Communication Aids

What Types of Communication Aid are there?

• Some VOCAs use paper or laminated ‘overlays’ with words or symbols to represent messages which have been recorded. These are called ‘static’ overlays; the symbols/messages do not change.
• Other VOCAs display the words or symbols on a screen, like a computer. These ‘dynamic’ displays change depending on what the user selects e.g. they might select a button named ‘Places’ which will take them to a page of places they might like to go.

Some examples:

• Single message VOCAs
• Message Sequencer VOCAs
• Overlay VOCAs
• Dynamic screen VOCAs

Access Methods

Depending on a person’s physical disability and needs, it is possible for a person to control a communication aid or computer using:

• a movement of their arm or foot,
• an eye blink
• or a movement of their head.

These various ways of controlling a device are called Access Methods:

• Direct Access
• Eye Gaze
• Indirect access
• Importance of getting it right
• Access equipment

Which Devices Speak with a Scottish Accent?

Some devices and apps come with Scottish voices. Our free Scottish computer voices can be downloaded and used on Windows-based communication aids.

Another option is to create your own bespoke digital voice - either by recording your own speech, or by asking a friend or relative to do the recording for you. These voices aren't as high quality as the voices that come with the communication software, but they do sound like the person who made the recording.

• CereProc's CereVoice Me voice cloning service can create a digital version of your own voice (or someone else's) for use on a Windows communication aid. SmartBox AT offers this service.
• Acapela's My-own-voice service can create digital voices from recordings. The voice can be used on AssistiveWare apps on iPad, the NOVA Chat devices from Liberator, and the Smartbox and Tobii Windows-based aids.
•  Tobii offer the VocaliD service where you can create a digital version of your own voice (or someone else's) for use on a Tobii Dynavox device.

Windows-based AAC devices

iOS AAC apps

The free Scottish voices cannot be installed on iPads. Many AAC apps come with Rhona or Fiona, or have them as in-app purchases, and there isn't a male Scottish voice available for iPads.

Visit our iPad pages or iPad Apps for Complex Communication Support Needs posters to find out more about apps and voices.

Android AAC devices / apps

Other

How can I Learn More About Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

• AAC Scotland Online Learning Modules
• Manchester Metropolitan University AAC Assessment modules
• Courses and Events