Grab it now; these affordable & accessible apps give voice to children with speech disorder!

New Delhi, July 25: Speech plays a pivotal role in communicating and addressing ideas to the people. We often use the speech and communication skill to convey, express and share our ideas and emotions with each other. However, communication and speech can be impediments for many around us.

Speech disorder or speech impairment is a disability which is listed as the fifth highest occurring disability in India with a prevalence of 7%. In this preview, with growing advancements in technology and innovative ideas, there are few technical innovations that have helped people and children with speech disorder. Innovative technology in the form of apps and software has enabled diagnosis of various speech disorders like Speech Language Delays, Voice Disorders, Stuttering, Unclear speech and more.

‘Speech Doctor’ is an app that enables easy detection of speech delays in children. This easy-to-use app has a set of research-based Yes/No Questions.

This is the first speech-screening app developed in India is available for Android, iOS, and Alexa. Amazon recently awarded a special prize to Speech Doctor for the innovation for Amazon Echo Dot (Alexa).

‘Voice and Speech Systems’  has created various products for speech and voice diagnosis and therapy. Vagmi, Audiolab, and Speech Science Labs are their noteworthy software.

‘Computerised Assessment of Articulation’ has been developed by All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore. This enables identification of processes which cause speech deviances in children.

AAC or Augmentative and Alternative Communication is a method of communication used to supplement speech.

Many technology-based AAC tools have been developed and are being used widely by therapists and patients. ‘AVAZ’  app is one of the most widely used AAC apps of Indian origin. ‘Jellow’  and ‘PlayTalk’  are the other two Indian apps that are helping many children with their communication.

Technology has not only innovated options for treatment of speech disorders but has also helped in overcoming barriers of accessibility and affordability. It is the application of technological innovations, which are helping speech therapists and doctors to make ground developments in the treatments they offer.

Today, we are not just using technology, we are living it. It would be wisest to embrace the potential benefits of new technologies in treating speech and communication disorders and march towards a smarter tomorrow.