Nick - Australia

Nick McLoughlin - a former police diver noted for his heroism, and later owner of a charter cruise service on the world-famous Sydney Harbour - was diagnosed with ALS shortly after a mountain climbing expedition in New Zealand. Nick and his wife Naomi accepted the new challenge with characteristic determination and proactive energy.

Nick first used NeuroSwitch in early 2005 and immediately set about pushing the envelope with it. He used NeuroSwitch to control text and text-to-speech through Words+ EZKeys®, and regularly traded emails with Peter Ford in the United States, working on new ways to apply the technology.


Nick Drives his wheelchair using NeroSwitch G3 (2005)

Nick innovated applications of NeuroSwitch such as using it to control his Permobil powered wheelchair (see video). Naomi became and expert in electronics and software applications, working with Nick to help evolve the system.

As Naomi wrote, "I would not be where I am today without you and your invention of NeuroSwitch. I cannot ever imagine how I would have managed trying to understand Nick. NeuroSwitch has improved our lives; I would estimate 100 fold, or more."


"Love you Naomi"

In 2007 Nick elected to have surgery for a breathing vent, which he knew would also mean losing the ability to speak. In the Intensive Care ward after his surgery, when most patients can only signal Yes or No with their eyes, Nick used his NeuroSwitch to communicate in full sentences with his surgeons, nurses, family and carers. His first words, generated with NeuroSwitch and Words+, and "spoken" through his computer, were to his wife: "Love you Naomi".