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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

App or similar to aid communication for speech and learning disability

3 replies

freckles20 · 13/11/2022 23:25

My BIL has a speech and learning disability. For full disclosure he is 40 years old. I posted this query on the adults board but unfortunately didn't get any responses so I hope it is ok to ask here in case someone with a child with a similar need can help.

He is able to follow a very basic conversation and to say about 15 words. He can say a few more words which only his mum is able to decipher.

However, he does use emojis pretty well in WhatsApp,
and although he can't read as such he is able to recognise and type about 10 words just by recognising the shape of their letters.

At a recent family gathering he was overjoyed to use his Alexa to speak out-loud for him to say a few preplanned words.

I have previously wondered if technology could help him to communicate. My gut feel is that something with emojis or images might work well. His parents (my inlaws) haven't embraced this idea because it isn't something that is on their radar.

I'd love to find something that might work. I can't afford to buy anything very expensive unfortunately. However, I think that if my inlaws could see the potential benefits then they might be open to investing in something.

If anyone can suggest something that would be brilliant, or maybe there is a charity or support group for people with this type of challenge that might be able to help?

OP posts:
Kite22 · 13/11/2022 23:30

Communication Matters might be able to help

Kite22 · 13/11/2022 23:37

Ace Centre might help you

or

Find A Voice is based in Kent, but they might be able to signpost you elsewhere, local to where you are.

LazingOnASundayAfternoon · 21/11/2022 22:25

A referral for a communication assessment to the local adult learning disability health team, once assessment is completed they will be able to advise on strategies to enable communication or refer to the nearest communication technology service if this would benefit him.

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