Electronic & Digital Tools for
 Aphasia And Speech Disabilities

E-Books

Kindle Wireless Reading Device

One of my friends who travels and likes to read convinced me to try a digital book reading system. I selected Amazon.com's Kindle because it has a build-in text-to-speech function. Reading and hearing the words aloud at the same time significantly improves my understanding of the paragraph. You can highlight a word and check the definition.

Best of all, it solves the one-handed problem of holding a book open and trying to turn the page, especially when reading on a sofa or in bed--you click a button with one finger. It is small, and its battery lasts a long time. It's not cheap, but you can save over time because the e-books are less expensive than the print version.

Large Selection: Over 400,000 books, including 101 of 112 New York Times® Best Sellers, plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are $9.99, unless marked otherwise. Order online

Electronic Dictionary

Franklin Speaking Language Master - LM- 6000B

PAUL: I have a Franklin Language Master Electronic Dictionary and Thesaurus that is more than 15 years old.  I use this sturdy, compact dictionary to understand words in the newspaper, book, or work instructions.  I type in the word and search on definitions, synonyms, and the thesauru, by punching one button.  If I don't understand the words in the definition, I can look up each one until I understand the full meaning.  Also, when I'm writing, and trying to remember a word, I type in the letters I know, and the word-finder will give me a list of choices.  If I'm not sure which is right, I can check each word's meaning by punching the definition or synonym key.  I use the memory function to recall words I recently reviewed.  This is my number one tool to help overcome my aphasia.  (My number two tool is a pocket notebook and pen.)  I also have a Speaking Language Master, and a pocket-size speller.  The model listed below is similar to my favorite.

Speaking Language Master(tm), Publisher Merriam-Webster(r) and Franklin Electronic Publishers. Model: LM6000B Order online

Digital Mini-Recorder

I found a digital mini-recorder that was very easy to use with one hand, could hold over 140 hours of recording, clear buttons for recording & play-back, and linked easily to my computer to store important recordings. The best part was its size--it was so small  that I had to put a string on it so I wouldn't lose it!

People with aphasia, like me, can find many uses for a small, easy-to-use recorder: recording instructions from your doctor or supervisor, or conversations with your family. You can use it to practice speech therapy exercises. Or as a communication device to play specific messages recorded by your communication helper.

The model I use is the economical Olympus VN-4100PC Digital Voice Recorder available from office and computer supply stores or online from Amazon.com, Order online It retails for a lot less than most digital equipment.
 

Overcoming Speech Problems from Apraxia

Strokes can cause many problems with communicating. I have apraxia -- trouble making my mouth form sounds. When I started speech therapy, I wasn't making much progress in talking until my therapist tried a different approach.

The key to my success was re-learning how to make the sound of each letter in the alphabet with a technique used to
teach hearing impaired children to talk. We worked with a
set of cards picturing the mouth, teeth, and tongue that showed how to form the sounds.

Today, cards are available with special effects that show the mouth moving when you tilt the card. I think these are better than the cards I used. Educational Insights publishes a set called "LipSync." Recently, I found them available online and
various stores at www.Shopping.com for around $40. Use the company name in your search. Order online

Handbook for Aphasia

The National Aphasia Association's "Handbook for Aphasia" provides helpful information about aphasia, how to manage with aphasia, how therapy can help, and useful resources. It was adapted from a popular British resource guide, and is written and illustrated to be easier for a person with aphasia to read and use. Order online

Writing Software

My aphasia affects my talking and writing. Since each person has different problems, different skills, and different needs, I tried different writing software programs that were demonstrated at the aphasia center I attend.

I liked "WordQ"--a software tool used along with standard writing software. WordQ suggests words for you to use and provides spoken feedback to help you find mistakes.WordQ 2 helps with confusing words, and all-in-all is easy to use. Order online

Computer Camera

My aphasia makes phone conversations difficult. I use a lot of gestures to help communicate when I can't get the words out. Now I can talk face-to-face over the computer using Skype and a webcam. My aphasia sessions with Bill Connors are very effective using the webcam. And it is nice to see Stephanie's face when she's away. This is a nice gift for family and close friends.

You can do this on a budget--good webcams that transmit picture and sound are available for less than $30 from office supply stores, electronics stores or Amazon.com. To see one similar to the webcam I use: Order online

 DVD Explains Aphasia

"It’s Still Me!" is a 17-minute DVD intended as a guide for people with aphasia and their loved ones in order to help them learn how to communicate with each other more effectively. The DVD explains what aphasia is, how it feels, and demonstrates some methods to communicate when you can't use words.

I first saw it at the International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference in June, 2010 and bought a copy to show my family and friends

The DVD is only $15 and is distributed by the National Aphasia Association. To learn more or order a copy, visit: http://www.aphasia.org/store/

Click here for other helpful everyday products.
Click here for my recommended Aphasia Rehabilitation & Reference Books
Click here for my favorite Internet resources and links
Click here for a list of my books and tapes