Sometimes big ideas start in small, unexpected places. You might be surprised to know that speech-generating devices (SGDs) began in a basement in rural Ohio. Two engineers, Ed Prentke and Barry Romich, connected over a mutual passion to help individuals with disabilities. In 1966, they launched their incredible work to give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. PRC-Saltillo …
speech generating device
Never Take “I Love You” for Granted Again
One of our missions here at the Orange Effect Foundation is to make sure every child can communicate. We often take it for granted. I have had so many emails from grateful parents--writing about how their child can participate in every day activities like saying, "Trick Or Treat!" or "I’m hungry," or they want to go outside. Such simple things. But no example has warmed my heart the way …
Ryan’s Story
I've listened enough. It's time for me to speak, however it may sound. Through an electronic device, my hands, or my mouth. Now it's your time to listen. Are you ready? Neal Katz, Self-advocate A few weeks ago, Ryan, with his fuzzy PJ pants on, galloped into the kitchen with a determined look in his eyes. He approached the drawer that holds his GoTalk device so he could request his …
Autism and Speech Devices: Helping Kids Advance Skills As They Mature
We think this article from Autism Speaks about autism and speech generating devices is so valuable, we thought we'd share it with you. ------ A parent asks, “Our son is 6 years old, minimally verbal and on the spectrum. We’ve seen him make progress with a speech-generating device – a touch screen with pictures that produce single words. How can we use this approach to keep him making …
Recipient Spotlight: Charlotte
Four-year-old Charlotte used a speech-generating device to communicate for two years. Due to decreased fine motor skills resulting from cerebral palsy, the device became a source of extreme frustration. It now took Charlotte almost a full minute to locate and touch the screen on her device just to complete a single word. Charlotte needed a new way to a communicate. A visual tracking system …