MANAGING SYMPTOMS( continued)
Below are some of the commonly used communication apps:
• MyVoice • https:// apps. apple. com / us / app / myvoice-tap-or-type-to-talk / id1111359925
• UrVoice • https:// apps. apple. com / us / app / urvoice-aac-text-to-speech-with-type-and-talk / id850150951
• Text to Speech – Durbridge • https:// apps. apple. com / us / app / text-to-speech / id712104788
• Sono Flex – Tobii Dynavox • https:// apps. apple. com / us / app / sono-flex / id463697022
• GoTalk NOW • https:// apps. apple. com / us / app / gotalk-now / id454176457
• TouchChat HD • https:// apps. apple. com / us / app / touchchat-hd-aac / id398860728
• Proloquo2go • https:// apps. apple. com / us / app / proloquo2go / id308368164
These apps also may be found on the Android app store for those who do not use an Apple device.
How can I find someone to recommend a communication device?
The speech pathologist evaluates and trains patients to use communication systems. Ask if they have experience working with augmentative / assistive communication devices and if they can determine which device best meets the needs and abilities of a particular patient.
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A team of professionals, including a speech pathologist and perhaps an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, and a rehabilitation therapist usually conducts evaluations. The evaluation includes an assessment of speech, language, visual, and physical-motor abilities. An evaluation will allow patients and families to make informed choices from firsthand experience with a variety of devices. These rehabilitation teams usually work in centers that specialize in assistive technology— in rehabilitation hospitals, university clinics, and nonprofit organizations. These centers often have a variety of different equipment for patients to try. Some sites even allow for a loaner period to further confirm appropriateness. Insurance and private organizations often cover the cost of such devices, called speech-generating devices( SGD), with appropriate supportive documentation.
Resources for augmentative communication can be obtained from the following organizations:
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association( ASHA) • www. asha. org
• International Society for Augmentative & Alternative Communication( ISAAC) • www. isaac-online. org
• RESNA Technical Assistance Project • www. resna. org
• United States Society of Alternative & Augmentative Communication( USSAAC) • www. ussaac. org
What is a voice amplifier, and will that help me?
While the voice usually becomes abnormally loud in PSP patients, the opposite occurs in some PSP patients and in those with MSA and CBD. A voice amplifier increases the loudness of speech, may minimize the strain and fatigue associated with speaking, and improve the success of communication. A voice amplifier tends to be most beneficial when the voice impairment surpasses the speech impairment, meaning that the voice is weak but the speech is relatively well articulated. When selecting an amplifier, consider the quality of the amplifier, cost effectiveness, portability, and a location to secure the microphone. Headset microphones are ideal for positioning and ease of use. Amplifiers are available for telephone handsets. There are many personal voice amplifier devices available, including these two:
• Chattervox • www. chattervox. com
• Spokeman • www. luminaud. com / spokeman _ amp
Communicating in an emergency
There should be a mechanism in place within the home to communicate with one another, such as a walkie-talkie or a bell. It may be wise to consider putting a medical alert system in place in case there is a need for outside medical attention.