I have been reviewing many apps on TechnoTreats. Most apps cater to 'normal' and healthy smartphone users. But a smartphone and other connected devices can be a great support to differently-abled people as well.
I once wrote about an app that helps autistic children. Recently, I was introduced to an app that helps people with speech impairment. This app, called Vaakya , has been launched by Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan, an initiative of Late Mr. Ponty Chadha. MBCN has been helping differently-abled people since years. The Vaakya Android app is their recent initiative.
Vaakya App for people with speech impairment
Vaakya means 'sentence' in Hindi. This picture based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app has been designed to help speech-impaired people communicate easily. Besides people who have lost the power of speech, this app is also helpful for the individuals affected by autism, cerebral palsy and other mental and physical conditions that impair speech.
As the app uses images and audio, it can help even those individuals who cannot read. Through images and recorded audio, it helps people communicate.
The features of the Vaakya app include:
Different user accounts: The app allows setting up of different user accounts. This is useful for counsellors and therapists who can use the same device with the app to help different patients.
Customizable: Users can use the images in the app or add new images from the phone gallery or camera. Various audio messages relatable to the images can also be added. Therapists can add images and audios for different patients using different user accounts.
No language barrier: As the app uses images and audios, its use is not restricted by language or literacy.
No Internet needed: Once installed, it does not need any internet connectivity. All the data added to it is stored in phone's memory. That also means that it needs a smartphone with sufficient storage space.
Free: Vaakya app is available for free on Google Play. Get it HERE
Speaking about this app, Ms. Vandana Sharma, Director, Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan said, "MBCN has been working towards empowering children with special needs for 18 years now. With Vaakya, our mission is to give the specially-abled a tool to communicate efficiently and make them independent and self-reliant."
Additionally, Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan also recently integrated an e-commerce portal with its website (www.mbcnschool.org ). This portal sells hand-made products made by the special children of the school. All these products have been made under the vocational training programme 'Swayam'. These handmade products include items like beautiful packaging items, office stationery, paper bags and various other gift products. The portal gives clear information about the product price, size and other important specifications. The items aren't as extensive in variety as on other shopping portals, but of course, they are special.