SpeechHero

SpeechHero is an iPad app that allows children with Autism, Down Syndrome, or Asperger Syndrome to communicate more effectively. The alternative, augmented communication devices, are often thousands of dollars in cost—or more—and require special training or certification.

As a student at WMU, Aynna Lloyd (BS '10, Speech Pathology and Audiology), noticed that these devices were complicated to use—especially compared to the technology on her cell phone. Lloyd got in touch with her cousin, Drew McKinney—a K College alumnus with a degree in computer science. They decided to build an iPad application.

Children who use the app can choose vocabulary words and phrases by clicking on associated symbols. It includes natural sounding voice technology that delivers speech from eight different voices using intonation and punctuation—and it can be paused.

To learn more about the device, please follow the link below

WEBSITE — SPEECHHERO

KALAMAZOO GAZETTE — WMU, K-COLLEGE GRADUATES DEVELOP SPEECHHERO

Photo credit: SpeechHero.com and the SpeechHero app