Speaking out

HP technology enables communication for speech-impaired

HP Canada’s donation of iPAQ handheld computers is helping to open a whole new world of communication to the speech-impaired.

Imagine, for a moment or two, that you have suddenly lost your ability to speak. Family, friends, co-workers and almost everyone you meet continue to talk to you, because you can understand them. But you can’t respond, can’t make your feelings or opinions or wants known quickly and easily, with just a few spoken words.

About one per cent of the population is unable to communicate orally because of an acquired or congenital disability. With our aging population, the numbers of speech-impaired are growing.

Innovative use of hand-held computer technology is changing that scenario for thousands of people across the country. The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) in Winnipeg is one of many groups which are using technology to help the speech-impaired communicate, easily and in a natural way.

“There are a wide variety of causes of speech impairment,” says Lori Wiebe, Executive Director of OARC. “That includes autism, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS, strokes and throat cancer. In the past, our clients had to use cumbersome devices that made them stand out as disabled. Now, the hand-helds are mainstream technology, and people with a speech-impairment are using the same hardware as everyone else, and with much better results.”

Matching the user with the right hardware and software for their particular needs is crucial to success. To help clients select a system, OARC runs a lending library that provides communication aids to day-care centres, schools, and hospitals across Manitoba.

“We made close to 400 equipment loans last year, and the numbers are steadily increasing,” says Lori. “We have 14 devices in our library based on the iPAQ, and they’re very popular. They’re almost all reserved ahead until July, as of January.”

There is a wide variety of users. One man suffering from ALS has lost his speech but maintains mobility. He used the iPAQ to talk to workers renovating his home, and was able to order his own materials at the building supply store. A five year old girl with cerebral palsy uses the iPAQ with symbol software to create synthesized speech and communicate with her family. She can now talk to her father on the phone when he is away on business trips.

“Each borrower gets the equipment for six to eight weeks for evaluation,” says Lori. “Once they’re sure they’ve found the right combination of software and hardware, they can then look for funding to purchase their own system. The great thing is that with the popularity of the hand-helds, new software and accessories are coming out all the time. People aren’t stuck with some cumbersome piece of custom equipment as they were in the past.”

HP has donated five iPAQs, a digital camera, a digital projector, two tablet computers and carrying cases to OARC. The digital projector is mainly used by OARC for educational purposes, but has also been used by a teenage girl with cerebral palsy to deliver classroom presentations.

“We were all very impressed with what they have done with hand-held computers,” says Ellen Gardner. “They started out small, but as the number of people affected by speech disorders grows, they are helping more and more people communicate in a very natural way.”

Last year, HP Canada donated over $2 million in equipment and cash to schools, universities and charitable organizations. Local citizenship committees increase the net contributions through their involvement in local projects and programs.

Website: www.oarc.ca

See HP Canada’s Philanthropy Program for more information or application forms.