Assistive Technology Series: Text-to-speech (TTS)/Speech Assistant AAC Demo

[@e.c.8668]

Will this work while someone is using a video teleconferencing program like zoom or Google Hangouts? My mom is losing her speech but still can type and all. I was thinking that this might be useful when we have video calls with my brother or even if doing a virtual meeting with a doctor. Thanks.

[@ALSAEC]

Hello E.C., Jackie here. Yes, I'd say she has 3 choices: #1) She could simply use the TTS program on a separate device (like a smartphone) as the video call and just have the TTS play out loud (small bluetooth/wired speaker could be helpful in projecting sound) #2) Another option, if using Zoom/Hangouts and the TTS App on the same phone/tablet (host needs to 'allow' sharing) she can select 'share screen' AND enable "device audio". Then the participants, although they won't see her video, will see AND hear her responses clearly during conversation. #3-ideal) With 2 separate devices again (One video/1 TTS App), join Zoom/Hangouts on BOTH and have her primary TTS device share screen (again with device audio) for speech and use the second device to show her video so the participants and both see her on video and hear hear/see her conversation clearly. This is also helpful to decrease those time where she is trying to keep up with the conversation, everyone will actually see that she is writing a message and can be mindful of that. Hope this helps!