Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs)

Computers in particular and Technology in particular are full of acronyms!!  VOCA stands for Voice Output Communication Aids. Individuals suffering from speech impairment could use VOCA, to make requests verbally.  A prerecorded voice or machine generated voice based on text recognition could lend its voice to the challenged person on selecting certain switch, text or picture on the AAC device.

While all people with autism have language and communication difficulties, there is a considerable range in language ability among individuals with this diagnosis. Language difficulties that may be present include difficulties with non-verbal communication, delay in or lack of expressive language skills, significant differences in oral language, repetitive and idiosyncratic speech patterns, echolalic speech, restricted vocabulary, and difficulty with pragmatics of conversation (B.C. Ministry of Education, 2000). Approximately 50% of individuals with autism do not develop functional language and many of those who do exhibit abnormalities in usage (Scott, Clark & Brady, 2000). For this reason, communication interventions are critical components of any program designed to support students with ASD. Many of these students are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, either to supplement their existing speech or to act as their primary means of communication (Mirenda, 2003). 


How effective are the Voice Output Communication Aids has not been well researched. This is due to the spectrum nature of Autism and also the lack of a resonable size of population using such tools.  A good review, though old is at http://www.setbc.org/setbc/topics/aacreview.html


Would a child want to be heard? Would he prefer it to using flash cards or other more physical forms of communication devices? I am not sure yet. My son for instance is comfortable using a typed out communication folder. Though he sticks to using only words that provide gratification such as food items or of entertainment value, he still has some way to communicate his basic needs. But due to the fixed nature of the board, I sincerely believe an aid will give him more vocabulary and also graduate him to using sentences etc. Getting good functional communication is the key. It is not about speech.  I am however encouraged by a recent act of his. While we were working with him, we recorded a rhyme on my cell phone. Later when I played it back to him, he began repeating it, and was more vocal. I therefore feel that maybe hearing himself and other sounds could encourage him to make verbal requests.


Other issue I have with these aids is the fixed nature of speech, either Machine generated ( which sounds artificial) or of an adult. We need voices of children and that to with local accent. This will make it more real. Let me look for them .. and posts on them should follow.

I found this IIT paper ... more research on it later : Looks like a cheap n limited solution for India http://www.mla.iitkgp.ernet.in/papers/kathamala.pdf


Some references : 
Mirenda, P. (2003). Toward functional augmentative and alternative communication for students with autism: Manual signs, graphic symbols, and voice output communication aids. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 34, 203-216.
British Columbia Ministry of Education Special Programs Branch (2000). Teaching students with Autism: A resource guide for schools. Victoria, B.C.: Author.
Scott, J., Clark, C. & Brady, M. (2000) Students with Autism. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group.