What is The Speech Assistant?

The Speech Assistant is a patented telephone audio interface that combines text-to-speech technology to give persons with temporary or permanent speech impairments a new way to "talk" on cordless telephones and cell phones. Allows calls to be made without a third party (i.e. relay operator), privately, and quietly.

What advantages are there for using The Speech Assistant  over other methods and systems such as telephone relay?

We believe some of the best things about The Speech Assistant, rest upon the quality speech software of the system combined with its unique telephone call making and receiving features. There are, of course, some intangible advantages as well.

According to several speech pathologist we've spoken with, many persons with speech difficulties end up lessening their communication with others. Some, they added, withdraw all together. In their opinion, The Speech Assistant could spark an interest in the lives of some of their clients to develop and/or enhance new communication skills. And when this happens, persons with speech impairments are given much more than just an advantage. They are ultimately given new freedom, confidence, and in some cases, a pride and dignity they didn't have before.

Another real advantage about The Speech Assistant is that it offers totally private and silent conversation. Since a third party is not required to facilitate the call, confidential or private conversation can take place more freely. Whether you're in a room full of people, or in a noisy environment, no one can hear any part of your telephone call.

A third advantage The Speech Assistant offers, in some cases, can be in money saved. Toll charges can apply to telephone relay calls if your telephone carrier is not the carrier for the telephone relay services in your state.  Costs can be incurred by someone who calls you, or when you call someone using a telephone relay service with a different telephone carrier. No tolls or other special charges are incurred when using The Speech Assistant.  Incoming and outgoing calls, both national and international, are limited only to your calling plan. With the time and possible costs associated with making telephone relay calls, you're free to make and receive more calls than before.

Why not just use my computer speakers to "talk" on the phone?

While it's certainly okay to put your telephone near enough to pick up your PC's audio from a text-to-speech program, it's not always the best way to go. Hospitals, libraries and workplaces are primary examples of places where noise level restrictions make this an unacceptable solution.

However, portability of The Speech Assistant makes it possible to conduct a private and silent telephone conversation practically anywhere! In some cases, it can even help persons who have lost their voice to become more employable, by making them able to receive and make phone calls in an office or professional environment both privately, and silently.

Do I need an internet connection?

The Speech Assistant can use either an internet (VOIP), an analog, pbx, cell phone connection. This means any kind of telephone line. The only requirement is the type of phone you use which must be cordless or a cell phone with a headset jack.

What's better about using our audio interface connector?

1. There are various types of other audio interfaces available for connecting your telephone to a PC, but we have found none that delivers the way The Speech Assistant can. With other interface connectors you must make certain configurations for certain phones and even then, they aren't guaranteed to always be compatible.

2. You can attach an output device such as speakers to produce public listening, or a tape recorder (where legal) to record the entire conversation.

 
Is support available?

Yes. We offer one year of technical support.

How much does it cost?

The price of The Speech Assistant is $199.00 which includes one synthesized voice of your choice, shipping, handling, insurance and a thirty-day money back guarantee.