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What
is an AAC device? Augmentative and Alternative Communication
(AAC) devices aid people who find it hard to communicate by
speech or writing. Careful selection of the right AAC device can
often help a person communicate more easily. The
family of solutions include terms such as Speech Generating (SGD)
Devices, Communicators, Communication Aids, Talking
Devices and Text to Speech (TTS) technology. Who
may need an AAC device? More than 2 million people in the
United States have a severe communication disorder that impairs
their ability to talk (1). How
do I choose the right one? You might chose based on lifestyle,
motor skills and ability to type comfortably, and needs for verbal
conversations. In technical terms, your
choice for successful AAC use depends on motor, cognitive,
linguistic, and sensory capabilities of the user and the operation
of the AAC device chosen. For example, in many cases keyboard
based speech products and devices suit patients with laryngectomy,
tracheotomy , moderate stroke, moderate motor skill
limitations and degenerative voice afflictions,
while picture based products aid autism, patients with severe motor skill
limitations or cognitive ailments. How
can TextSpeak help? AAC devices include a range of devices,
each designed to provide benefits focused on specific needs.
2 popular categories are keyboard based and icon/picture
based tablets. The table below offers a brief review for
consideration in your selection of the right AAC device. TextSpeak
products are "Keyboard Based".
| |
Keyboard
Based |
Picture
Based |
|
|
|
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Traditional
typing on a physical keyboard generates speech directly
from typed text
|
Pointing
to a graphic on a tablet or screen generates speech
associated with an image
|
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May
suit patients and persons who desire the ability to
create full phrases on demand, and who , with the correct
keyboard choice, can comfortably type. May suit moderate
stroke, Laryngectomy, tracheotomy, early ALS, throat
cancer, Apraxia and aphasia. Large key keyboards suit
patients with moderate mobility.
|
May
offer a solution for children with autism or who cannot
spell. Picture based systems are also well
suited for patients with speech limitation associated with
severe brain trauma, or injury that
results in limited cognitive and/or severe restrictions
that restrict typing due to limited motor/mobility
movement.
|
| Keyboard
Based |
Picture
Based |
|
Advantages |
Limitations |
Advantages |
Limitations |
| Style |
Typing offers unlimited free
text speech creation. Conversations can be fluid. |
Keyboards
require mobility and cognitive skills to type with ease. |
Does
not require spelling. Good for severe mobility impairments |
Speech
is fixed to exact phrases limited to a single, specific
icon or image |
|
Access
&
Mobility |
Keyboards
can be varied in width, weight and key size to accommodate the
typing needs of users. This flexibility offers comfort to
enter text. |
Many
devices include integrated keyboard with keyguards Some that
may not suit the needs of all users. Power-on time varies
with some devices. |
Low
cost picture based systems may be lightweight, durable.
Many offer Instant-on features and operate on long life
batteries |
Some
Windows PC based systems may a "boot"
period of several minutes before use. Weight can increase with
these systems. |
| Cost |
New
"system on a chip" technology support
prices of Text to Speech keyboard systems (wireless &
corded) approaching $500 |
Until
recently, computer, laptop and color screen
based products with integrated keyboards have
pricing ranging $3000-$6000. |
Systems
with useful and interchangeable printed image surfaces
(templates) are available at under $1000 |
Versions
with LCD computer 'touch screens ' can instantly change 'templates'.
Costs range from to $3000-$7000 |
A wonderful and comprehensives report
is available here.
 North
Carolina State Assistive Technology
program
Why
choose TextSpeak? If
you want a Keyboard based AAC product then TextSpeak is the only
product series sold today that is flexible, simple
to use and affordable. We
offer a 30 day refund policy. We allow you to choose the
right keyboard, one that fits your needs, and we are
affordable. Our products are often 70-90% less expensive than
other keyboard based solutions. We can offer this price without
compromise of durability, warranty and support. Every product is
assembled and tested here, in the USA. The links below can offer some additional
information. Click the MORE Icon below and you'll go right to our
TextSpeak TS-04 product page.
TextSpeak
TS-04 AAC speech keyboard product information
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