Speak Up For Parkinson's vs ClaroCom

The Speak Up for Parkinson’s app is a useful tool for Parkinson’s patients to practice their speech. The approach pays special attention to the volume of the patient’s voice, a key factor that helps to address several of the challenges faced with Parkinson’s. Two practice tools are included: 1) Words & Phrases, a series of random statements are presented for the user to speak; and 2) Reading & Conversation, a free-form area allowing longer practice sessions. With both tools a volume meter is provided as well as audio/video feedback. The app also provides helpful Speaking Tips and additional information. Brought to you by the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation.

ClaroCom is an iPad or iPhone App for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). ClaroCom helps to replace speech for those with impairments in the production of spoken language. ClaroCom is suitable for children or adults with some or full literacy, and can assist users who have limited or no speech and language difficulties. PRODUCT FEATURES • Writing Type into the Message Window using the on-screen keyboard. Press the Speak button to have text in the Message Window spoken. ClaroCom can also speak each word as it is typed or inserted into the Message Window. Text in the Message Window is spoken using the standard iOS text-to-speech voices. Text in the Message Window can be sent by Message and Mail, as well as copied into other apps. Use the built in Word Prediction and Phrase Prediction to speed up writing. Create text using the phrase banks to find a phrase. ClaroCom is loaded with some standard phrases. More phrases can be added and history is stored of what is typed. • Word Prediction ClaroCom has built in Word Prediction when typing into the Message Window. ClaroCom's Word Prediction takes account of word frequency and previous words. There is an initial Word Prediction list loaded on startup, and ClaroCom can learn new words as they are typed if desired. • Phrase Prediction Use Phrase Prediction when typing into the Message Window. The phrases are loaded from the contents of the visible categories and ClaroCom stores new phrases that are typed or added. The predicted phrases appear on a Phrase bar above the keyboard. Phrases can be easily searched for, and bulk phrases can be easily added. Prediction works with acronyms, so as 'awn' is typed, 'Are We Nearly There Yet?' appears instantly. This is a very fast way to build up and learn a collection of phrases. Speak a predicted word or phrase immediately with a ‘touch and hold’ instead of composing into a message – another faster way to get speech out. A swipe brings up more phrases and words that can be easily scanned through. Flexible phrases include fillable prompts so ClaroCom will know, when the 'I would like ___' phrase is selected, that immediately the user will be asked for the word(s) to complete the phrase. • System Voices Use any of the voices already installed on your iOS device. The voice can be made to speak faster or slower to suit your needs. • Font and Color Change the font size, color or use a more-readable font to maximize ease-of-reading, making ClaroCom easily adaptable to different users' needs. Upgrade to ClaroCom Pro and get the following extra features: • Two built-in high-quality (Nuance Expressive) voices • Add your own custom categories • Flip display feature - great for communicating by text in loud environments • Send text to Facebook and Twitter from within ClaroCom Pro • Add whole phrase lists in bulk using simple text files and iTunes, or paste phrases into the message window and save • A larger word prediction dictionary • More color and display settings • Pinch to zoom - increase/decrease text size with just a pinch • Add your name in settings and any phrases which contain "[NAME]" will use this name automatically • Select from a wide range of Nuance Expressive and Acapela voices to purchase in-app For the latest news, tips and advice follow @ClaroComApp on Twitter.