Build-UK Chat Forums

Pauline · New Member Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 10

Hi, Im new to this so please bare with me!!
My name is Pauline, I have had MND for just over a year now.
I currently use a Litewriter to speak. However, Iv read that you can use a programme on the compter called 'text to speech' Me and my daughter have looked on the internet but there are so many that you can download, we was wondering if anyone could point us in the right direction on which is the best and maybe even which is the cheapest!!!

Thank you

Pauline x

simonc · Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:07 pm Post subject:

Hi Pauline

If you get on with the litewriter then ask your local MND visitor to refer you to ability net for the grid2 system. Is similar to the litewriter but uses a computer and has a lot more available gadgets attached. IE internet word processor etc

The MND association will pay for this

Simon

Pauline · New Member Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 10

hi
simon thanks for that, why will the m n d pay for that do you have mnd thank Pauline

simonc · Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 5:39 pm Post subject:

Hi Pauline

No I dont my wife does she uses the grid 2 and gets on a lot better with it.

Ability net are fairly good at soring you out so just ask your local branch

good luck
Simon

Rachelg · Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:06 pm Post subject:

Hey Pauline

Simon is right about the MNDA helping. Mark lost his speech sometime ago and hated the litewriter so MNDA supplied Mark with a top of the range laptop with a speech programme called Windbag through Abilitynet who then arranged online training for him. It is absolutely fantastic. The speech package within Windbag is such a natural sounding voice, Mark is thrilled with it.

From application to arrival it took about three weeks. I think the whole package (laptop and speech software) cost about £950 and we didnt have to pay a penny towards it. Fantastic.

We also got Mark an iphone which has speech software on it called ProLoQuo 2 go so he can use that when he is out and about (we did buy that ourselves, the phone was £350 and the speech software £110) that was a while ago and I think the iphone is cheaper now - its perfect for use when Mark is out as its so portable.

good luck

RACHEL

Wayne · Highly Active Contributor Joined: 28 Nov 2004 Posts: 1955

Pauline the MND association have a contract with Abilitynet to supply computers / laptops & associated software / equiptment for communication on lease.

You will need to be refered by an OT or by a speech therapist who need to contact the MND association for a Abilitynet referal form, however you need to know exactly what you require on the form.

It's not hard to get a referal & they come to your home to do a full assessment of your needs now & in the forseeable future, it's worth doing even if you don't think you need assistance they will give advise & suggestions that will help in the long run.

http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/index.php

If you only require the Grid2 approach your local MND branch who will more than likely pay for it instad of the Abilitynet route, but personaly I recomend Abilitynet.

The Grid2 is more than a text to speech package here's a link for you to see some of the things it can do http://www.sensorysoftware.com/thegrid2.html

Wayne.
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