When My Voice is not My Voice: Speaking through a Speech Generating Device

Abstract

A speech-generating device (SGD) is not a thing that many people have experienced. For those with severe speech impairments, however, it may be a technology giving them voice and an integral part of their daily lives. What is it like to have an embodiment relation with SGD? This article draws upon Don Ihde’s insights regarding human-technology relations to explore how SGDs may act to mediate and condition the everyday lives of children and youth with speech impairments.

Keywords

• speech impairment
• communication disorders
• assistive technology
• speech generating device