Talking Again

 

 

 

alternative communications

 

 

WHO NEEDS ALTERNATIVES?

Anyone who can shape words will almost certainly be better served by a speech method that allows him to shape words and speak as he wishes - and anyone who can shape words but not be heard loudly enough will almost certainly be better served by using a voice amplifier to bring his voice up to a louder level. But what about the person whose words are a little difficult to understand or the person who has intermittent problems with tongue coordination (laryngectomees can also have stokes and aphasia and other speech disorders). Some of these devices, in smaller versions, are good for backup or for phone emergency messages. They definitely should be thought of in a positive light for those who cannot speak any other way. People needing/using these devices should be considered equal citizens in the lary community just as AL users have been for the last few years. (Dorothy Lennox)

 

TELEPHONE RELAY SERVICE

I live in Pennsylvania and use the telephone relay system that is available here; it may be somewhat different in other locations, but the principles involved are most likely the same. The basic idea behind the relay system is that the laryngectomee, who can't speak, uses a typewriter keyboard unit with a display on it to type a message. The message is then transmitted over the telephone lines to a relay operator, provided by the telephone company. The relay operator then repeats the message that you typed to your party. When the other party responds, the relay operator types the response back to you, which appears on your display. The relay operator in effect acts like an interpreter between you, the laryngectomee, and the speaking person with whom you wish to communicate. For an incoming call, the person calling you dials the relay operator, the operator then dials your number and your phone rings (mine also has a flashing light.). When you answer your phone, you and your party then communicate through the operator. The equipment that you need is a teletype-like device, with a keyboard and a display that plugs into your telephone line (both the teletype device and your telephone can share the same line.) I got mine through a local Pennsylvania agency that provides them free of charge, if you can establish need; otherwise they are commercially available if you can't meet the minimum income requirements. The relay service (the relay line and the operator) are provided by the telephone company. The relay number is listed in the beginning section of the telephone directory, under "Relay".

 

ANOTHER WAY TO USE THE TELEPHONE RELAY

We have all heard of the text telephone system for the deaf called the TTY, the system is usable in reverse for the voice impaired. If I could not talk at all, I would use it this way to call anyone who is able to talk. I would call the number for the Communications Assistant (CA) and request "hearing carryover (HCO)", using the keyboard to let them know what number I wanted to call. They would call the number for me and tell the person who answered that they were with the relay service and who the calling party was on the line. I would type what I wanted to say, and the CA would speak it. Then the person would answer and I would be able to hear them because of the HCO, so I could immediately start to type in my answer. It is a good product for some of us who can't speak clearly or not at all. In my state the relay service is free, but you must buy the instrument.

 

AT&T RELAY SERVICES

AT&T has announced that starting December 18, 2000, Speech-to-Speech Relay Service, and 900 Pay-Per-Call Relay Services will be available in all AT&T states and nationally, for state to state relay calls. They have refreshed their relay website with new information about Speech to Speech and 900-number calling.
* Speech-to-Speech Relay Service: This service allows a person whose speech may be difficult to understand to communicate over the telephone with the help of a specially trained Communications Assistant. No special telephone is needed for this calling option.
* 900 Pay-Per-Call Relay Service: Now TTY/TDD relay customers can access any 900-service provider by dialing AT&T's 900 Pay-Per-Call Relay.l
* Spanish Relay Service: Now Spanish Relay users can access Speech-to-Speech, and 900 Pay-Per-Call services through a dedicated toll-free number specifically for Spanish-speaking relay users!

 

OTHER WEB SITES FOR RELAY INFORMATION

California: http://www.ddtp.org

 

ATT - INFORMATION PLEASE?

With all the new voice prompted answering systems, these days, it can get frustrating for us Larys. I have a fairly good voice, but if I call 800 information the computer does not understand me.

I have discovered if one calls 1-800-CALL-ATT (1-800-225-5288), punch 0 (zero) when the computer answers and you get a live operator. Tell the operator that you need a "Special Needs" operator. They will assist you themselves or transfer you to a supervisor who will dial the number for you and use their voice to give the instructions to the computer. This is all done while you are listening so that you can speak with the "Special Needs" operator if there is any clarification needed. This works 24/7. (Kent Smith)

The three digit number 711 can be used as a shortcut to access Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) anywhere in the U.S. TRS facilitates telephone conversations by one or more people who have speech and hearing disabilities. All telecommunications carriers in the United States, including wireline, wireless and pay phone providers must provide 711 service.

 

THIS UNIT TALKS FOR YOU

The Link has a full sized keyboard and a 4 line display, weighs only 2 pounds and will operate on battery power, or from an adapter to use in your car, as well as AC. It talks for you as you type, and you can store frequently used phrases. There is also a choice of 8 different sounding voices. I tried one at the IAL in Reno and was amazed at how easy it is to use. Call for information or a catalog; 1-800-793-9227 or check their website Assistive Technology.

 

COMPUTER ACCESS - SPECIAL SOLUTIONS

Ability Hub will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers and for augmenting communication.

 

LightWRITER

The LightWRITER comes highly recommended by those who need the ability to communicate and have no speech at all. This is the top of the line, with a double screen, choices of methods for setup, memos with up to 250 characters, speedwriting, word prompting.

 

 

A FREE TEXT TO VOICE COMPUTER PROGRAM

The first version of "SpeakEasy" was made available on the Internet in early 1995. It is now called "E-triloquist™" and they are now on Version 5.0, having incorporated many changes suggested by users. Version 5.0 includes a US English Speech Engine (Male or Female voice) as part of the package, so you don't have to purchase one separately. Check out this innovative program at http://www.etriloquist.com/

 

DEVICE ADDS PRIVACY FOR TEXT TO VOICE PROGRAM

A little background. I had my laryngectomy, a little over two months ago. Over the past two months I have made a few adjustments. I am almost half through with radiation treatments, which will continue for 3 more weeks. After, a hopefully brief convalescence period, I will return to work. As a systems administrator for a large computer-engineering group, my need to communicate on a technical level is important. From what I am told, I will be able to speak again, for that I am grateful. At best, that is 6 months or more down the road, it has been two and counting. Even then, telephone conversations will be more difficult for the recipient to understand. Over the years, I have had many deaf clients, and have set up TTY devices for their use. These have their drawbacks. I have always been a very independent person and have been frustrated with my new dependence on family and friends, for simple everyday things. Which brings me to why I am writing this. I spent hours searching the web, first looking for a text to speech program. I found several free ones. The one I selected is called E-triloquist. I found it on the WebWhispers home page. It allows 48 pre-programmable hot keys, plus plenty of options for pre-typed questions and responses. It is a good program! Having the ability to type and spell are a big plus. Unfortunately I can do neither, but with practice I am getting there. I type into a spell checker program, then cut and paste into the text to speech program. One draw back is the voices that come for free, are terrible. They sound very robotic. I bought 2 additional voices, one male, and one female (they come as a package) from AT&T for $35.00. These voices are better than the free ones, but still leave something to be desired.

Next, I needed a way to interface the output of E-triloquist to the telephone. At first I put the speakerphone near the computer speakers that worked, kind of. There was a problem with background noise, and clarity was lacking. My biggest issue was the lack of privacy. This method would never work in an office environment. I send out inquiries, as to how others cope with this issue. I received several responses, ranging from TTY devices to web services for people with speech difficulties. Although these may work for some people, the limitations of a TTY device, or paying a monthly service charge to make phone calls, spurred me to continue my web search. The point is, I found a hardware device that does what I need, and more. The device allows me to output the text to speech program or anything from the computer speakers, directly to the phone with privacy and clarity. The hardware set up is very simple. It comes with step-by-step instructions and a CD containing an installation video. The use of the text to voice program is also very simple, but takes some practice to make a conversation flow and sound semi normal. This hardware may be purchased at: http://www.ezsharepro.com for $80.00 (Roger and John are very helpful).

The E-triloquist text to voice program can be obtained from:

http://www.etriloquist.com/

In closing, even if I am able to use the phone again, with out difficulty, the combination of E-triloquist and the eZSharePro device has been an inexpensive way for me to communicate over the phone until my voice returns.

I also think you should know, that I do not work for, nor profit in anyway, from the sales of the eZSharePro device. In my opinion it is a good product, at a fair price. It has helped me. I am just sharing this information in hopes that others in my situation may benefit.

John Nicols

 

 

For suggestions, contributions, corrections or questions about this section, please contact:

Library Staff