Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a highfalutin term that encompasses all forms of communication other than oral speech. When an aphasic stroke victim experiences severe language difficulties, or when recovery proceeds more slowly than they wish, AAC may be a boon. Traditionally, AAC has included facial expression, gestures, pictures and letter boards. Today, electronic devices with apps are included.
In a small group discussion, VA Merit Grant Phonomotor Treatment study participants shared some of the AAC electronic devices they used. Some of the participants could speak, but writing was difficult. Some were not able to read, but could understand what was spoken to them. Some of the devices they used spoke out text messages, emails, letters and even books for them. Others translated the aphasic’s speech to written words.
Programs that read text out loud:
WYNN™Literacy Software http://www.freedomscientific.com/lsg/products/wynn.asp
Washington Talking Book and Braille Library http://www.wtbbl.org/. They have devices that read audio-books, and you can adjust settings like reading speed (slow, fast).
This is the program John talked about. Program: Kerzweil 3000, Scanner: FujitsuS1500 (for PC) / FujitsuS1500M (forMac)
http://www.kurzweiledu.com/special/texttospeech/?gclid=CPfusuHHz7MCFSPhQgodM0AAlg
Dragon software: converts speech to text (so you can speak emails, text messages, etc..Below is the link for purchasing Dragon. I believe you can also download an app for iPhones. http://shop.nuance.com/store/nuanceus/html/pbpage.dragon-landing-2012-v2?utm_medium=ps&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=Dragon&utm_term=
dragon_software&resid=UKQjfwoBAlYAAEAQRhkAAAAr&rests=1352934271054
Ever Note: memory and organizational aid http://evernote.com/
SIRI for iPhone: voice activated; (only works with certain versions of iPhone; check with your provider to see if you have Siri). http://www.apple.com/ios/siri/?cid=wwa-us-kwg-features-00001&siclientid=6381&sessguid=cbc022ce-6618-450f-b5bd-a98eb18e14ca&userguid=cbc022ce-6618-450f-b5bd-a98eb18e14ca&permguid=cbc022ce-6618-450f-b5bd-a98eb18e14ca.
Web search keyword: “Augmentative and alternative communication”
Link: http://www.asha.org
Carol Cline Schultz, Author
Crossing the Void: My Aphasic Journey
www.CrossingTheVoid.com