Communication device

[Peaches1]

I am preparing for ataxia progression and wish to know of any Successful communicationdevice beingused.

[majajefferies]

Hi!Where r u based?

Our son was referred to this communication centre and they were brilliant!

cuh.nhs.uk/our-services/com...

[Peaches1 in reply to majajefferies]

Many thanks

[wobblybee]

🙂A link from the previous post is assistivetechnology.org.uk

[Peaches1 in reply to wobblybee]

Many thanks

[nigelrheath]

Oh Peaches! I understand the need to think ahead and was investigating that pathway myself last year. Then I realised that following it would lead me to losing my voice voluntarily and then being reliant on technology. Good though it’s becoming it’s a poor replacement for the human voice. So instead I investigated voice therapy through the nhs. I needed a referral from my gp, and after a short wait was assigned a therapist. We met via video link, which meant no travel required. It was transformative! From slurring and swallowed words to understandable speech.

Our brains are plastic and flexible. That will always work to help out, by forming new links or training new parts to mitigate the damage in our cerebellum.

The biggest problem in my speech degradation was a lack of confidence brought about by the reaction of strangers. I speak much more now and my friends tell me my voice sounds stronger and clearer.

Nigel

[nycgeordie in reply to nigelrheath]

Great advice.

[Peaches1 in reply to nigelrheath]

Many thanks

[Driven1]

Go to a speech therapist every time. Do not rely on technology. The brain then gives up on speech. Applies to all aspects of walking, balance, canes, rollators, speaking, swallowing. Use medical experts to help you maintain your abilities for as long as safety is not compromised