9g Um coral formado

6. Harry Glasson, his guitar and his voice…The City Girl

SPEECH – AL

1. Short demo of a 22 year Servox user, Donna Kehm, trying a TruTone for the first time. FK

2. TruTone™ Artificial Speech Aid for a Laryngectome – Example of a laryngectomee using the TruTone Electrolarynx. Tony Talmich, Griffin Laboratories

3. Be sure to check out the videos on our WW site, including the SERVOX GURU in the Electrolarynx section of Talking Again,

SPEECH – ES

1. The following is a link to the audio that was created by Edmund Lauder and is available on YouTube. Edmund was a laryngectomee, a speech pathologist, and the author publisher of the book “Self Help for the Laryngectomee”. This tape was produced to help laryngectomees produce esophageal speech. It is a vocal extension of his book, which is available from Jim Lauder’s business, Lauder Enterprises. Information on Lauder Enterprises is located in our Supplier’s section. This information and more can be found in the Talking Again / Esophageal Speech section of this web site.


SPEECH – TEP

Life as a laryngectomee – A seven minute interview with Bobby Noe of Arlington, TX who speaks with a TEP. Video furnished by ATOS Medical

GROUPS – Variety

1. Excellent Hints for Speaking with Demonstration – A video from the UK, about communication, specifically after total laryngectomy (surgical removal of the larynx). This video also highlights good communication skills and can be used in training for anyone working with the public. Produced by the South East Coast Laryngectomy groups: YakityYak in Brighton and Necks Best in Eastbourne / Hastings. FK

PROFESSIONAL VIDEOS

A few of the “Life as a Laryngectomee” series by Atos

Life as a laryngectomee – Mr Howard Defibaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVAxcW2vtAg&list=UUtTiTi3t55jJ4Dr-zNLjBYg&index=19

Life as a laryngectomee – Mr John Aguilar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJe85xdRj8&list=UUtTiTi3t55jJ4Dr-zNLjBYg&index=21

WW IAL and Annual Dinner Activities

The IAL meetings and dinners are a great way to meet other Laryngectomies, Medical professionals, and Vendors. You make a lot of new friends and will learn more that you ever thought possible. Here is a link to a slide show from the 2014 IAL conference and dinner.

SOME STATES FURNISH A FREE ELECTROLARYNX

The rules are different in each state – you can check the programs of which we are aware on State TEDPS Programs. Many states offer free or prorated equipment based on your income. These programs may include electrolarynx devices, tablets, amplified phones or other items to assist those in need.

Catalogs

Free vendor catalogs are available via the toll-free telephone numbers, Email addresses, and websites listed on our Supplier Section. 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.

Tapes – Signs – Brochures

TAPES FROM INHEALTH

Patient Demo by Richard Crum is available from InHealth

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.

FREE Medic Alert Membership for Joining InHealth’s Speakers Club

“We are still supplying the Medic Alert benefit for Speakers Club. The first year is free when you join our Speaker’s Club and subsequent years are paid if the patient orders at least $300 from InHealth during their anniversary years.”

Please check if you are interested. Their website is http://inhealth.com/ Look down the left column for Speakers Club and fill out the application. Their newsletter is always interesting.

Informational Pamphlet for new larys

Our club put together a short informational pamphlet for use both by SLPs to give to patients, or anyone needing some assurance that an active life is possible after a laryngectomy. We have sent this to Portland, OR area SLPs and have received positive feedback. It is not technical – that is best left to the medical people. As you will see, it is informal and personal.

For PDF file, write to:
Pete Meuleveld
pm4714lm@comcast.net


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 – free brochures

Contact brochures@webwhispers.org for multiple copies for support groups, SLPs and hospitals. Be sure to include full mailing address, and number of brochures needed.

Questions and Answers for the Laryngectomee

From the Florida Laryngectomee Association

A downloadable pamphlet with graphics and information  –  download pdf

FROM THE UK

The NALC, National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs is a great resource of Laryngectomee information in the UK their website location is;

http://www.throatcancerfoundation.org/latestnews/285_the_national_association_of_laryngectomee_clubs

In association with the National Tracheostomy Safety Project (NTSP) they have created some documents that are are very informative and downloadable. the can accessed at the following link: https://www.laryngectomy.org.uk/publications/

Emergency Pocket Cards

If you want cards for your club, download the PDF file that you can take to your local copy shop and ask them to print one or two copies (which is 10 or 20 cards) on orange card stock, and then cut them down to pass out.

IF you have other medical issues, you can write them by hand on the blank back  of these cards, by the way. The front is deliberately simple so you get oxygen  in the right place right away, while they turn the card over to see if there is  anything else. Or just write see Med Alert Bracelet if that tells the rest of your story.

Download PDF

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.

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.



Door or Window decals

Decals are available from the vendors that can be put on the doors to your house or car windows. These will help alert first responders that someone in the house or car is a laryngectomy.

International Association of Laryngectomees Brochure

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.

Bloch Cancer Foundation/Bloch Cancer HotLine

hotline@hrbloch.com
Richard & Annette Bloch Family Foundation

800-433-0464
One H&R Block Way,
Kansas City, MO 64105

Bloch Cancer Foundation/Bloch Cancer Hotline. Started by Richard and Annette Bloch in 1978 after his diagnosis of terminal cancer. We offer three books- Fighting Cancer, CANCER…there’s hope, Guide for Cancer Supporters – FREE for the asking. We offer survivor to patient or caregiver matches. Resource information on cancer specific and general cancer information.

ACS in Asian Languages

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.

ACS Asian

NEED TO SEE AN EYE DOC?

The non-profit Seniors EyeCare Program, formerly known as the National Eye Care Project, is sponsored by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc. and Alcon. It has been operating since 1986 and has helped more than 1 million seniors gain access to medical eye care.

Under this program, if you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident age 65 or older, have not seen an ophthalmologist in the last three years or more, and do not belong to an HMO or have Veteran’s vision care, you can call a toll-free number for the name of a volunteer ophthalmologist in your area.

Then, you make an appointment for a medical eye examination. The ophthalmologist will treat any condition he or she diagnoses during that first visit. If ongoing care is required for the condition, it will be provided free through this program for one year. However, the program will not cover the cost of eyeglasses, prescription drugs, hospital services or fees from other medical professionals.

If you think you are a candidate for this program, or if you know a senior who is, please call this toll-free helpline : 1-800-222-EYES (3937).

More info:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/viewpoints/0300seniors.htm

Free or low cost medicine

We do not recommend these sites but we do recommend you check them out.

Are You Having Trouble Paying for Your Prescribed Medications?
Patient Assistance Programs are Here to Help.
http://www.scbn.org/

STUDENT ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The special needs assistance and scholarships include those with hearing, speech and swallowing issues. For those going to school or going back to school, it is worth checking into what is offered.

Financial scholarships for students with special needs can be found at the following link:
http://www.gograd.org/resources/students-with-disabilities/

This also includes resources for graduate students with needs.

Resource guide for students with disabilities- http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/resources-for-students-with-disabilities/

Learn How to Become is a website that has guides to help Veterans in choosing a school and resources.
http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/online-universities-and-colleges/military/

A guide to finding scholarships and answers to questions about scholarships is located at:
The Best Scholarship Search Platforms

Affordable Colleges Online. They have some great resources for students with disabilities, scholarships and more. You can select by state and compare costs including cost of living in the area. You can find more information here: http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/

FREE BENEFITS INFORMATION

National Coucil For The Aging Home Page: https://www.ncoa.org/

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.