Children and adults with Autism, Aphasia, Down Syndrome, or other conditions often have severe speech or language problems and may need to use augmentative and alternative communication to supplement or replace speech or writing. USAID’s Advancing Medical Care and Rehabilitation Education project, implemented by Humanity and Inclusion (HI), supports the skills development of Vietnamese speech and language therapists, including providing training and equipment to partner hospitals in Vietnam. Over the past year, USAID and HI worked with Danang University to develop a Vietnamese version of TalkTablet, a symbols-based speech solution for people who are unable to clearly communicate as a result of Autism, Aphasia, Down Syndrome, Stroke or other conditions. TalkTablet is a well-recognized communication mobile app, developed by Gus Communication Devices Inc. - a leading American developer of speech software and apps for over 25 years. On November 10, USAID and HI launched the Vietnamese version of the app in Hue City and made 500 free accounts available to hospitals and patients.
So What? This is the first speech app available in Vietnamese that will improve the quality of life of persons with communication disabilities and help them better integrate into society.
