Ten years ago, David Allman lost his ability to speak, walk, and eat normally as a result of a rare, inherited disorder. He communicated by pointing to words and phrases on a wrinkled sheet of laminated paper.

The staff at the nursing home in Connecticut where he lived knew that there must be a better way for him to communicate. Keith Woodbury of ATI came to show him the Mercury. When David first saw the Mercury, he knew it was the device that would enable him to speak again.

When insurance did not cover its purchase, the nursing home raised the funds to buy it for him. The staff created "Love Spoken Here," a one-year money-raising campaign. The entire staff contributed money and held fundraisers, selling candles, crafts, and pies. They raised money from a trip to a casino and they approached businesses for donations for raffles.

The day David received his Mercury was the happiest day of his life, which he was able to communicate using the device. The nursing home staff has gotten to know David even better, appreciating his sense of humor, and he can now tell them, "I think it is the best care in the world, from the top people to the aides."

When asked how he would encourage people facing similar struggles, he responded using his Mercury, "I would have to tell them to not give up hope. Keep on trucking."

David was featured with his Mercury on Crossroads Magazine, a Connecticut television program. To hear his full story, go to www.ortv.org and listen to the Crossroads Magazine program titled Aug. 5/6, 2006. You will need Real Player™ to view the program.