Simple Switch Scanning and Voice Output in MS Word 2004 for OS X

By Ricky Buchanan • November 16, 2007

Simple Switch Scanning and Voice Output in MS Word 2004 for OS X

Website: Simple Switch Scanning and Voice Output in MS Word 2004 for OS X

ATMac comment: 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!

- ATMac

Categories: Information, Primary Switch Users, Supporters
Tags: single switch, switch access, switch accessible, switch adapted, switch user

About the Author

Ricky Buchanan

Ricky Buchanan is 34 years old and the founder and main writer for ATMac. She's bedridden with severe CFS/ME or perhaps a primary mitochondrial disorder - the doctors are not sure. When she's not working on ATMac or her other websites she composes music, listens to audio books, does other disability advocacy, watches TV with her flatmate, and enjoys her cat.

4 Comments For “Simple Switch Scanning and Voice Output in MS Word 2004 for OS X”

Samuel Jan 10th, 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 Oct 14th, 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 Oct 15th, 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 Oct 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm

Thanks Ricky, I will give these sites a try …………
Caytlin

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