Webcast Description:

This presentation will review the research and development activities associated with the Visual Scenes Display (VSD) Project at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Specifically:

The VSD interface will be demonstrated

The strategies for capturing and entering content for individuals with aphasia who rely on AAC will be discussed

Examples of VSD setups for specific individuals will be presented

Intervention outcomes will be reported.

I have reviewed in the simplest terms and shortest way I can, the 3 best known packages currently available specifically for people with aphasia.

To go straight to Review, click the link

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Frenchay CATS potted history

Recent technological advances have given us a wider choice of access methods and more flexible software packages, allowing more people than ever to access a PC.

Thanks to hardware and software solutions, some users are able to work on their speech, language, memory and access skills. Equally, some are able to access software for more functional tasks (e.g. writing letters/surfing the internet).

Our service was set up in 2001 to provide in-depth assessment as well as specialist support, advice and follow-up to clients, their families & carers as well as their speech & language therapists. We aim to facilitate the use of computers to improve speech, language and leisure opportunities.

Many different people benefit from our service, including those with aphasia.

If you would like to find out more about us, please visit our website and click on 'overview of CATS' from the left hand side menu.

Communication Matters is all about enabling people to communicate.

We do this by:

Publishing and distributing books, journals & other information on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Holding an annual Communication Matters Symposium, for people who use AAC, family members, professionals from many disciplines, and manufacturers and suppliers of communication aids and services.

Offering a Help Line for information and advice.

Contact
Communication Matters (ISAAC UK)
Headington, Oxford
Tel & Fax 0845 456 8211
International: Tel & Fax +44 131 467 7487
Email: admin@communicationmatters.org.uk

This is a word prediction program.

The user enters text in any Windows application. A pop-up window appears on the screen with up to 10 word predictions.

The dictionay can be customised to include words specific to the user. With text to speech facility switched on, the user can hear the words predicted before choosing the one they would like, and then listen back to the sentences they have created. The written and spoken reinforcement of words written helps the user to self monitor output.

Available from
18/19 Clarendon Court
Winwick Quay
Warrington
WA2 8QP
Tel 01925 241 642
www.donjohnston.com

Are you using any of the following programs: CoWriter, Voice Express, Dragon, Out and About. If so, tell us of your experience on the aphasia related forum.

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Handy cards to tell others you have aphasia.

Price £2.50 for 10 cards

Available from Connect tel. 020 7367 0846