Speech Blog

Many of us probably do not know too much about assistive technology available on our computers or smartphones, but this type of technology is crucial to helping people with hearing loss or a voice, speech, or language disorder to communicate more meaningfully.

With the development of digital and wireless technologies, more and more devices are becoming available to help people with disabilities. Being able to express thoughts more easily also supports them to participate more fully in their daily lives. With advancements in voice technology such as natural language processing, they are empowered to do more. Therefore, voice technology can be a game changer for people living with disabilities, especially in the classroom.

Learning differently

Some disabilities may affect basic cognitive abilities such as writing, spelling, reading, memory, attention, concentration, visual perception, or comprehension. In such cases, permission to audio-record a class might be an appropriate accommodation. It will enable students to gain full advantage of a class that might not otherwise be fully accessible to them, for example, when making clear written notes in class is difficult.

Digital voice recorders are ideal for any student who has trouble keeping up with lectures. The audio recording allows the student to ‘fill in the gaps’ after the lecture or clarify meaning in their written notes, giving them the opportunity to listen to the lecture, or parts of it, as often as they want. Revisiting challenging parts with the help of a voice recorder can improve understanding and help with memorizing information.

Self-guidance as an educational goal

The use of technology to enhance learning is an effective approach for many students. Additionally, students with learning disabilities often experience greater success when they can use their abilities to work around their disabilities. Assistive technology tools combine the best of both practices and compensate for an individual’s specific learning deficits.

Step-by-step, students can reach their potential by allowing them to capitalize on their strengths with the help of technology and bypass areas of difficulty. As a result, it increases self-reliance and a sense of independence. Those who struggle in school are often overly dependent on parents, siblings, friends and teachers for help with assignments. By using assistive technology, they can experience success with working independently.

Beauty YouTuber, Natasha, uses a simple voice recorder in her daily life. Her son, Harrison, was born with autism, and voice recording helps him to accelerate his learning and makes it easier for him to remember things. With the device, Natasha and Harrison capture songs, practice math and record to do lists.

What voice recording can contribute

Voice technology is integral to the Education and Disability markets, but now more than ever before, innovations in this field are building inclusion by bringing far more empowerment, support and independence to disabled students.

Philips Dictation has recently launched easy to use technologies that assist students with their education, skills development, and employment prospects by helping them complete their study and everyday tasks more easily, quickly and accurately:

• An affordable version of Dragon Naturally Speaking, the speech recognition software trusted by millions, eliminates the need for typing to create written text.
• An app for Android and Apple devices allows the user to control the voice recorder remotely and download files quickly.
• Bigger and tactile buttons as well as a larger screen help with intuitive operation of the recorder.
• With up to 36 hours of battery life the recorder is ready whenever it’s needed.

Get more information about the new range of Philips voice recorders HERE.

Read HERE for more information about how voice recorders can boost learning. Leave a comment if you have a question or want to know more!