Voice banking is a way for individuals with early stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other progressive conditions to preserve their own synthetic speech. As we covered in previous articles, ALS eventually results in loss of speech. An ALS communication device can help with communicating. The autonoME is an example of such a device. It is an integrated environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device with full augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) capabilities. The autonoME features different input methods which allow individuals to control the unit at varying stages of disease.
ALS communication assistive technology has advanced to where an individual can actually “bank” their own voice while they still have speech so that it can be synthetically re-created when they lose their ability to speak. Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) is proud to partner with Acapela Group, developers of my-own-voice. This software seamlessly integrates with the autonoME, making it an even more effective and powerful ALS communication device.
There is even a solution for individuals with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Individuals who have lost their ability to speak can ask a family member or friend to donate their voice, giving them the ability to speak using sounds that are familiar.
ASI is committed to staying on top of advances in ALS assistive technology. We have had several clients utilize my-own-voice with the autonoME and the results are quite impressive. If you or a friend/family member are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS communication assistive technology can significantly improve your overall outlook and quality of life. Your friends at ASI are ready to set up your new autonoME. Give us a call today.
