If you can’t speak, there are three different products on the market to give you a voice. There is no reason why you cannot communicate with the world. Do you need one of these amazing devices or know someone who does? If you have answered yes or no to any of the questions, read on.
(1) TTY MACHINE FOR SPEECH DISABILITIES ONLY
(a) A TTY machine is a keypad telephone.
(b) It is operator assisted which is called relay service.
© Your call is made by a special TTY Operator.
— Write your message to your phone contact
— When the other person answers.
—You will write your message
— You will be able to hear the other person speak.
A. TTY MACHINE FOR THE DEAF OR SPEECH DISABLED
It is a phone with a keyboard and a small screen.
—Your call is made by a special TTY Operator.
—You write your message to the operator.
—The operator will write a message to your phone contact.
—-All telephone conversation will be done by typing.
(d) This service is especially valuable for the person who cannot speak or hear.
(2) ELECTROLARINIA
(1) A small electronic machine that fits in the palm of your hand.
(2) It is placed against your neck.
(3) Then you pronounce your words.
(4) Vibrations form words.
(5) Your words are heard.
Problem:
When the device is placed against your neck, it will cause pain.
Both electronic devices listed above are FREE through the California Access Program. If you don’t live in California, contact your utility company and find out what program they have for the hearing and speech impaired.
The phone number is 800-806-1191 and the fax number is 800-889-3974. The website is http://www.ddtp.org.
—You must contact the California Access Program to request an application.
— Must be signed by your doctor and faxed or mailed to the number above.
—When your application is processed, a field representative will call you and come to your home.
—At that time, you will receive training on the equipment that best suits your special needs and install it.
(3) (SGP) SPEECH GENERATING DEVICE
(1) The SGP device is not a device that you can receive for FREE. Medicare and most insurance companies will pay for this amazing electronic device.
(2) This is a small computer that you carry with you.
(4) You type on the keyboard, press a button, and the computer will speak.
(5) You can even choose the voice you like from various samples.
(6) This electronic device gives you a voice to the world without a relay operator getting involved in your phone call.
(7) You can carry on your usual conversation with people in the same room or on the phone. Ask your doctor or speech therapist about this amazing device. There are several different computers to choose from.
There is no reason one of the above options won’t work for you – a loved one or a friend.
Tell someone about the options you can use and have your voice heard.
Thanks for reading my article. Please feel free to read any one of my numerous articles on various different topics.
Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2007