Voice banking.

[JimWright]

Anyone tried voice banking? Anyone got any recommendations or advice please?

[Terry]

Hi Jim;

Do it as soon as you can, there is no cost till you want to download it and use it.

Contact Richard Cave, via Mnda connect.

Love Terry

[JimWright]

How much dose it cost?

[Terry]

Hi Jim;

I don't think there's any cost till you down load it.

I think that Richard said that it costs 100 euro but give him a ring on Monday and ask.

Love Terry

[Ellie]

According to MND Scotland (20/07/2018) Acapela costs €2400 (about £2070) plus £120 for an App if it’s to be used on iOS.

Further info: https://www.mndscotland.org.uk/media...king-final.pdf

Love Ellie.

[Barry52]

Once again may I remind everyone that the NHS is obliged to provide anyone with speech problems a method of communication. This may include a tablet and speech app, in my case an iPad and predictable. Given the financial constraints on the NHS they are clearly not going to provide the ridiculously expensive Acepela system.

Barry

[Kayleigh]

Thanks for kindly giving us that very useful information Barry.

Sometimes we are not pro-actively told by Speech Therapists etc what they should be supplying us with free of charge - and so it's good to have an idea of what our statutory entitlement is.

Best wishes
Kayleigh x

[Terry]

Hi Barry and Ellie,

Richard told me that the cost of the speech to download was very similar to model talker and was 100 euros. He gave the impression that the Mnda have been working with them, so maybe he has secured a special rate. I could have misunderstood but that would be a first.

Most of the special made computer talking machines seem to cost over £2000, but they are probably better than I Pads for talking.

Love Terry

[Ellie]

Once again may I remind everyone that the NHS is obliged to provide anyone with speech problems a method of communication.

Hi Barry,

Does that include voice banking?

Love Ellie.

[Ellie]

Richard told me that the cost of the speech to download was very similar to model talker and was 100 euros. He gave the impression that the Mnda have been working with them, so maybe he has secured a special rate. I could have misunderstood but that would be a first.

It would be great if it were only €100 to buy your own Acapela voice - the bargain of the century...

The actual voice banking recordings are free to do, the charge comes when you want to download the finished product.

Anyway, I'm sure Richard will clarify the pricing structure for you.

If you buy your own banked voice from Acapela, it will also be available to use on Predictable from "April 2019".

Love Ellie.

[Annb]

Barry - I think some NHS provisions are a postal lottery and depends on the Trust.. In my area SALT will assist with Model Talker but they do not provide iPads. My local hospice are generous to a fault and will provide necessary equipment but my local hospital bucks when asked to provide foot and hand splints.

[Barry52]

Hi Barry,

Does that include voice banking?

Love Ellie.

[QUOTE=Ellie;89064]Hi Barry,

Does that include voice banking?

Hi Ellie,

No, the voice banking is down to individual choice at your own expense.

Love,
Barry x

[Kayleigh]

Hi Barry,

Now I'm confused - yes, I know it doesn't take much! LOL

I thought that some people on the forum have had their voice banking paid for via their SALTs - but perhaps it's that postcode lottery situation again?

Anyway, I don't know why I'm worrying - that Queen Elizabeth voice on the Acapela system will do very nicely for me! - I just have to put on my diamond-encrusted crown, swap my electric wheelchair for a golden carriage and horses, and practice my royal wave - people will think I am Queen Elizabeth's (much younger!) long lost sister (A girl can dream!) LOL.

Love Kayleigh x

[Barry52]

Kayleigh (your Majesty),

Here are the NICE guidelines regarding communication. Just for clarification the equipment i.e. tablet and app does not include voice banking as the app will have generic voices.

Barry

NICE
Speech and communication
In your multidisciplinary team appointments, the speech and language therapist should talk about speech and communication with you, and talk to you about different ways of communicating, for example, face‑to‑face conversations, talking over the phone, by email or using the internet and social media.

If you're finding it difficult to speak clearly, communication equipment can help. This is called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This could be an alphabet, word or picture board and/or speech software on a computer or tablet device. If you need more complex equipment you should be referred to a specialist centre.

As MND progresses, you may need different equipment as your needs change, so this will be reviewed regularly in your team appointments. You should have the equipment you need without any delay. You and your family or carers should get any support and training that is needed in using communication equipment.

[JAY TEE]

Jim and all thanks for the update on Voice
Five years ago I downloaded the Speak It app of the internet and loaded it on a good mini iPad my mates brought me, also put it on old mobile phone and the iPad using now. I did the updates on this iPad and I lost the Speak it app as it wouldn’t accept the app. Luckily not bothered with other iPad and old phone. I have one day break from my carer/wife on Tuesday at local Hospice and the nurses and volunteers like my stories especially Peaky Blinders. Will now look to get better app. Thanks best wishes John.