Information about Communication Aids

Communication aid users

Communication aids come in many different designs in order to accommodate the wide range of physical disabilities which may accompany loss of speech, such as poor control, limited mobility, spasticity, slow reactions, cognitive limitations, impaired vision and deafness. They are used by people living with many different conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Austim, Stroke Survival, Dyspraxia, Aphasia, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Traumatic Brain Injury. For stories from some of our Communication Aid users, please click here.

Communication aids can be used to aid spoken and written language, and can supplement or replace speech as necessary. They can be a permanent addition to a person’s communication or a temporary relief. Here are some examples of the different solutions available from Toby Churchill Ltd:

Lightwriter® SL40 Series - Fast, portable, practical.

Lightwriters® are portable text-to-speech devices with dual displays, one facing the user and a second out-facing display allowing natural face-to-face communication. They are operated by keyboard and use a fast prediction system based on the user’s own vocabulary. A certain degree of literacy is required to operate a Lightwriter®. For further information about the Lightwriter® please click here.

Compact Rolltalk - Flexible, customisable.

These screen-based devices are usually mounted on a supportive arm. They can be operated using a variety of methods including a touch-screen for those with dexterity, and an eye-tracker for those who have limited mobility. They run customisable Windows-based software packages that can be either text or picture-based, depending on the literacy of the user. For further information about the Compact Rolltalk please click here.

Vocaflex - Simple, compact.

Vocaflex is a digital device which records sounds and voices for playback. Each message is identified by a picture or text displayed on a interchangable grid, and so is suitable for people without literacy. For further information about the Vocaflex please click here.