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Wikipedia definition, retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech-generating_device

S. Hawking’s speech device computer screen photo, retrieved from: https://www.quora.com/How-does-Stephen-Hawkings-speech-device-work
Quote from Stephen Hawking's website: http://www.hawking.org.uk/the-computer.html

Photos of hand-held student devices, retrieved from:
http://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/communication/voice-output-communication-aids-1413/
AAC Text to Speech app on iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aac-text-to-speech/id593771706?mt=8
The Center for AAC and Autism: http://www.aacandautism.com/why-aac/why-use-aac
Augmentative Communication Devices: Advantages and Disadvantages: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-lesson-plans/88216-fun-counting-lesson/
The Bridge School Course of Study: http://curriculum.bridgeschool.org/areas/cc

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Lessons in self expression and the communication of ideas.

Telling or writing about something that happened or will happen.

As a supplement to student's vocalization abilities.

As an aid to increasing literacy and comprehension.

Facilitating participation with fellow students in a group project.

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It takes time to teach the user to utilize the device correctly, as well as to train teachers, parents, and other people who might interact with the user in how to interpret it.

The user can be left without any communication tools at all if the device gets lost or broken.

When the device begins to malfunction, it may need technical support or know-how.

The device can be bulky, heavy, or expensive.

In some instances it can take a long time for the user to communicate one short thought.

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Advantages of Voice Output Communication Aids for the student include:

Increased Clarity of Communication

Expressive language can lead to improved receptive language

Supports Motor Learning/Sensory Integration Principles

Increased verbal speech

Strengthened Development of Literacy

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This is a portion of a post he has on his website that explains the technology he is using:

" I can also give lectures. I write the lecture beforehand then save it to disk. I can then use a part of the ACAT software called Lecture Manager to send it to the speech synthesiser a paragraph at a time. It works quite well and I can try out the lecture and polish it before I give it.

I keep looking into new assistive technologies, and I have experimented with eye tracking and brain controlled interfaces to communicate with my computer. However although they work well for other people, I still find my cheek operated switch easier and less fatiguing to use. "

Stephen Hawking

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Mr. Hawking’s device is certainly a cutting edge example of this assistive technology, but there are many communication aids that are available to people in an educational setting. These assistive devices are often hand-held and include programmable machines that speak words when words are typed. There are also machines that use symbols or pictures to promote communication. These devices can be used in place of speech or to aid in the development of speech.

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Perhaps the most well-known person who uses a voice output communication aid is the great physicist, Stephen Hawking. He suffers from ALS, a progressive degenerative disease. His device includes a computer screen he can control by moving a sensor to the letter or word he wishes to speak. When he was healthier, he could use his fingers to tap on a keyboard, but currently he uses a muscle in his face, his cheek specifically, to activate a sensor that is attached to his eyeglasses. A team of 5 people at the technology company Intel maintain this speech generation device for him, and update it as his health requirements change.

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The assistive environment I am exploring for this assignment is technology for voice output communication aids.  As described by Wikipedia,
“Speech-generating devices, also known as Voice Output Communication Aids, are electronic communication systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate.”

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Click on the video PLAY icon to hear this recording of the AAC app in action. I can type messages and create the audio by clicking the Speak button. If I am answering a question I can just click the Yes or No buttons to create an auditory response.

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I was more than ready to give a first-hand account by using these devices, until I saw the price tag for them. They cost in the hundreds to the thousands of dollars! Surely there must be a more affordable way to assist students who need to use non-verbal communication?

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The iTunes App Store was my solution. Apps have been created that range in price from Free to $200.00. Considering my student budget, I was quick to download a free app named AAC, created by Theory of Mind Media. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aac-text-to-speech/id593771706?mt=8

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Mr. Hawking and his voice generating assistive technology device.