Technology Bestows the Power of Speech From: Medical Design Technology - 12/13/2013 Patients with severe speech impairment could soon have a voice, thanks to a new technology developed at the University of Sheffield. The voice input communication aid (VIVOCA) is being showcased to the public as part of the launch of the University’s new Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH). Jon Toogood is one of the first five patients across the Sheffield city region trialling the market-ready version of VIVOCA. Jon, from Rotherham, has cerebral palsy and his speech is very difficult to understand except by those who know him well. VIVOCA is the only technology able to interpret his speech and translate it into a clear, synthesized voice - potentially enabling him to communicate clearly beyond his close family and friends for the first time. Read the entire article and view a video (3:13) at: http://www.mdtmag.com/videos/2013/12/technology-bestows-power-speech Links: Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare http://www.catch.org.uk/ VIVOCA http://www.shef.ac.uk/cast/projects/vivoca Vivoca lets speech impaired speak clearly http://www.abilitymagazine.org.uk/Articles/Article-295-3.aspx