Winston Lindsley: Software
April 1, 2004

This document describes the software and programs that Winston has used, and continues to use, as part of his recovery.

SOFTWARE

• Write Out Loud
  • -- this allows him to copy email, news-clippings, documents, etc. and then the computer reads it out loud - you might be able to download a trial of this program
  • -- go to http://www.donjohnston.com
• Instant Immersion English (costs about $20 at Best Buy!)
  • this is a great CD set - it is for people learning English as a second language - Winston uses it a lot especially the disc with the sounds - his Apraxia is the disconnect between the mouth and brain to form the shape to say the sounds - he basically has to relearn all that and is making good progress. This is, as I said, very helpful for Winston and he uses it frequently to help him form words - he has three laptops on his desk and moves from one to another to help him with the sounds in the words
  • includes: Speech Solutions, which serves as a thorough English pronunciation guide with all 52 English speaking sounds isolated for maximum comprehension. View close-up animations that provide a visual representation of your speech - helping you understand how to adjust airflow and maneuver the voice box for correct pronunciation. Record and compare your speech to that of a native speaker to further ensure accuracy. You can even make use of several special features dedicated to improving your listening skills - a key aspect in learning any language.
  • http://www.topics-ent.com and http://www.topics-ent.com/products/software/language/language15/default.html
• Word Q
  • this CD helps with writing which may, or may not, be relevant in your case. Basically you begin to type a word and then the software will pop up with possible words, e.g. you type "eg" and a list of words beginning with "eg" will pop up and you can select the one you want. Also a text reader; you can highlight information and have it read aloud to you.
  • http://www.wordq.com
• Speech Sounds on Cue
  • Winston used this a lot when he first began therapy - (it is an Australian company) so there is an accent on this one - we laughed that Winston might sound more Australian than American when he was using this. I think it cost about $100 - again, I think you can get a trial subscription -
  • http://www.mmsp.com.au
• Scan and Read Pro
  • This is a reading program that can take a picture of what you have placed on the scanner, recognize the text and read it to you. Once Scan and Read is setup, it can be controlled with only 3 keys. Scan and Read has an auto orientation feature, what this means is that Scan and Read will figure out how you placed the document on the scanner. It will rotate the picture 360 degrees until it finds the text.
  • Reads both scanned hardcopy and existing electronic files
  • Includes AT&T Natural Voices plus adjustable voice rates
  • Full word processing capabilities including MS WORD format
  • comes with "PDF Magic" which converts PDF files to word documents
  • http://www.readingmadeeasy.com
• WYNNWizard
  • about $950, this software helps Winston with his reading, writing and productivity. I understand it, he can take newspaper articles from newspaper WEB sites and the programs put it into a format that allows the computer to read it back
  • http://www.FreedomScientific.com
• Keyboard Simulator
  • no website - email: kodav@mail.ru
  • Winston has found practicing recognizing characters on the keyboard helpful