1. What is a speech generating device (SGD)?
An SGD is a communication device that enables an individual to communicate more effectively with others through printed words, speech or voice output, pictures, or any combination of these.

SGDs are designed to be used as a supplementary mode of communication to augment existing communication strategies and can be configured or customized to address most communication needs.

2. Who uses a SGD?
Individuals who cannot speak, are difficult to understand, or have language retrieval issues might use an SGD. Communication devices are used by people of all ages with a variety of disabilities.

An individual with a communication impairment may have difficulty with expressive (what he or she can express) and/or receptive (what he or she understands) communication.

Some possible causes of communication impairment include:

• Acquired brain injury such as stroke, accident, tumor or anoxia
• Spinal cord injury
• Disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or multiple sclerosis
• Other traumatic injury such as burns or nerve damage
• Developmental causes such as prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal trauma, congenital or genetic malformations

3. What types of communication devices are available?
There are a variety of communication devices available on the market today. These devices can have a single message or multiple messages. Medicare categorizes devices based on the following features:

• Speech Output - Digitized, which is recorded human speech.
• Speech Output - Synthesized, which is electronic conversion of text into speech.
• Message Type - Prerecorded, which are messages that are stored.
• Message Formulation - Spontaneously create novel messages.
• Recording Time - Less than or equal to 8 minutes, or greater than 8 minutes.
• Memory Size - How much data will the device hold (e.g., 16 MB).
• Access Method - Direct physical contact with device or multiple methods such as switch, mouse, joystick, etc.
• Message Formulation Technique - spelling only, or spelling and other methods.

4. How are messages created or formulated on the devices?
SGDs contain selection sets or symbols to represent language. Selection sets can be any combination of photographs, line drawings, text, objects, or other graphic symbols.

Symbols can vary in size and may be in color or black and white depending on the device. Symbols can represent entire messages such as a picture of a toilet to represent "I have to use the bathroom," phrases, single words or letters. Some symbols must be combined with other symbols to create words, sentences, or complete messages.

5. Does a person need to be able to read to use a communication device?
It is helpful, but literacy is not required to use some SGDs. Some devices require keyboarding, spelling or word identification skills, but most devices have selection sets based on graphic symbols.

Word completion and prediction is available on some devices and can assist an individual with spelling by offering choices of possible words. Additionally, voice output allows the user to hear the message and make corrections if it wasn't what he or she intended.

6. Does a person have to use his or her hands to operate a communication device?
Although some devices can only be accessed by directly pressing or touching, most communication devices will accept alternative input. These access methods are discussed in section #3 above.

7. Will using a communication device stop someone from trying to talk?
There is research that supports the idea that using a communication device does not hinder the development or return of natural speech. In fact, most people using a device find it faster to use natural speech if others can understand them.

8. Is training required to use a communication device?
Most of the time, some form of training will be required before operating a speech communication device. Minimal training, such as how to turn it on, how to recharge it, etc., will be necessary with most devices.

Some devices require more extensive training. The manufacturer or distributor of the device typically offers training. Local agencies, professionals, or experienced users familiar with SGDs may also be able to provide training.Funding is usually available for training through major funding entities.

Additional Sources of Information:

Augmentative Communication, Inc. (ACI) - Publications, information and links to resources on augmentative communication.

International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication - The Mission of ISAAC is to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs.

RERC on Communication Enhancement - NIDRR Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) at Duke University. The project focuses on innovative communications (AAC) technologies.

RERC on Hearing Enhancement - Addresses accessibility problems of hard-of-hearing individuals by developing and evaluating cost-effective technological aids for the various groups of people with hearing loss according to their needs (e.g., people with moderate hearing losses, people with severe or profound hearing losses, young children, older adults and people with both vision and hearing loss).

RERC on Hearing Enhancement - This Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) develops and evaluates technology to accommodate the needs of people with hearing loss. Located at Gallaudet University and funded by NIDRR.