Important Update - Action required for those using Predictable
Predictable 8 is coming soon. After updating, all users will be required to log back into their account.
If you use alternative access and need support to enter login details, please do not update unless someone is available to help. Before updating, make sure you have your login email and password. Taking a screenshot of the account settings page is one way to keep details handy.
This update will affect all Predictable users, so it is important to prepare in advance to avoid losing access to your account.
Communication support
You may experience speech or communication difficulties while living with MND. A speech and language therapist (SLT) can offer guidance and equipment to support you if that happens, including early conversations about creating a computerised version of your voice which you can use to communicate in other ways. This process is known as voice banking.
“I am very pleased with my banked voice. It works really well and sounds just like me. It’s a really quick and simple process. I think I did 20 minutes talking in total and now I have my banked voice. It was marvellous. I’ve got it on both my iPads and my phone so it’s always there when I need it.”
Louise Atkinson
What help is available?
From healthcare professionals
Your speech and language therapist (SLT) will complete an assessment to understand your communication needs, both now and in the future. Your occupational therapist (OT) can support with environmental controls – technology to help you regulate your surroundings – and alternative ways to access your computer.
Our speech and communication page has more information about the support available from these professionals.
Financial support
We may be able to provide financial support for communication aids and environmental controls.
If your supporting professional is unable to provide a device for you, they can apply to us for support using the Technology & Innovation support fund application form. This can be used to apply for funding towards items such as text to speech devices.
You can also get funding for equipment to bank your voice and to download it once the process is complete. You can read more about that support below.
Get in touch with our MND Connect helpline if you have any questions.
Voice banking
Process
Voice banking creates a digital version of your voice to use if speaking becomes difficult. With new technology, this can take just a few minutes. You may also be able to create a voice from a short recording you made in the past.
Our MND Connect helpline can provide guidance to help you get started.
For more information about voice banking, see our page on speech and communication.
Equipment
We may be able to provide financial support towards the cost of a headset microphone to enable you to bank your voice. You can apply for this using our Wellbeing Support Fund.
Providers
There are many different voice banking providers, so we have worked with them to create a comparison chart to help you understand the options available.
Some providers charge a fee for generating a synthetic version of your voice, but we can help to fund this.
- For ModelTalker - follow these instructions and apply online
- For Acapela (my-own-voice) - follow these instructions and apply online
- For SpeakUnique – apply online using the form presented once you have listened to your synthetic voice and have reached the payment page.
- For ElevenLabs - contact mndconnect@mndassociation.org and we can send you the steps you need to follow.
For all other services (CereVoice Me, The Voice Keeper and VocaliD) please complete our Technology & Innovation support fund application form.
For questions about communication support, please contact our MND Connect helpline.
Our Augmentive and Alternative Communication (AAC) pages provide more information for health and social care professionals.