Assistive Technology for the Speech-Impaired

Being able to communicate with others is a basic human need. When someone with a speech impairment is unable to do this, it can be extremely frustrating. Assistive technology can help alleviate that frustration.

Identification

• A speech impairment is anything that prevents a person from vocalizing his wants and needs. Assistive technology is low- or high-tech equipment that can help him express what he cannot verbally.

Pictures

• The use of pictures and photographs is a low-tech solution that allows the person with a speech impairment to communicate. This can be as simple or complicated as her cognitive ability will allow. An example of a system that uses pictures is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

Single-Message Devices

• This is a more high-tech solution that would be used for someone with lower cognitive abilities. A message would be recorded on the switch or device and would play each time it was activated. An example of how this could be used is to complete a delivery job. Each new setting would require the person to hit the switch to say "Take the paper, please."

Multiple Messages

• More complicated devices can provide a person with a speech impairment the ability to communicate an unlimited amount of words and phrases. Some examples of these devices are the Dynavox and TapToTalk.

Considerations

• When choosing assistive technology, it is important to find something that will be able to grow with the person using it. As his needs change, the available pictures or phrases should be updated so that the equipment continues to be of assistance.