"Survivor Speech Companion System"

The "Survivor Speech Companion System" was developed for stroke survivors by O'Brien technologies. It is an assistive technology system designed specifically for survivors who are just beginning the recovery process, along with intermediate and advanced survivors. The goal of the system is to assist and improve survivors communication with other survivors along with communication to their caregivers.

This communication system generates highly flexible and adaptable speech based on the users communication needs. It is a small handheld device with a touch screen that is opperable with one finger. The main scrolling menu includes pictures that coordinate with each category listed. As the user scrolls over each topic the title is read aloud, and a single tap on the screen over the desired category is all that is needed to access the sub-list information. From this list the user selects what they would like to 'say' by making another single tap. The speech selection then appears in large words on the screen, along with an enlarged version of the asociated picture. One last single tap to confirm the message choice and the device to audibly speak what the user wishes to communicate.

This speech generating system opperates using two units. The 'Survivor' unit is designed for the stroke survivor and formated for their day-to-day communication needs. The 'Companion' unit is oppperated by the caregiver. The two units are able to connect via infrared technology. The 'Survivor' can also interact with other 'Survivor' units and produce effective communication. A customized, pre-programmed question is selected on the 'Companion' and is automatically directed to 'Survivor', where they are able to select their response. The question list and commands have been developed by SLPs and caregivers to ensure appropriateness.

More information about this communication system can be found at obrientechnologies.com

Demonstration and training of the system can also be viewed on their website. Unfortunately this location is not running at the moment, but should be back up soon.

This assisted communication device is one of the more developed tools that I have seen in the speech-language pathology profession. This device is very technologically advanced as well as effecient for meeting the survivors communication needs. This device is and will continue to be very useful in the lives of stroke survivers.