Glossary

AAC is when you communicate using something other than speech. For example, on an iPad or tablet you may press on a symbol/photo/written word or sentence and the software speaks it out.

• Useful if you understand symbols or can read but your speech is affected

They either simplify the information on the website or read aloud what’s on the site.

• Useful if you struggle to follow more complicated web pages

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These are language exercises designed for people learning English as a foreign language. They can usually be personalised.

• Useful if you want to do exercises on speaking, spelling, writing, understanding text and understanding speech

These are programs/apps for working on everyday tasks such as planning recipes & shopping, working out money transactions, deciphering facial expressions

• Useful if you find everyday tasks more difficult due to your aphasia

These are programs/apps which help with everyday activities on a computer. 
For example: help with reading, help accessing websites, memory aids

• Useful if you struggle to use standard software

These are programs/apps which read aloud text on the screen.

• Useful if you can read some text but like to ‘back it up’ with hearing the text spoken. Helpful for reading emails, articles, or text you have written yourself

You type words/sentences and the program/app speaks them aloud.

• Useful if your speech is affected but your spelling/typing remains quite good

Voice activated assistance 

Voice recognition 
Speech recognition 
Speech to text

This works on smartphones, tablets and also smart speakers (such as Amazon Echo, Google Home). You speak to the device and it speaks back to you or it carries out a command you’ve given it. 

The program/app puts what you say into writing.

• Useful if your speech is good but you struggle to write/type

As you type, the program/app guesses what you want to say.  Mobile phones use this technology.

• Useful if you can spell the first few letters of a word and then get stuck