Get text-to-speech organised early

[Guest]

I would hav liked to use my own voice on my text-to-speech facility. I’ve learned two important things over the last 24 hours.
1) Get your own voice recorded to a text to speech application whilst it is still working well. My voice is now significantly compromised and I have left it too late to use my voice on a usable text-to-speech application. Speech and language therapists should sort this out as soon as they are introduced to a new client with MND. They should also provide some practical computer skills help to save the client lots of wasted time.

2) It is possible to get a good English voice sorted (see below).
I am no computer geek, but I am not daft. I found the process frustrating. My searches have not been exhaustive and not do I recommend any particular application. These are just my experiences in the past 24 hours.
I tried IVONA but could make little sense out of the website to download the application. It’s got a range of languages and different voices. I just couldn’t make it work. When I did eventually find a download button nothing seemed get to my computer. I gave up.
I tried to get an English voice out of Microsoft, and again, after going through a series of help pages, I gave up.
I registered with the ACAPELA group and got nowhere. This is probably one of the better websites to manage your own voice recordings, but you are going to need a proper microphone.
In the end I tried NATURALREADER (version 14), and it was easy. I took the FREE trial and got the software in less than a minute. I went back into the software to pick an English voice (Peter) and it was downloaded in seconds. I cut and pasted documents into the software and it worked well. It’s not my own voice but it will do.
If you have a new diagnosis - act early, and get help.


Bob

[Barry52]

Hi Bob,

Like you I have been advocating this since my voice started to fail. I am a fan of modeltalker with predictable which is suitable for android or iOS (Apple). I have my own voice recording which is a bit wobbly but I can switch to an English voice very easily.

For further information see my posts on the subject.

Barry

[miranda]

I use Speak It. It's simple, cheap and does the job.

[Terry]

Please note that I think that the "Speak It" for I Pad is quite good and VERY different from the Android one which is not anywhere as good.

Love Terry

[heathcliff]

hello
I am looking with interest as I am waiting to see a speech therapist my voice is not legible any more, the apps I have found so far I don't like they to slow.
any tips would be helpful, I will try speak it Miranda .
I was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS in Feb and it has hit me quick.
heather

[Terry]

Hi Heather;

What computer device are you using, how old is it and what operating system does it use?

Love Terry

[heathcliff]

Hi terry
I have a Mac Book its 2015 and iPhone 6s and just ordered a iPad pro the new one I just put speak it only phone so will try it.
Heather

[heathcliff]

I am finding it hard my speech was slow but ok till about 2 weeks and ago and its just down hill really fast. I know the referrals have been done for the speech therapist and OT I am hoping soon , I am in the process of moving so packing up just now to move
heather x

[Dvd]

Hi .. I have ANDROID devices .. Using 3 different apps .. Type and Speak, .. Speech Assistant, .. and Speak it .. Then downloaded SVOX "Oliver" male UK voice which works on all three apps ..
For those that wish to write on your ANDROID device download " Markers " means that out and about you write instead of having a speaking voice ..
I also have a Y headphone device which means that two people can plug their headsets into the Y piece and then use their app typing to speech on their Tablet and have a private conversation ..great when out in cafes / restaurants etc ..
Dvd

[Terry]

Hi Heather;

I think that Speak It will be a good option as it is very cheap and people do keep with that on an I pad. The speech therapist may well suggest the "Predictable" app which should be a little better and works on the I pad as well as Android Tablets, however it does cost considerably more £120 to £180. The Mnda may well pay some monies towards this program.

I do think that speak it will run on the I phone but don't know. The one way to quicken type to talk apps is to pre-program phrases and make up abbreviations.

The Mnda do lend out some Lightwriters that are quite old tech but do the job quite well, because they are a dedicated speech machine they are suitable for people that don't have computer skills.

I use a Lightwriter and also find the key board easier to use than the touch screens as my fingers are beginning to curl and be affected. I do use a tablet as well for speech sometimes.

Love Terry

[heathcliff]

Hi Terry Thanks
I know my Brother has been in touch with MND Scotland we were waiting to see what the speech therapist would help with I need it now though the Speak it is working on the iPhone I need to load phrases . My mobility is still good little weak. Its mainly my speech will some swallow though more chewing the joys eh .
Heather x

[Bob]

Morning everyone, and thanks for your feedback. Spoke with my Speech Therapist yesterday who suggested ModelTalker. I was initially frustrated by not getting it to download, but after asking for help from the company (contact us page) I was advised to download the 64 bit version, not the 32 bit version that is first presented. (It seems this is a matter of 'choice architecture' that can be addressed by them.)

I'm happy to report I have just managed to get 9 out of the 10 trial sentences recorded to sufficient quality for them to review it further. This is very satisfying, but again, it would have been better if I had done it three months ago.

The speech therapist was looking to get a grant (possibly from the MNDA) to pay for the headset (I chose a Creative Chatmax H720 at Currys for£29.99), when I just went out and bought it to save time.
Onwards.
Bob

[Guest]

Terry, can physio give you tips to slow down the finger curl?
One way is a massage that gently straightens the fingers ... best demonstrated.
Trevor had some finger stalls "made to measure" by physio department too.
Again, these slowed things down a bit but did help to hold the fingers straighter so typing was easier. I think he often wore them at night too. They just helped to tell the fingers what shape he wanted them to be!!!
Seems strange giving YOU some tips. I hope you don't mind and I hope some it helps.
We need your posting!!
X Nettie

[Terry]

Thanks Junior;

Did you massage with any particular oil etc and what are finger stalls?

My hands have been getting worse slowly for ever but I have found them to be a problem over the last 12 months. I do stretch them more now but like many men I tend to be a bit lazy and should do more.

Love Terry

[john]

Hi Terry,
Irene had a trip to orthotics who measured for and supplied finger straighteners. Irene wore these through the night and they consisted of Velcro straps on a board which forced the fingers to remain straight instead of curling through the night. Seemed to work and were not painful nor did they keep her awake. She also had aroma therapy oils which were massaged into her hands by myself and carers. Very relaxing and will leave your hands lovely and soft!

John