Speech and Language Impairments
Electronic Communications
Electronic Communications
Children and adults who have a speech or language disorder can use an IBM Personal Computer alone or in conjunction with appropriate software and hardware modifications as augmentative communication aids.
Speech synthesizers connected to a computer or incorporated into the software can provide voice output. Alternate keyboard devices may serve as communication aids as well as input devices to the computer.
In addition the electronic communication aids which interface with a computer, portable aids are also available. A portable aid may be used when accessibility to a computer is not convenient or practical.
ACS Medicom Computer System
The ACS Medicom system for communication, environmental control and computer access is based on two IBM PCs connected as a parallel system, allowing access to all IBM PC software. Two input systems are provided: voice and switch/body movement. Voice input allows the user to create vocabularies; switch body movement output allows the user to enter data with a single switch, multiple switches or a joystick. A voice output option reads the screen via a speech synthesizer. With the system, the user may run standard software, control various appliances with BSR X-10 control modules, dial and talk on the phone or communicate via computer networks. The system may be sued for wheelchair and robotics control. Expansion options are available.
ACS Telecom
25825 Eshelman Ave.
Lomita, CA 90717
(213)325-3055
Alltalk
Alltalk is a portable, battery-powered speech output communication device. Selection of voice output is made with a adaptable, touch sensitive membrane overlay. It generates human voice quality output; the voice of the programmer is stored in reprogrammable microchips. Standard memory capacity is 600 words which can be expanded to 1200 words on special order. The expanded memory (Alltalk 4) permits the user to sequence pictures and store different vocabularies on four levels. Additional vocabularies may be stored using a tape-recorder.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Augmentative Communication Evaluation System (ACES)
ACES is a complete professional workstation for client evaluation. It consists of a microcomputer with 640K and two disk drives, a hard disk 920MB), color and monochrome graphics cards and monitors, a letter-quality printer, speech synthesizer, several switches and software including word processing. database, DOS and utility programs, plus the ACERS software. It is designed to guide the user through the augmentative communication evaluation process.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Canon Communicator M
The Canon Communicator M is a portable communication aid that offers 190 keyboard functions and printed tape output. The A, B, D, D and E keys store words or phrases (up to 19 characters). Stored messages or phrases may be changed at any time. The Communicator may be used as an alternate input to a computer with a serial interface. Output from the Communicator is to a thermal dot printer. Input is made via direct selection. Keyguards, wheelchair mounting, raincover, arm belts and other accessories are available.
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042-9979
(516)488-6700
Communication Aids
The Crestwood Company provides over 90 communication aid products for children and adults with disabilities. they do not handle computer software, but their equipment ranges from toys to computers. Products include switches, talking aids and picture cards for those who cannot read or speak clearly.
Crestwood Company
P.O. Box 04606
Milwaukee, WI 53204-0606
(414)352-5678
Communication Products for Hearing Impaired Persons.
AT & T National Special Needs Center has Various communication products for the hearing-impaired, particularly those that relate to the use of telephone service. AT & T offers a line of Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD).
AT&T National Speial Needs Center
2001 US Rt. 46 - Suite 310
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(800)233-1222 TDD (800)833-3232
Computer Assisted Relay System (CARS)
CARS consists of hardware and software used to relay calls between hearing and non-hearing or non-speaking callers. It consists of a switch box, circuit switches and headset.
Phone - TTY Inc.
202 Lexington Ave.
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201)489-7889 TDD (201)489-7890
E Z Com
E Z Com is a scanning and communication system designed for someone who needs widely-spaced charters in the scanning display or who can use auditory scanning with no display; it is for someone who has reasonably good spelling skills and requires single switch input. It is simple and limited providing relatively slow communication.
Acaptive Communication Systems
254 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
EvalPAC
EvalPAC is a portable, batter-powered communication aid with human quality, diphone-based voice synthesizer available (male, or female voice). It mounts on the Epson keyboard and can be accessed through light pointer, scanning, joystick, Morse code and Memkey Board. Software provides for relocating letter, function and picture/symbol/phrase placement - rearranging the QWERTY keyboard. It has built-in text-to-speech features. It comes with an abbreviation expansion program and memory up to 27,000 characters. Voice output can be assigned to single picture selection or sequencing.
Acaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
EyeTyper Model 300
An electronic keyboard and portable communication aid controlled by eye gaze, the EyeTyper is placed 11” in front of the user’s eyes for selecting letters, numbers or commands by gazing at the positions. Longer units may be typed using two-gaze combinations. vocabulary maybe programmed by the user with the eyes, from an external keyboard or by loading from disk. Text is displayed on a 40-character display and spoken by a built-in synthesizer. Overlays may be purchased or made. Options include a printer, and external display and an external keyboard for programming vocabulary. A built-in keyboard emulating interface is provided, permitting the Eye Typer to be used as an alternate computer keyboard or to run an environmental control system.
Sentient systems Technology Inc.
5001 Baum Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412)682-0144
HandiCHAT/Deluxe
HanndiCHAT/Deluxe, memory resident software, provides a pop-up speech window for text to speech entry or will read part or all of text on a screen. Deluxe permits use and maintenance of a phrase library.
Microsystems Software Inc.
600 Worchester Rd.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508)626-8511
Help U Key and Speak
Help U Key and Speak is for persons who have difficulty using the computer keyboard and are non-speaking or speech impaired. Features include One Finger Operation, Repeat Key Defeat, Word Prediction, User Defined Dictionaries and Macros. The product provides complete keyboard control and the ability to speak sentences via Text to Speech Converter.
World Communications
245 Tonopah Dr.
Fremont, CA 94539
(415)656-0911
IBM Voice Type
IBM Voice Type, a multimedia speech recognition product, allows a person to use DOS 5.0, word-processing, database, and spreadsheet applications simply by dictating a word or command. Voice Type provides an accessible workstation that may be used by people who can’t easily use a keyboard or who can only use the keyboard in a limited way. An 80,000 word dictionary assists in word prediction.
Dragon Systems Inc.
90 Bridge St.
Newton, MA 02158
(800)825-5897 (617)965-5200
Index Talker II
This portable speech output communication aid has internal batteries and an 80 character display; special HELP key accesses built-in tutorial. Examples are spoken; unlimited vocabulary text-to-speech mode pronounces any entry. Single keystroke operation with up to 40 programmable levels (or pages) is available. Symbolic overlay kit with different sized target areas and keyguard available.
Intex Micro Systems Corporation
P.O. Box 12310
Birmingham, MI 48012
(313)540-7601
ISBLISS
ISBLISS is a Blissymbolics program which transfers the international Blissymblos characters to the PC graphics environment enabling persons with speech and physical disabilities to communicate. A standard directory of 500 Blissymbols is included. The symbols have been translated into Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, English, and Icelandic.
JHM
Dunhaga 5
Reykjavik, Iceland
354-1-694920
Lifestype Personal Communicator
The Lifestyle Personal Communicator, a two-way communication device for people with speech impairments, incorporates a voice synthesizer, connects to telephones to communicate with computers, TDDs/TTys and has a changeable 253 message memory. Pocket size and weighing 18 ouncs, the voice synthesizer speaks to listening people over the phone or in person, has a 1700 word vocabulary, can pre-record messages and has the capability for voice synthesis when words are spelled out. It records messages from computer, TDDs and Ttys; indicates busy signal, ringing or response; and dials phone numbers from memory. It signals incoming calls by alarm, vibrator or flashing light. The word processing function allows many words and phrases to be type d with one keystroke and saves massages in memory for transmission later. The device has clock, calendar and calculator functions. It has a 40 character liquid crystal display with .33 inch character height.
Cascade Medical
10180 Viking Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(612)941-7345
Light Talker
Light talker is an electronic communication aid with synthesized speech output and optional printer or keyboard emulating output. Selection can be direct with an optical head pointer or by scanning with switches (extra). Automatic scanning (single switch), row-and column scanning (dual switch), directed scanning (multiple switches) and Morse code (two or three switches) are possible., Light Talker maybe used with Minspeak firmware to store vocabulary by abbreviation expansion or semantic compaction. Light Talker can also operate an environmental control system. Options include an external printer, a keyboard emulating interface that works with kits for converting the keyboard to 8 or 32 positions, rather than the usual 128.
Prentke Romich Company
1022 Heyl Rd.
Wooster, OH 44691
(800)642-8255 (216)262-1984
Living Better
Living Better is a program that produces messages for communication: words are spelled out using a scanning method and any on/off switch plugged into the game port. Nineteen messages are included; they can be modified by the user, and up to 31 additional messages may also be created. Text may be stored on disk, spoken or printed. A game port and synthesizer are required.
Med-Com Network Inc.
837 Norris Dr.
Columbus, OH 43224
(614)262-0120
Multi-Scan
Multi-Scan allows the computer screen to be used as a scanning communication aid. A grid of communication symbols on a sheet of transparent plastic fits on the computer screen. through menus, the instructor selects the number of scanning positions, the scanning speed and, if desired, the word or phrase that will be spoken by a speech synthesizer when a particular selection is made. A lighted area on the screen moves through the positions on the grid, and the user makes the selection with a single switch. A Personal Speech System (Votrax International) and the necessary adaptive hardware are required to use Multi-Scan with voice output.
Acaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
P.A.L.L.S. Software for the Vois 160
P.A.L.L.S. software allows users to choose either the simple, direct approach of Levels or more powerful Labels symbol sequencing) for message storage and retrieval. The VOIS 160 hardware provides dialoging flexibility through a text-to-speech keyboard with unlimited vocabulary, personalized speech and storage of 64,000 entries. This product aids persons with CP, MS, MD and ALS.
Phonic Ear Inc.
250 Camino Alto
Mill Valley, CA 94941-1466
(800)227-0735 (415)383-4000
PC Storyboard
PC Storyboard was designed to help teachers put together a visual presentation - for the classroom or any other purpose. Teachers can turn out professional-looking presentations with color, special effects and eye-catching graphics. PC Storyboard’s four modules make it fast, easy and comparatively inexpensive to create, combine and modify pictures and stories. Picture Taker can store the contents of screen displays form other software. With Picture Maker, teachers can edit and combine the graphics or create new pictures, text and graphics. With Story Editor, teachers can organize pictures into a presentation and add special effects. Story Teller displays the results on an IBM PC Color Display, TV set or video projector. The finished presentation may be copied to diskette for distribution or printed in color or black and white.
IBM Educational Systems
Available Through Certified
Education Specialist
(800)222-7257
PC-Voice
PC-Voice is an add-on hardware and software package that transforms an IBM PC into an augmentative communication system. Speech may be generated in five ways: by accessing user modifiable phrase lists, word lists, scratch pads, text files, and/or direct typing. The system may be controlled by mouse, trackball, keyboard, or other pointing device. The system includes a speech synthesizer, software, speaker /amplifier, and a user’s guide.
Compeer Inc.
1409 Graywood Dr.
San Jose, CA 95129
(408)255-3950
Personal Speech system (PSS)
Personal Speech System (PSS) is a self-contained external speech synthesizer that connects to the serial or parallel port. Transmitted data is sent to the PSS and becomes synthesized speech through a speaker. Pronunciation is determined by phonetic rules programmed into the PSS. Optional phonetic rules may be programmed by the user, and text may be sent in standard orthographic or special phonetic spellings. The PSS has music capabilities. A 3,500 character buffer is provided so no delay in speech transmission occurs. Inflection, rate and amplitude of speech are adjustable. The PSS has its own auxiliary serial and parallel ports, so a printer can remain connected while the PSS is hooked up. Contact the manufacturer about voice-output software written for the PSS. This product is supported by the IBM Screen Reader.
Vysion Inc.
30777 Schoolcraft Rd.
Livonia, MI 48150
(800)521-1350 (313)522-3300
Portable Anticipatory Communication Aid (PACA)
This row/column scanning aid has a built-in 24-column printer, microcassette storage unit and optional voice output. The features promote communication, note-taking, writing and calculation. A scanning alphabet “keyboard” changes continuously on the screen to present the most efficient matrix for letters following the previously selected letter. Once two letters are chosen, words are offered that begin with those letters. The PACA has a 750 word memory which automatically learns and ranks all the vocabulary generated. Phrase storage is available by using common abbreviation/expansion codes. All speed and operating characteristics are user-definable from menus. The system is wheelchair mountable and can be used with many single switch controls.
ZYGO Industries
P.O.Box 1008
Portland, OR 97207-1008
(503)684-6006
Scribe Communication Aid
This small communication aid has soft-push membrane keys arranged in a typewriter pattern (QWERTY). Messages are composed and edited on a 24-character visual screen. Selection of the Print key transfers the information to a paper tape of the same line width. Up to 26 messages may be stored and recalled with two keystrokes. A call signal initiates conversations and requests assistance. Finger or pointer may be used to access the keyboard. Features include guarded keyboard, upper/lower case letters on both display and printer and special function keys. QED weighs 1 3/4/lb. and is 9-1/2 x 6 x 2 inches. Power source is rechargeable batteries.
ZYGO Industries
P.O.Box 1008
Portland, OR 97207-1008
(503)684-6006
RDS Speech and Learning Center System
The RDS System uses a speech synthesis system, and alternate input device and a software program to create a system which can be customized for a variety of uses. An external hardware device produces human-like machine speech to verbalize both input and output. A touch-sensitive keypad allows separate programmable keys to be defined by a simple keystroke for data input. Stock and custom adaptive applications arc provided to configure the system for personal communication needs or for teaching literacy skills.
Royal Data systems
Rt. 14 Box 230
Highway 64 Weast
Morganton, NC 28655
(800)843-9750 (704)433-5909
Real Voice
RealVoice is a portable, battery-powered communication aid with human quality, diphone-based speech synthesizer available in male or female voice. The software has built-in text-to-speech features permitting messages to be keyed on the keyboard and spoken by RealVoice or printed. Memory is 27,000 characters. RealVoice has push button dialing telephone capability, adjustable feedback modes, volume control and the ability to store programs on tape. Options include Unicorn Expanded Keyboard, Small Memkey Board, IBM emulators, keyguards and protective cover.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Say-It-All II Plus
Say-It-All is a battery-powered text-to-speech synthesizer. User-defined phrase storage accommodates those with changing communication needs or institutions with multiple users. It adapts to symbol-based communication systems such as Bliss symbols and Touch and Talk stickers. The lightweight unit is 15” x 7” x 1.5” and can be carried or wheelchair mounted. Eight synthesized speech voices are available including male, female, and child. Additional Say-It-All units with other options are available.
Innocomp
33195 Wagon Wheel Drive
Solon, OH 44139
(216)248-6206
ScanPAC with RealVoice
ScanPAC with RealVoice is a portable, battery-powered communication aid with a human voice quality, diphone-based speech synthesizer in male or female voice. It can be mounted in a number of positions and attached to the front of the keyboard. ScanPAC is accessed through scanning, joystick control, Morse code and Memkey Board. This software gives the ability to relocate letter, function and picture, symbol or phrase placement; rearranging the QWERTY keyboard. ScanPAC comes with an abbreviation expansion program; the user may store and recall messages with 1 to 5 letters or numbers; memory capacity is 27,000 characters.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Speakwriter 2000
Speakwriter 2000 pairs an electronic typewriter with a basic speech synthesizer to provide an electronic typing system that talks.
Human Ware Inc.
6140 Horseshoe Bar Rd. - Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
(800)722-3393 (916)652-7253
Talk-O
Talk-O is a portable communication aid. It offers digitized speech output activated by direct select systems or an adaptable light matrix scanner. It has three front panel dials; one allows selection of the dimensionally of the connected switch or light matrix, one provides for the grouping of switches or scanner areas into fewer larger areas, one is a volume control. Phrases are recorded by speaking into the microphone supplied. It supports various access options and the Unicorn expanded keyboard.
Innocomp
33195 Wagon Wheel Drive
Solon, OH 44139
(216)6206
Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf
In addition to a variety of Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDDs), Ultratec also manufactures signaling devices, large visual TDD displays and TDD emergency devices.
Ultratic Inc.
6442 Normandy Lane
Madison, WI 53719
(608)273-0707
Touch ‘N talk Micros
Touch ‘N Talk Micros are smaller (5/8” square) versions of the Touch “n Talk Communication Stickers that affix to overlays on electronic communication devices to indicate which keys have been programmed to speak a word or phrase. Included in the 660-sticker set are Touch ‘N Talk Symbols: less specific graphic symbols used to identify broad categories or abstract ideas. Purpose: to increase communication rate by touching one or two symbols rather than typing an entire message.
Imaginart Communication Products
307 Arizona St.
Bisbee, AZ 85603
(800)828-1376 (602)432-5741
Touch Talker
Touch Talker is a portable electronic communication aid offering synthesized speech output and optional printer or keyboard emulating output. Selections are made by pushing keys on the membrane keyboard. Messages may be viewed on an LCD display before being spoken. The touch Talker may be used with Minspeak Firmware to allow vocabulary to be stored and recalled by semantic compacting. Touch Talker also operates an environmental control system; options include an external printer, a keyboard emulating interface and kits for converting the keyboard to 8 or 32 positions rather than 128) and three application software packages.
Prentke Romich Company
1022 Heyl Rd.
Wooster, OH 44691
(800)642-8255 (216)262-1984
Trine System
The ACS Triune System is a three-function communication aid, serving as a portable electronic notebook, a communication aid with printed or synthesized voice output and an alternate input to a general purpose computer. The function can be changed with a single keystroke. The system is based on the Epson HX-20 PC and is equipped with a standard keyboard, an 80-character LCD display, a built-in strip printer, and optional speech synthesizer and the Trine software and documentation. Test can be composed in six word spaces, each holding up to 55 20-character lines and retaining their memory when the power is off. Text can be reviewed on the display and can be spoken (optional), printed or stored on microcassette. Programs for abbreviation expansion (QuicKey) and single-finger operation are provided. The keyboard emulating interface complies with the industry standard for KEIs. RealVoice is not available.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Unicorn Membrane Keyboards.
Unicorn membrane keyboards make it possible for disabled people to access standard software and also serve as communication and writing aids. The operate all software and come in two sizes. Model II features a 10” x 20” area and model 510 has an active area of 5” x 10” - each with 128 touch sensitive squares which may be grouped to form larger squares. Setups for the squares may be saved on disk; interchangeable overlay sheets slide beneath the plastic cover on the board; interface required.
Unicorn Engineering Inc.
5221 Central Ave. - Suite 205
Richmond, CA 94804
(415)528-0670
Wireless Data Transmission System
Wireless Data Transmission System, a portable transmitter and stationary receiver, transmits ASCII output from a PC or communication aid to a stationary computer or environmental control system. The small portable transmitter connects to the portable input device (computer or communication aid) and transmits output via radio waves to a stationary transmitter connected to the computer or environmental control system. The transmitter unit receives power from the portable input device, and the receiver gets power from the host stationary device. An alternative power source may be required for the transmitter. Various portable input devices and stationary computers or environmental controls work with the system.
Prentke Romich Company
1022 Heyl Rd.
Wooster, OH 44691
(800)642-8255 (216)262-1984
Wolf
Wolf is a user-programmable, voice-output communication aid which offers both a custom vocabulary and user programmable vocabulary. The touch panel is activated by pressure, and a mechanical toggle switch powers on and off. The panel’s case is 14.5 x 10 x 1.75” and its 6 x 6 matrix of 1.25” squares is constructed of mylar.
Adamlab
Wayne County Reg'l Education Service Agency
33500 Van Born Rd.
Wayne, MI 48184
(313)467-1610
Words + Equalizer
The Equalizer is an integrated speech output and writing system that includes word processing, drawing, games and music capabilities. Communication is enhanced by large, stored vocabulary, rapid access to frequently-used words, word prediction and automated grammatical functions. It allows for fast communication speed for limited access users and can be used by single stroke, two switch, five switch joystick or full keyboard users.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Words + Talking Board
Talking Board is a picture-based communication system that allows complete keyboard control and uses menu-driven programming. It allows the user to arrange the keyboard in any way and can use the Smooth Talker software voice synthesizer or any serial port voice.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Words + Talking Screen
Talking Screen is a picture-based communication system for optical pointer, mouse or trackball input. It allows the user to arrange the screen in any way for a simple, menu-driven screen. It uses SmoothTalker software voice synthesizer or any serial port voice. Up to 9 keyboards are allowed: the user changes from one to another by selecting a symbol.
Adaptive Communication Systems
354 Hookstown Grade Rd.
Clinton, PA 15126
(412)264-2288
Zygo ScanWRITER
Zyhgo ScanWRITER is a portable scanning communication and writing aid with a 20-character LCD display, a 20-column built-in printer and optional voice output. The user generates characters from a full keyboard scanning array. Scanning may be row-and-column (single switch) or directed (multiple switches). Up to 800 characters may be stored at 40 locations for quick messages. A 120-character temporary private storage area (for display without printing) is provided. Up to 4000 characters may b e stored in 156 locations. A text-to-speech synthesizer may be added for voice output. ScanWRITER can also be used as an alternate keyboard with the purchase of a special keyboard emulating interface.
ZYGO Industries
P.O.Box 1008
Portland, OR 97207-1008
(503)684-6006
This Page is still under construction.
Return to Hardware and Software Index
General Information on Speech and Language Impairments
Return to Home Page