Who is This Website For?
Low Tech Solutions offers information on low tech communication for people with SPEECH disabilities.
The communication options discussed on this site are designed for:
- People who are LITERATE (able to read and spell)
- People with relatively good LANGUAGE abilities
The communication solutions on this site are NOT geared towards people who have a significant LANGUAGE disorder.
People with a significant language disorder may have difficulty using a text based communication system. They will need a more personalized system (possibly a picture symbol based system).
Speech vs. Language?
There is some confusion over the difference between speech and language.
Speech and language are two very different things.
SPEECH
Speech is the vocalized form of human communication
(i.e. talking).
LANGUAGE
Language refers to the complex system of human communication (and can include the meanings of words and how words are put together.)
Communication Disorders:
Speech, Language or Both?
When a person has difficulty communicating, it may be because they have problems with speech, or with language, or with both.
SPEECH DISABILITY
Some people have difficulties communicating because they have SPEECH problems. (They have physical problems with the muscles and nerves used for talking).
LANGUAGE DISORDER
There are some individuals who have problems communicating because they have difficulties with LANGUAGE. (The parts of their brain which process and produce language are affected.)
A person with a language disorder may have problems with:
- Expressive language (producing language, either written or spoken)
- Receptive language (understanding the meaning of language)
- A problem with both expressive and receptive language
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE ISSUES
Some people have difficulty communicating because of problems with both speech and language.
Language Disorders
There are some conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury which affect parts of the brain, and may result in a language disorder. (Keep in mind that not everyone with a stroke or TBI will have a language disorder).
It's important to remember that conditions like stroke or TBI occur along a continuum.
- Some people who have a language disorder may need to use a picture symbol based communication system.
- Others may be able to use a spelling / text based system.
- Others may start out using a picture based system, and then transition to a text based system as they receive therapy and their condition improves.
It all depends on the individual. It's important for a person with a language disability to work closely with a speech language pathologist to determine a communication system which best meets their needs and abilities.
* If you are not sure whether or not these options are right for you, please work together with a speech language pathologist with a background in Augmentative Communication.
This can help ensure that you get matched up with the communication system which is right for you.