Trach ties

My Speech Assistance Device


Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!




image courtesy of GreatTalkingBox



Digivox


The DigiVox is an "Augmentive Speech Device". Yes complicated words. Basically, what it does is talk for those who cannot speak adequately themselves, for whatever reason. I first learned about them when I was looking for something that I could use to help me to communicate. You see, I had learned some sign language and my children now becoming teenagers learned that if they didn't want to see what mom was trying to say to either look away or walk away. The most I could do at that point was to clap my hands to get their attention. Which, as those of you who have teens know, sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. So I found myself in need of another means of communication.



I scanned the internet looking for something that I could use that would be effective and still fit into my dwindled budget. I had not been able to work for over 2 years due to my health by that point. I had seen some very expensive devices which if I won the lottery would have been nice to obtain. But since the lottery isn't in my future, I had to find an alternative.




I kept searching until I came upon a company called "Great Talking Box". They offered devices that were better for my budget. After gaining contact with the company it was determined that I would start with a DigiVox. The DigiVox is a pretty diverse device. You can pick the size of the icons or "buttons" that you find easiest for you. It also has different length of recording so that you are not limited to just one or two word messages per button. It also features a volume control, which I found suited my needs so that when they decide not to listen I can increase the volume some. I have overlays (each level of messages on a picture board) that came with the device which made it easy to start out. Each overlay has a 911 button on it so that when I am home alone and would need an ambulance I can call and have them dispatched, which gives my family great peace of mind. If that situation arises, all I have to do is dial 911 and push one button on my DigiVox and they will have an idea as to what the call is about.



Me and my DigiVox


The people at Great Talking Box were very accomodating and eager to answer questions. This made the experience of dealing with them much more comfortable. I didn't feel like I was imposing if I had any questions. They are easily accessed by email as opposed to telephone numbers which are no use to the speech impaired. I really didn't have many questions since the DigiVox is easy to use. Any customized overlays I need they were happy to make up for me. It is so simple to use that my eleven year old daughter has no trouble programming in the recordings.




My family has found this as a fun family experience as well. I did have them prerecord some messages onto the device for me so that I would have a basis to start with. Since that time my children and husband have helped me decide on what messages are needed and record them into the DigiVox for me. So the voices that come from the device are familiar and are easily understood, compared to some synthesized programs I have tried that, even I, had trouble understanding.




I wish I had known of DigiVox years ago when I was working. I spent many years working in Intensive Care Units with patients who could not speak due to having tubes in to breathe. If only I had this device then. The patients would not have become as frustrated over not being able to communicate. We provided good nursing care, but I feel it could have been better if we had this device that would have saved the patients time and frustration in trying to communicate with us. I think that would have made their ICU experience more bearable. I have seen this from both sides...being the nurse trying to lip read or understand signals as well as being the patient that needed to get something across and the staff unable to really make out what I was trying to say. I feel this would be a great addition to any unit that deals with patients who are unable to speak for whatever reason.



So as I get used to using the DigiVox I will update this page. I am looking forward to the release of their next device which is a text-to-speech device that you type and it talks. I will keep you all updated on how using the DigiVox goes as well. So far it has decreased the silence in our house and made me alot less frustrated in getting what I wanted to say across. I won't need a sign language interpreter any longer!


You can find out more about DigiVox as well as other devices available through




Digivox update




Just to keep you all updated.....I have been using my Digivox for a few months now (2000). It certainly has given my family peace of mind that I can summon help myself if I need it. Fortunately I haven't needed to use it for that purpose. I have been using it more for "usual" conversation, as long as it utilizes the prerecorded messages. This has worked out well for us! I can now make simple phone calls or answer questions that the family knows are covered on the overlays. Now I just have to remember to keep it charged and within reach!
Update 2001-I have graduated. I have been able to obtain a text to speech program and a laptop. I now use this when I am using my computer and take it with me to office visits to assist the doctors in understanding me. I still have my Digivox. I still need to remember to keep it charged...gggggrrrrrr.



Disclaimer: This is not a paid endorsement for the Great Talking Box. I am just trying to educate using what resources I am familiar with. Graphics used were used with permission of Great Talking Box Company.




Disclaimer; In no way are these web pages or links intended to replace care by a qualified medical professional. They are here for information only. If you feel you fit any of the symptoms listed in any of these links you should seek care from a qualified medical professional.