While researching advancements in BCI technology (Brain Computer Interfacing), I came across this company
Emotiv. Research based in Sydney and sales and marketing in San Francisco.
They have developed a universal head set that reads your brain waves and can link these responses to a computer. While heavily angled towards virtual gaming, if their product takes off it could finance further research into communication for the disabled.
There is an independent developer who is working closely with this company to develop a virtual keyboard. That is keyboard functions just using your thoughts. I have seen demo's of their product in a gaming situation, where the player was able to pick up or push objects, just by thinking about picking them up or pushing them.
The future is very positive for those who are suffering from disabilities.
Stay positive.
regards Matt