Returning to Work with Speech Assistance Apps: How Nonverbal Adults Can Reconnect to All Aspects of Life

Nonverbal adults who have difficulty speaking and communicating due to conditions such as stroke, brain injury, or physical disabilities caused by surgery (for example, a laryngectomy), may find it challenging to return to work or engage in social interactions.

For example:

• The inability to communicate effectively can lead to a lack of confidence, difficulty in expressing ideas, and frustration. These challenges can be especially pronounced in jobs that require a lot of communication, such as customer service, sales, or management positions.
• People who cannot speak may also face discrimination and a lack of understanding from their colleagues and superiors. They may be overlooked for promotions or not given the same opportunities as their peers. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of job satisfaction.
• Another challenge faced by nonverbal adults in the workplace is the need for accommodations. They may require assistive technology or other accommodations to perform their job duties effectively. This can be a source of stress and anxiety, as they may worry about being a burden on their employer or coworkers.

It’s clear that adults who are non verbal face numerous challenges in the workplace.

However, as long as these individuals haven’t lost any of their cognitive function, it IS possible for them to overcome these challenges and learn to communicate with their colleagues and customers with the help of technology. Speech assistance apps, for example, can be an especially powerful tool in helping these adults participate in various activities, including work, and regain a sense of normality in their lives.

One such app for nonverbal adults is APP2Speak, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) photo-based app for the iPad, tablets, and smartphones. APP2Speak is designed to help nonverbal adults communicate more effectively and efficiently. The app features customizable photo-based communication boards that can be tailored to the user’s specific needs, making it easier for them to express their thoughts and feelings.

By using speech assistance apps such as APP2Speak, nonverbal adults can return to work successfully and engage in social interactions more confidently.

Benefits of Using Speech Assistance Apps

Speech assistance apps such as APP2Speak can be incredibly helpful for nonverbal adults who want to return to work after a stroke, brain injury, or other physical condition. These apps can provide a wide range of benefits to users, including:

• Improved Communication: Speech assistance apps can help users communicate more effectively with their colleagues, clients, and customers. By providing a clear and concise way to express their thoughts and ideas, these apps can help nonverbal adults feel more confident and comfortable in social situations.
• Increased Independence: With a speech assistance app, nonverbal adults can communicate without relying on a caregiver or assistant. This can help them feel more independent and self-sufficient, which can be a huge boost to their self-esteem.
• Enhanced Productivity: By using a speech assistance app, nonverbal adults can work more efficiently and effectively. They can communicate with their colleagues more quickly and easily, which can help them get more done in less time.
• Greater Flexibility: Speech assistance apps can be used in a variety of settings, including the office, at home, and on the go. This can provide nonverbal adults with greater flexibility and freedom, allowing them to work and communicate on their own terms.
• Improved Quality of Life: By using a speech assistance app, nonverbal adults can improve their overall quality of life. They can communicate with their loved ones, participate in social activities, and pursue their professional goals with greater ease and confidence.

Overall, speech assistance apps can be a powerful tool for nonverbal adults who want to return to work and achieve their professional goals. By providing a clear and effective way to communicate, these apps can help users feel more confident and comfortable in social situations, while also enhancing their productivity and independence.

APP2Speak: A Closer Look

APP2Speak is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) photo-based app designed for individuals who have difficulty speaking and communicating due to a stroke, brain injury, or other physical condition.

The app offers a range of features that make it an effective tool for nonverbal adults:

• The pre-loaded photos are organized in a variety of categories, such as food, clothing, emotions, and more, making it easy for users to express their needs and desires.
• It also includes a customizable vocabulary, allowing users to add their own words and phrases to the app. This allows users to communicate with their own language and style.
• People can also adjust the font size, color, and layout of the interface to suit their preferences.
• In addition, APP2Speak offers a variety of communication modes, including text-to-speech and voice recording. This allows users to choose the mode that works best for them, depending on their individual needs and preferences.
• And no matter which mode the person is using, the interface is user-friendly and super easy to navigate.

Overall, by providing an easy-to-use, alternative means of communication, APP2Speak can be a valuable tool to help nonverbal adults express themselves more effectively and participate more fully in all aspects of life—at work, at home, and in social situations.

APP2Speak truly gives a voice to the voiceless!

Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of Nonverbal Adults Regaining Independence

Returning to work or social activities after losing the ability to speak can be a daunting task for anyone. However, with the help of speech assistance apps, nonverbal adults can successfully re-gain full access to their home lives, social lives, and re-enter the workforce and thrive in their careers.

I’ve personally seen a number of APP2Speak success stories along these lines.

For example, there was the story of Bob (check out our recent post for the full story), who knew he was going to lose his voice because he had to have a laryngectomy due to throat cancer. He downloaded APP2Speak and learned to use it before his surgery and was able to use it immediately to communicate with hospital staff after waking up from the procedure. He now uses the app daily to communicate with those around him.

Then there was Elaine, who was able, with the help of APP2Speak, to return to full engagement with her social groups, church, and regular Mahjong games. And Mark, who was able to use APP2Speak to return to his community activities, including going out with his buddies weekly to the corner bar (where he uses APP2Speak to say, “Beer me!”).

These success stories—and so many more that have been made possible by APP2Speak—show that nonverbal adults can successfully return to the home, work, and social activities they enjoyed prior to losing their voices.

Conclusion

Speech assistance apps have revolutionized the way nonverbal adults communicate and interact with the world around them. APP2Speak, in particular, has been designed to help individuals who cannot speak due to a stroke, brain injury, or other physical condition return to work successfully by providing them with a reliable and efficient communication tool.

APP2Speak offers a wide range of features that make it easier for nonverbal adults to communicate effectively in the workplace. With its customizable interface and voice options, users can tailor the app to their specific needs and preferences. The app also includes a variety of pre-programmed phrases and sentences that can be accessed quickly and easily, allowing users to communicate with their colleagues and clients without any delays or misunderstandings.

One of the biggest advantages of APP2Speak is its ability to facilitate remote communication. With the app, nonverbal adults can participate in conference calls, virtual meetings, and other remote work activities without difficulty. The app’s text-to-speech feature also ensures that users can communicate clearly and effectively, even in noisy or crowded environments.

Overall, APP2Speak is a powerful tool that can help nonverbal adults return to work successfully and communicate with their colleagues and clients effectively. By providing a reliable and efficient communication solution, the app empowers individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the workforce and achieve their professional goals.

To learn more about APP2Speak, just reach out to us. We’re ready to help!