Communicating
COMMUNICATING
When speaking is a problem, writing can sometimes be the obvious solution. Re-usables are often more convenient such as dry-wipe boards or “Magic Slates”. These handy devices make it unnecessary to carry a pencil and pad. Small electronic models are also available. Look for memory organisers with simple functions that will write out a word, phrase or sentence on the screen. These instruments are relatively legible, portable and inexpensive.
“Chinagraph” pencils can be used to write on most kinds of plastic surface, then be wiped clean with a damp, soapy cloth. Pieces of thick acetate Perspex or plexiglass can be used.
The text functions on mobile phones can be used when speaking is difficult.
The “Speak It! 2” “App” runs on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, costs £1.19 to buy and will speak any text you enter or receive. The App requires iPhone operating system version 3 or later and is available in English, French, German, Italian & Spanish.
For users of Microsoft Office; there is a voice synthesiser built in to the 2003 & 2007 versions of Excel. Access the Excel help menu by pressing F1 and type in the word “Speech” to see how to activate this function in your version. Anything you type into an Excel cell can then be spoken for you. Put Excel with a “Netbook” running XP and you have all the functionality of a Lightwriter for a tenth of the price.
Speech recognition is not available in Microsoft Office 2007, for speech recognition functions install a previous version of MS Office if you are running XP, if you are using Windows Vista you can run “Windows Speech Recognition”.
Large felt tip pens are more easily handled than the average ball‑point model. Large‑diameter ball‑point pens are available at office supply stores, pound shops and so on.
Pieces cut from an ordinary foam sponge or even some rubber bands wrapped around a pencil/pen can make it easier to grip. Many small pen/pencil grips are available at office warehouse stores.
A small rubber ball can be punctured so a pencil can be forced through; this makes an excellent grip for a pencil or other writing implement.
A small lazy Susan turntable on the desk top for pens, tape, paper clips, etc., can make them easier to reach.
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