Digital Acoustics® technology 

Talking Keyboard Speech System  

Portable speech communications aid
works without a PC. Creates a voice
that instantly talks as you type. 
Complete system, no PC required. 

• Text synthesis directly to speech
• Easy to use AAC Augmentative Communication Device 

more information .... click here for more information

RESOURCES FOR THE SPEECH SUPPORT AND Assistive Devices for Communication

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Speech computers are ordinary computers with added special programs that help a person with a speech impairment to communicate. Some communication devices do not require a computer. These are called augmentative communication devices.

Impairment means that there is a change in the way a certain body part works that is different from usual. Speech impairment means it is difficult to use the body parts and muscles that make the motions or sounds needed for speech.

Links:

• AbilityNet - National charity providing expertise on computing and disability. Need assessment, technical expertise, advice and support plus adapted computer equipment for people with a wide range of disabilities.
• AbleData - ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources.
• ACE Centre Advisory Trust, Oxford - Assessment, advice and training in the use of technology for young people with physical and communication difficulties. Information on assessments, software, training and publications.
• Ace Centre North - Supports communication and learning through the use of Assistive Technology (AT) and Alternative & Augmentative Communication (ACC) systems. Includes training, network days and resource bank.
• Adorn, Equip - Examines issues around the design of equipment and accessories used by disabled people. Online version of the touring exhibition, produced by Ju Gosling during an artist's residency at Oriel 31.
• AliMed - A leading designer, manufacturer, and master distributor of essential healthcare products, including speech AAC devices
• British Computer Association of the Blind - Self-help group of visually impaired computer professionals and users. Training, newsletter, courses and a CD called Guide Cats for the Blind.
• Bruce Medical -Bruce Medical Supply has been selling medical supplies by catalog for over 33 years and is a respected supplier of medical supplies in the United States
• Communication Matters - National voluntary organization of members concerned with augmentative and alternative communications. Articles, journals and symposia.
• COTIS (Confederation of Transcribed Information Services) - Promotes the provision of information in alternative formats to print. Information about the Disability Discrimination Act, their accreditation scheme, membership, and online newsletters.
• Demand - Encourages the design and manufacture of equipment for disabled people and provides provides specially designed equipment.
• Disability Equipment Register - Allows subscribers to buy and sell used equipment, which is advertised in their magazine and online.
• EmPower - Charities consortium of users of prosthetics, wheelchairs, electronic assistive technology and rehabilitation services. Campaigns, lobbying materials and forum.
• eQuip For Life - Organisation offering free classified ads for people buying or selling used disabled equipment. Supported by the National Lottery.
• Foundation for Assistive Technology - For all those with an interest or involved in the development of assistive technology. With database of research projects, AT events, user forum and news.
• Integrating Community Equipment Services (ICES) - Initiative across health and social care to develop better equipment services for disabled people. Documents, forums, events and detailed articles on various equipment, needs and shortfalls in service.
• Just Mobility - Used vehicle and equipment sale board and a directory of businesses supplying people with disabilities.
• MERU (Medical Engineering Resource Unit) - A registered charity which makes bespoke equipment for disabled children, including computer interface equipment.
• National Centre for Tactile Diagrams - Based at the University of Hertfordshire, providing tactile diagrams maps and pictures, with supporting materials, for blind and visually impaired people for education, work and leisure.
• Next Generation Prosthetics - Hot Wiring - Proposal by an engineering student for a new concept in limb prosthetics.
• Remap - A network of volunteer engineers and craftsmen who make free one off aids for disabled people. Case histories, donations, resources and yearbook.
• Remap Cleveland - Volunteers who design and make aids for the disabled. Information about local activities, equipment provided and a message board.
• Remap Essex West - Volunteers making bespoke devices for disabled people. How we work, case studies and donation requests. Includes Essex Disabled People's Association Annual Review.
• Remap Leeds and Bradford Panel - Volunteers design and supply specialised equipment for essential daily needs and recreational activities. Examples, products, news and funding.
• Remap Swindon - Volunteers designing and making free technical equipment for disabled people where no commercial alternative exists. Includes examples and membership details.
• Shropshire Wheelchair Users Group - Information on NHS wheelchairs, models available, wheelchair problems and local access campaigns.
• Smart Thinking - Information about adaptive technology including assistive technology and smart homes to help disabled and older people living at home.
• SoundLinks - Specialists in audio and speech access offering training and consultancy in how to work effectively with a range of adaptive and mainstream technology.
• TextSpeak Design - Innovative AAC keyboard and speech generating products and devices
• The Voluntary Transcribers' Group - A group of voluntary Braille transcribers, offering their services for blind people and voluntary groups. Includes contact details and a list of projects they have undertaken.
• Wheelchair Information Guide - Independent guide including product specifications from individual who works for an officially recognised wheelchair repairer.

• Assistive Technology - Provides hardware and software solutions to help people with learning, communication, and access difficulties lead more independent and productive lives.
• Augmentative Communication Consultants - Specializes in augmentative communication devices and computer access for people with disabilities.
• CNI Systems - Products for people with speech difficulties.
• CommuniPack - Multipurpose communication pouch to be used with Velcro-backed photographs or picture symbols.
• Dimensions - Augmentative communication software and picture card sets.
• DynaVox Page Exchange - Board exchange for the Dynavox and Dynamite augmentative and alternative communication devices. Boards can be freely uploaded and downloaded by therapists, teachers and users.
• Enkidu Research - Manufactures portable voice output communication devices.
• Gus Communications - Develops software for people with communication disorders and physical limitations.
• Made by Mom Creations - Communication and scheduling products to enhance the life of people with autism and other disabilities.
• Mayer-Johnson - Manufactures augmentative communication products for non-speaking individuals, including special education software, hardware, and printed materials.
• Mellburg Technology - Resells communication devices for people with speech impairment.
• Prentke Romich Company - Manufacturer of communication aids and computer access devices. Features online store.
• RehabTool.com - High-tech augmentative and alternative communication devices, voice recognition, speech synthesis software, cognitive rehabilitation tools.
• Signtel - Manufactures the Signtel Interpreter, which translates speech and text into American Sign Language.
• The Store @ HSDC - Offers assistive communication and signaling devices; a non profit community service agency.
• Technology and Integration - Develops augmentative software and hardware for people with a communication disability.
• Words+ - Specializes in software and hardware for persons with disabilities. Technological leader in the development of augmentative communications devices.