If you have been diagnosed with a progressive disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), voice banking is something that should be considered as early as possible. Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) is proud to partner with Acapela Group. They are the developers of a software called, “my-own-voice”, which seamlessly integrates with the autonoME to make it a powerful and effective ALS communication device. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why voice banking is important to anyone with ALS or another progressive disease that affects speech:
Speak with Your Own Voice
At some point, a person with ALS will lose their ability to speak. Once this happens, voice assistive technology can be used to help them communicate. The autonoME is an environmental control unit/speech generating device with full augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) capabilities. Acapela Group’s “my own voice” software allows individuals to preserve their own synthetic speech by creating a digital copy of their voice. Later, when speech is impaired, individuals with ALS and other progressive diseases can still communicate and project the sound of their own voice through the autonoME.
Capture Unique Sayings and Expressions
The beauty of voice banking is that it can be used to create stock messages and expressions. This helps ensure the person maintains his/her own identity. For example, perhaps a mother has a nickname for her son that she says with a certain expression or tone of voice. Her unique tone and delivery can be preserved through voice banking. Voice assistive technology will allow her to continue to communicate with him and others using her normal expressions when she loses her speech.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ALS, please give us a call to learn more about how ALS communication assistive technology and environmental control units for disabled individuals can improve your overall outlook and quality of life. We’re here to help!
