Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac

[Marcus Friday]

Hello all,

 

I'm trying to help someone with a laptop running XP and they also have a Mac running Leopard.

 

I want to look into using one of the laptops with voice recognition software to operate an environmental control. I'm confident I could get this to work on the XP laptop using a Gewa Prog. I'm not too familiar with Macs, would I be able to do something similar?

 

Thanks, Marcus.

 

Marcus Friday, Clinical Scientist

Assistive Technology Team

Block 14

Medical Physics Department

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Gawber Road

Barnsley

S75 2EP

 

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

 

www.barnsleyrd.nhs.uk

 

 

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[Tim Symons]

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Mac voice recognition software is MacSpeech – more details here: http://www.macspeech.com/

 

There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of environmental controls for the Macintosh.

 

 

Tim Symons

Trainer/Assessor

Access Summit

0161 275 0990

“...supporting students...”

 

From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Friday Marcus (Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
Sent: 11 September 2009 15:03
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac

 

Hello all,

 

I'm trying to help someone with a laptop running XP and they also have a Mac running Leopard.

 

I want to look into using one of the laptops with voice recognition software to operate an environmental control. I'm confident I could get this to work on the XP laptop using a Gewa Prog. I'm not too familiar with Macs, would I be able to do something similar?

 

Thanks, Marcus.

 

Marcus Friday, Clinical Scientist

Assistive Technology Team

Block 14

Medical Physics Department

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Gawber Road

Barnsley

S75 2EP

 

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

 

www.barnsleyrd.nhs.uk

 

 

********************************************************************************************************************

This message may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient please inform the
sender that you have received the message in error before deleting it.
Please do not disclose, copy or distribute information in this e-mail or take any action in reliance on its contents:
to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

Thank you for your co-operation.

NHSmail is the secure email and directory service available for all NHS staff in England and Scotland
NHSmail is approved for exchanging patient data and other sensitive information with NHSmail and GSI recipients
NHSmail provides an email address for your career in the NHS and can be accessed anywhere
For more information and to find out how you can switch, visit www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/nhsmail

********************************************************************************************************************

[Kirker, Stephen]

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If the Mac can run Leopard, it can run Windows as well: simultaneously using Fusion or Parallels software to emulate a PC, or free Bootleg as an alternative to Leopard.

I think you can run Linux as well.

 

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Box 120, ARC9

Addenbrookes Hospital

Cambridge CB2 2QQ

 

fax [phone]

 

-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Friday Marcus (Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
Sent: 11 September 2009 15:03
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac

 

Hello all,

 

I'm trying to help someone with a laptop running XP and they also have a Mac running Leopard.

 

I want to look into using one of the laptops with voice recognition software to operate an environmental control. I'm confident I could get this to work on the XP laptop using a Gewa Prog. I'm not too familiar with Macs, would I be able to do something similar?

 

Thanks, Marcus.

 

Marcus Friday, Clinical Scientist

Assistive Technology Team

Block 14

Medical Physics Department

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Gawber Road

Barnsley

S75 2EP

 

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

 

www.barnsleyrd.nhs.uk

 

 

********************************************************************************************************************

This message may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient please inform the
sender that you have received the message in error before deleting it.
Please do not disclose, copy or distribute information in this e-mail or take any action in reliance on its contents:
to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

Thank you for your co-operation.

NHSmail is the secure email and directory service available for all NHS staff in England and Scotland
NHSmail is approved for exchanging patient data and other sensitive information with NHSmail and GSI recipients
NHSmail provides an email address for your career in the NHS and can be accessed anywhere
For more information and to find out how you can switch, visit www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/nhsmail

********************************************************************************************************************

[Steve Lee-3]

You can also use the free (open source) VirtualBox [1] as I do. The
only issue I have is I haven't managed to get USB switches to work
yet. Virtual box also works on Snow Leopard (though I have only just
upgraded so may not have spotted any issues).

1: http://www.virtualbox.org/

Steve

2009/9/11 Kirker, Stephen <stephen.kirker@...>:

> If the Mac can run Leopard, it can run Windows as well: simultaneously using
> Fusion or Parallels software to emulate a PC, or free Bootleg as an
> alternative to Leopard.
>
> I think you can run Linux as well.
>
>
>
> Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI
>
> Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine
>
> Box 120, ARC9
>
> Addenbrookes Hospital
>
> Cambridge CB2 2QQ
>
>
>
> fax [phone]
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
> [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Friday Marcus (Barnsley
> Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
> Sent: 11 September 2009 15:03
> To: ASSISTECH@...
> Subject: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac
>
>
>
> Hello all,
>
>
>
> I'm trying to help someone with a laptop running XP and they also have a Mac
> running Leopard.
>
>
>
> I want to look into using one of the laptops with voice recognition software
> to operate an environmental control. I'm confident I could get this to work
> on the XP laptop using a Gewa Prog. I'm not too familiar with Macs, would I
> be able to do something similar?
>
>
>
> Thanks, Marcus.
>
>
>
> Marcus Friday, Clinical Scientist
>
> Assistive Technology Team
>
> Block 14
>
> Medical Physics Department
>
> Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
>
> Gawber Road
>
> Barnsley
>
> S75 2EP
>
>
>
> Tel: [phone]
>
> Fax: [phone]
>
>
>
> www.barnsleyrd.nhs.uk
>
>
>
>
>
> ********************************************************************************************************************
>
> This message may contain confidential information. If you are not the
> intended recipient please inform the
> sender that you have received the message in error before deleting it.
> Please do not disclose, copy or distribute information in this e-mail or
> take any action in reliance on its contents:
> to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
>
> Thank you for your co-operation.
>
> NHSmail is the secure email and directory service available for all NHS
> staff in England and Scotland
> NHSmail is approved for exchanging patient data and other sensitive
> information with NHSmail and GSI recipients
> NHSmail provides an email address for your career in the NHS and can be
> accessed anywhere
> For more information and to find out how you can switch, visit
> www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/nhsmail
>
> ********************************************************************************************************************

[Kirker, Stephen]

Some parts of this message have been removed. Learn more about Nabble's security policy.

I’ve been asked to suggest ways to improve communication between a patient and her nurses & family:

 

“A combination if severe visual and hearing impairment, tracheostomy, inability to mouth words and ataxic hand movements does make communication quite a challenge.  From her nurses description, she is cognitively quite on the ball and clearly able to indicate her wishes by gesturing, using sign language and is able to get enjoyment from reading very large print letters a few inches from her left eye, in the infero-nasal field.  Apparently she is able to make out some words if they are said very loudly into her left ear.   She clearly has enough manual dexterity and control of her hands to be able to push a large button to select letters or something else from a menu, but the limiting factor will be her difficulty in seeing or hearing which menu items she has selected.  I wondered whether she could see letters or words if they were projected onto the ceiling with a data projector mounted on the bed, but this would also depend to some extent on her ability to focus on it as well. “

 

 

Any suggestions?

 

 Many thanks

S

 

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Box 120, ARC9

Addenbrookes Hospital

Cambridge CB2 2QQ

 

fax [phone]

[Andy Banns]

Does she have enough movement and can she read Braille?  If so, you could perhaps print some Braille overlays onto a device such as a tech/talk or something along those lines...or maybe just something tactile so she knows what message is on which button.

Andy Banns

ACE Centre North
Hollinwood Business Centre
Albert Street
Oldham
OL8 3QL
 
Tel:  [phone]
Fax:  [phone]

www.ace-north.org.uk



-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Kirker, Stephen
Sent: 16 September 2009 16:01
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Re: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

I've been asked to suggest ways to improve communication between a
patient and her nurses & family:

 

"A combination if severe visual and hearing impairment, tracheostomy,
inability to mouth words and ataxic hand movements does make
communication quite a challenge.  From her nurses description, she is
cognitively quite on the ball and clearly able to indicate her wishes by
gesturing, using sign language and is able to get enjoyment from reading
very large print letters a few inches from her left eye, in the
infero-nasal field.  Apparently she is able to make out some words if
they are said very loudly into her left ear.   She clearly has enough
manual dexterity and control of her hands to be able to push a large
button to select letters or something else from a menu, but the limiting
factor will be her difficulty in seeing or hearing which menu items she
has selected.  I wondered whether she could see letters or words if they
were projected onto the ceiling with a data projector mounted on the
bed, but this would also depend to some extent on her ability to focus
on it as well. "

 

 

Any suggestions?

 

 Many thanks

S

 

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Box 120, ARC9

Addenbrookes Hospital

Cambridge CB2 2QQ

 

fax [phone]


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.99/2372 - Release Date: 09/15/09 05:59:00

[Kirker, Stephen]

That's a good idea: I hadn't thought of that. I will clarify this when we next meet!

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine
Box 120, ARC9
Addenbrookes Hospital
Cambridge CB2 2QQ

fax [phone]


-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Andy Banns
Sent: 16 September 2009 16:04
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Re: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

Does she have enough movement and can she read Braille?  If so, you could perhaps print some Braille overlays onto a device such as a tech/talk or something along those lines...or maybe just something tactile so she knows what message is on which button.

Andy Banns

ACE Centre North
Hollinwood Business Centre
Albert Street
Oldham
OL8 3QL
 
Tel:  [phone]
Fax:  [phone]

www.ace-north.org.uk



-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Kirker, Stephen
Sent: 16 September 2009 16:01
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Re: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

I've been asked to suggest ways to improve communication between a
patient and her nurses & family:

 

"A combination if severe visual and hearing impairment, tracheostomy,
inability to mouth words and ataxic hand movements does make
communication quite a challenge.  From her nurses description, she is
cognitively quite on the ball and clearly able to indicate her wishes by
gesturing, using sign language and is able to get enjoyment from reading
very large print letters a few inches from her left eye, in the
infero-nasal field.  Apparently she is able to make out some words if
they are said very loudly into her left ear.   She clearly has enough
manual dexterity and control of her hands to be able to push a large
button to select letters or something else from a menu, but the limiting
factor will be her difficulty in seeing or hearing which menu items she
has selected.  I wondered whether she could see letters or words if they
were projected onto the ceiling with a data projector mounted on the
bed, but this would also depend to some extent on her ability to focus
on it as well. "

 

 

Any suggestions?

 

 Many thanks

S

 

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Box 120, ARC9

Addenbrookes Hospital

Cambridge CB2 2QQ

 

fax [phone]


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.99/2372 - Release Date: 09/15/09 05:59:00

[Andy Banns]

Good stuff, that's all I can think of at the moment anyway, it's a bit tricky when someone has vision and hearing difficulties as well.

Andy Banns

ACE Centre North
Hollinwood Business Centre
Albert Street
Oldham
OL8 3QL
 
Tel:  [phone]
Fax:  [phone]

www.ace-north.org.uk



-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Kirker, Stephen
Sent: 16 September 2009 16:16
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Re: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

That's a good idea: I hadn't thought of that. I will clarify this when we next meet!

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine
Box 120, ARC9
Addenbrookes Hospital
Cambridge CB2 2QQ

fax [phone]


-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Andy Banns
Sent: 16 September 2009 16:04
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Re: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

Does she have enough movement and can she read Braille?  If so, you could perhaps print some Braille overlays onto a device such as a tech/talk or something along those lines...or maybe just something tactile so she knows what message is on which button.

Andy Banns

ACE Centre North
Hollinwood Business Centre
Albert Street
Oldham
OL8 3QL
 
Tel:  [phone]
Fax:  [phone]

www.ace-north.org.uk



-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Kirker, Stephen
Sent: 16 September 2009 16:01
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Re: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

I've been asked to suggest ways to improve communication between a
patient and her nurses & family:

 

"A combination if severe visual and hearing impairment, tracheostomy,
inability to mouth words and ataxic hand movements does make
communication quite a challenge.  From her nurses description, she is
cognitively quite on the ball and clearly able to indicate her wishes by
gesturing, using sign language and is able to get enjoyment from reading
very large print letters a few inches from her left eye, in the
infero-nasal field.  Apparently she is able to make out some words if
they are said very loudly into her left ear.   She clearly has enough
manual dexterity and control of her hands to be able to push a large
button to select letters or something else from a menu, but the limiting
factor will be her difficulty in seeing or hearing which menu items she
has selected.  I wondered whether she could see letters or words if they
were projected onto the ceiling with a data projector mounted on the
bed, but this would also depend to some extent on her ability to focus
on it as well. "

 

 

Any suggestions?

 

 Many thanks

S

 

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Box 120, ARC9

Addenbrookes Hospital

Cambridge CB2 2QQ

 

fax [phone]


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.99/2372 - Release Date: 09/15/09 05:59:00

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.99/2372 - Release Date: 09/15/09 05:59:00

[Harbach Geoff]

Some parts of this message have been removed. Learn more about Nabble's security policy.

I would be tempted to forget about the Mac and by a cheap PC, eg fit-PC http://www.fit-pc.com/fit-pc1/about-fit-pc.html 

 

Run something like the GRID2 with a simple alphabet scanning system with voice annunciation and attach a cheap monitor and mount it close enough so she can see.

 

Maybe some simple alternative controls to move the mouse around with the Windows "Magnifier" running.

 

In this way she would be able to independently produce voice output communication and potentially see what was hapening on screen.

 

    Geoff

G.J.Harbach  I.Eng  MIED  IIPEM  RegBHTA
Registered Clinical Technologist
Dept of Healthcare Science
West Mids Rehab Centre
91 Oak Tree Lane
Selly Oak
Birmingham UK
Tel: [phone]

-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:ASSISTECH@...] On Behalf Of Kirker, Stephen
Sent: 16 September 2009 16:01
To: ASSISTECH@...
Subject: Re: Voice recognition for environmental control on a Mac

I've been asked to suggest ways to improve communication between a patient and her nurses & family:

 

"A combination if severe visual and hearing impairment, tracheostomy, inability to mouth words and ataxic hand movements does make communication quite a challenge.  From her nurses description, she is cognitively quite on the ball and clearly able to indicate her wishes by gesturing, using sign language and is able to get enjoyment from reading very large print letters a few inches from her left eye, in the infero-nasal field.  Apparently she is able to make out some words if they are said very loudly into her left ear.   She clearly has enough manual dexterity and control of her hands to be able to push a large button to select letters or something else from a menu, but the limiting factor will be her difficulty in seeing or hearing which menu items she has selected.  I wondered whether she could see letters or words if they were projected onto the ceiling with a data projector mounted on the bed, but this would also depend to some extent on her ability to focus on it as well. "

 

 

Any suggestions?

 

 Many thanks

S

 

Stephen Kirker MD FRCP FRCPI

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Box 120, ARC9

Addenbrookes Hospital

Cambridge CB2 2QQ

 

fax [phone]