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Introduction
teenage boy speaks using aid

Human speech is a central part of communication and interaction. The complexity of the spoken word, and the fact that it is used by the great majority of people, means that voice communication aids make a vital AAC contribution.

Human speech

Most people use speaking to communicate.

Most voice output communication aids have the facility to input a human voice.


Young children, in particular, enjoy listening to the voice of a familiar adult speaking messages on their device. Allowing a child or young person to choose who they would like to input speech onto their device is likely to encourage their use of this device.


When using an alternative way of communicating with someone with communication difficulties, such as signing, always accompany it with the spoken word.

Synthetic speech: choosing a voice
A girl using assistive technology

There is a wide range of synthetic 'voices' to choose from to record speech and messages on a communication device.  In the same way that most adults respond better to some voices on their satellite navigation system than to others, children and young people with communication difficulties usually have strong preferences when choosing the voice that will speak for them.