Simple Switch Scanning and Voice Output in MS Word 2004 for OS X
This is a simple and brilliant suggestion – it could very likely be implemented in other applications in a similar way.
It’s in no way a replacement for a full switch scanning application like SwitchXS, but it’s also a hell of a lot cheaper if you already have Office!
- Ricky Buchanan
Samuel January 10, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Hi Rick. Thanks for reading my blog. I really had fun working on that concept. Just cool for people to be able to try something out for free.
SwitchXS is amazing. I had a great time in October learning it from David Niemeijer, as I did a couple hour tutorial in Layout Kitchen. Gosh, he is good.
Caytlin October 14, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Hi Rick,
I am reading and finding your information great.
I live in Australia and I have cerebral palsy.
I cant use my finger to type and need to switch scan my AAC device for access. I am 22 years old and study at University (Bach of Arts). I am non verbal
We here in Australia are behind in communication for people with disabilities.
Can you put me in touch with AAC devices
I really really want to use a mobile phone for text messaging or emails but i can’t access the keyboards.
I mum has a iphone which looks great. I looked into the programe on here but it does not yet have switch scanning access. They told me it is coming but not sure when.
I would love to keep in touch with your site.
Cheers
Cayt
Ricky Buchanan October 15, 2009 at 8:53 pm
@Caytlin: I’m down in Australia too, in Melbourne! Glad you are finding the blog useful. In terms of switch scanning AAC you would need to use a laptop running SwitchXS and Proloquo from AssistiveWare. I don’t use that software but it is very good I’m told. And of course a laptop could cope with email and SMS messages too (you can use http://www.messagenet.com.au/ for SMS access – I do!) and even video phone calls via Skype (which has text chat too). I think the smallest laptop Apple sells at the moment is a 13″ one – it’s not that big when mounted on a wheelchair tray or similar.
Best of luck – let me know how things go!
Caytlin October 22, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Thanks Ricky, I will give these sites a try …………
Caytlin
Kim April 14, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Hi Ricky,
You have recently been talking to my daughter Caytlin (15/10/09) on this site, thanks !
We desperately need a mobile phone that she can use – to send and receive text messages mostly as she doesnt have the accuracy to use a standard mobile phone.
She uses a pathfinder for communication, but cant get the pathfinder to talk to a mobile phone.
This is necessary as a way to communicate for her as a safety issue when she is out alone.
Is the apple pc and the program you talk about SwtchXS a better option for pc access than using her pathfinder and windows pc ?
Any advice would be wonderful ?
Thanks
Ricky Buchanan April 14, 2010 at 10:08 pm
@Kim: Honestly, I don’t know much about the Pathfinder so I couldn’t advise you well about this. Since you’re in Melbourne I suggest you contact ComTec at Yoralla and discuss it with them – they’re great with technical solutions!
Ira Leykin September 20, 2010 at 1:25 am
Hi Caytlin and Kim. REgarding an AAC cell phone, I can not find one, but you should ask RJ Cooper. Check out his web site and email him at RJ Cooper.com