“Since having my laryngectomy, a little over two months ago, I’ve had to make a few adjustments.  I am almost half through with radiation treatments, which will continue for 3 more weeks. After, a hopefully brief convalescence period, I will return to work.

 
As a systems administrator for a large computer-engineering group, my need to communicate on a technical level is important.  I have always been a very independent person and have been frustrated with my new dependence on family and friends, for simple everyday things.

I spent hours searching the web, first looking for a text to speech program. I found several free ones.  The one I selected is called E-triloquist. It allows 48 pre-programmable hot keys, plus plenty of options for pre-typed questions and responses.  

Next, I needed a way to interface the output of E-triloquist to the telephone. At first I put the speakerphone near the computer speakers that worked, kind of. There was a problem with background noise, and clarity was lacking. My biggest issue was the lack of privacy. This method would never work in an office environment.

I sent out inquiries, as to how others cope with this issue.  I received several responses, ranging from TTY devices to web services for people with speech difficulties. Although these may work for some people, the limitations of a TTY device, or paying a monthly service charge to make phone calls, spurred me to continue my web search.

The point is, I found a hardware device that does what I need, and more. The device allows me to output the text to speech program or anything from the computer speakers, directly to the phone with privacy and clarity. The hardware set up is very simple. It comes with step-by-step instructions and a CD containing an installation video.

In closing, even if I am able to use the phone again, with out difficulty, the combination of E-triloquist and the Speech Assistant device has been an inexpensive way for me to communicate over the phone until my voice returns

I also think you should know, that I do not work for, nor profit in anyway, from the sales of the Speech Assistant device. In my opinion it is a good product, at a fair price. It has helped me. I am just sharing this information in hopes that others in my situation may benefit.”

                                                                                                                    John N.  -  Houston, TX

“I would say that is the biggest thing for me is not being able to communicate with people.

One of the biggest obstacles that I have encountered is the Phone.  My daughter lives with me and she gets very frustrated when we try and explain to anyone that calls that I have a Largynectomy and that I can't talk.  The people are very insistent that they want to talk to me and we have tried over and over to explain to them that I can"t talk.

I know that I am looking forward to being able to talk to people because that is basically what my job entails.”

                                                                                                                    Karen L.  -  Hershey, PA

“The Speech Assistant is quite an effective device for making phone calls for people with speech impairments that ICDRI reviewed recently and found to be easy to use and easy to assemble.

We set it up and used it easily and found the directions for set up easy to understand and follow.  Properly used by people with speech impairments it can eliminate the need to use the relay service and can help those with speech impairments to communicate over the telephone quickly and easily.  It comes with helpful software for generating voices and the software is easy to use.

We give this device two thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Reviewed by Mike Burks, International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet       (ICDRI) Staff