Living with Cerebral Palsy: Voice Activation Software
As so we may already know, I work at home by freelancing. I write material for article marketing, websites, blogs, and more. Yesterday, I wrote a blog for my worksite about using voice activation software to make freelance writing a little bit easier. It also might help avoid problems like carpal tunnel syndrome. Then, I got a bright idea! If I use voice activation software to save my hands and to speed up my typing, why not tell you about this great tool for sending e-mails, typing letters, or even surfing the Web.
Many of us are limited to one hand already. Some of us can use both hands, but it is slow going. We will never be a 60 wpm typist. So, why not use voice activation software, if you are living with CP?
Easy to Use Program
Okay. Here I am. This is not a comeliest picture I have ever taken. But, you can see what I look like as I am dictating this blog. All you need is a headset plugged into your computer.
At first, the software can be frustrating, because you have to train it to recognize your speech patterns. The software does not care if you have a speech impediment due to cerebral palsy. Once it learns how you pronounce words, when you say them that is what the program will type. The more you use the software, the more accurate it becomes.
When I am tired and know I still have a lot of typing to do, I can let the voice activation software take over. It can type faster than I can.
A Few Little Extras
Not only can the software type or you, it can also help you surf the Internet. When you purchase the program, it comes with an instruction book full of commands. You can basically do anything on the computer that your hands do. You are simply using your voice instead.
If You are Interested
If you are interested in checking out Dragon Naturally Speaking, simple click here:
Sometimes, Nuane has deals. The basic software I purchased a few months ago, when I got a new computer with a different operating system, was around $50.
For me, the price is worth it, especially when my hands and wrists get tired. If you decide to give it a try, you will have to tell me what you think. If you have it already, tell us how it works for you, and if you like it or not.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Very informative text. I’ve found your blog via Yahoo and I’m really happy about the information you provide in your posts. Btw your blogs layout is really messed up on the Chrome browser. Would be cool if you could fix that. Anyhow keep up the good work!
February 5th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Thank you for reading Living with Cerebral Palsy. I hope you come back and share. Do you, or someone you love, live with cerebral palsy? If you have ideas for future posts or questions, it would help me provide the material that people want to read.
As the the Chrome issue, how does it mess up? Chrome is my preferred choice, and it looks right. ???? I have also used Explorer and Firefox. So, I am not sure what I need to fix. I will be glad to figure it out and make the necessary changes.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:46 am
Tina,
I worked with mobility impaired students who have CP at the post-secondary level, which is where I first learned about Dragon. I am a huge supporter of students having the opportunity to get this software and train it during their secondary school years as they get ready to transition to post-secondary life.
I am currently finishing my BS degree in exceptional student education at the University of Central Florida. I have worked as an education advocate in central Florida for 8 years and I have recommended this software to many of my clients of varying exceptionalities. I love your blog! Keep up the good work!
April 16th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Jamie,
Thank you so much for your comments! You are an encouragement to the students you help, I am sure. I am glad you like the blog. I hope you come back and add more comments and suggestions. Let me know, if you think of a topic I should write about that would benefit your students.
Tina
February 18th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
I am a speech teacher and I work with two students who are in the 8th grade and have CP. I installed Dragon on Student 1 laptop and this student is succesfully using the software. Student 2 has speech that presents as more dysarthric. Articulator placement is less precise. Dragon will not read Student 2′s speech. We trained it a word at a time. I typed it in the training component and Student 2 spoke. This will take a long time and I would put in the time but it is still on 25% accurate. Is there other software, hardware out there. Any strategies to suggest to help student 2. Student 2 is extremely smart. Thanks
February 18th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Katie,
I wish I did. The only other thing I have read about is the electronics that will speak for you, but that would not your student to communicate with the written word. This is the best user-friendly software that I have come across. You can be sure that if I find something better, I will write about it. So sorry.
July 17th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Katie, you may want to try SpeakQ. It may be a bit more forgiving for speech recognition.