Communication Aids
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- What is a Communication Aid
- Useful Organisations
- Electronic Communication Aid Suppliers
Communication Aids Communication AidsSelecting the right communication aid for an individual will depend on many factors, such as their method of access and personal preferences. A specialist assessment should be sought through a speech and language therapist or communication aid centre. Contacting an appropriate organisation or supplier to assess the user’s needs is especially important if a standalone Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA) is likely to be of benefit (that is, when something more than a PC is required to support an individual’s communication needs). A key concern is to make sure that an individual has the right device to meet their needs. However, be aware that getting the correct equipment with the correct software, mounted in the correct place, controlled with a suitable method, will rarely be more than 40% of a solution. The most important part of any given solution is the personalisation, training and ongoing support required to enable the user to deliver the conversation they require. What is a Communication Aid?A communication aid is anything that helps an individual communicate more effectively with those around them. This could range from a simple letter board to a more sophisticated piece of electronic equipment. It is not essential for the user to be able to read text in order to use a communication aid. Many aids are symbol based and still provide full functionality in enabling the user to communicate with others. An electronic communication aid can be a device that has been purposely built for that job, and does nothing else, or a standard computer running specialist communication-aid software with the added benefit of being a computer as well. Useful OrganisationsCommunication Aid CentresThese should be your first point of contact for advice on communication aids. They are generally Health Service based. They provide an assessment and guidance service and should also be able to refer you to a local specialist. ACE Centre (Aiding Communication in Education) Specialist in the needs of children with physical and communication difficulties. Offers assessments and a range of other services.
CALL Scotland (Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning) Provides specialist expertise in technology for children who have speech, communication and/or writing difficulties, in schools across Scotland. CALL Scotland University of Edinburgh, Paterson’s Land, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ Tel: 0131 651 6235 Web: www.callcentrescotland.org.uk Communication Matters Focuses on assisting people with complex communication needs who may benefit from communication aids. Communication Matters Catchpell House, Carpet Lane, Edinburgh EH6 6SP Tel: 0845 456 8211 Web: www.communicationmatters.org.uk Find a Voice Charity that offers help and advice about communication aids for children and adults. Find a Voice 49 Beaver Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 5NU Tel: 01233 640443 Web: www.findavoice.org.uk Electronic Communication Aid SuppliersA useful approach in assessing possible solutions is to contact the suppliers of the specialist technology. The following are examples of companies that sell a range of communications devices and/or software, however this list is not exhaustive.
Notes: This factsheet has been developed through a partnership between My web my way (www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility) and AbilityNet, a UK computing and disability charity. Although this factsheet lists the producer (manufacturer or publisher) for specific products, this is for informational purposes, especially as the features of software applications can change in a short period of time. Most of these products are available from a variety of retailers specialising in accessibility-related products, and may in some cases also be available from general software and computer retailers. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Page of March 2009 Directory: accessibility -> guides -> factsheets accessibility -> An Accessibility Based Evaluation of accessaphone™ and the Voip telephony of Cisco Systems accessibility -> Date: January 24, 2014 Name of Product accessibility -> Date: August 10, 2014 Name of Product accessibility -> Accessibility: a guide for Educators accessibility -> The ict opportunity for a disability-inclusive development framework accessibility -> Standards and guidelines for making accessible software accessibility -> Accessibility Features in Internet Explorer Adjusting Text Size and Style, Formatting, and Colors factsheets -> Voice-Recognition Software – An Introduction Download 17.12 Kb. Share with your friends:
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