1. Anupam Basu Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Aakash Bani A Voice Output Communication Aid for the Speech and Motor Impaired Persons
Anupam Basu
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

2. Definition Aakash Bani, a Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA)
An android-based application
It enables speech impairment to communicate.
Akash Bani stores pre-recorded messages.
It can be accessed through the special access switches.

3. Key features
This system can be customized as per the needs of the user.
No. of grids may be increased or decreased.
Grids can also be modified, changed and edited.
It has the provision of recording sounds in mp3 format.

4. Beneficiary Experience
This system will be useful for:
All speech impaired persons
The persons having cerebral palsy
The aged and stroke patients
This product and application can transcendent language and geographical barriers for export.
This system has been thoroughly tested at schools for cerebral palsy and children with multiple disorders. Twenty tabs will be initially distributed free at Indian Institute for Cerebral Palsy (IICP) for field tests. It will later be available on order.

5. Uniqueness in the idea Touch Mode Auto Scan mode Switch Mode
This system is inexpensive, indigenous and programmable to the users’ contexts and needs.
Aakash Bani has three variations to overcome various levels of disabilities and will help them communicate better with those around them. 
Touch Mode
Auto Scan mode
Switch Mode

6. Uniqueness in the idea
Touch Mode: A person can select a desired icon simply by touch. The popular touch screen approach is used here.
Auto Scan mode: This has the touch facility through the auto-scan feature. This means that the user can touch any part of the screen and the highlighted icon will get selected.
Switch Mode: This version allows the user to communicate with two bright red touch switches. One switch is used to shift the focus (highlighted icon). The other switch, on being pressed, will speak out the corresponding messages.

7. Impact on social life Akash Bani helps them ‘speak’ through icons.
Persons with cerebral palsy are associated with many social and emotional issues.
They want to share themselves.
They want to have a complete social life.
They need supports from the society.
They need some special attention.
They may also need technical supports.
Akash Bani helps them ‘speak’ through icons.
Voice Output Communication Aids are used by the speech impaired persons to communicate.
The imported systems are expensive and alien to Indian cultural needs.
Aakash Bani meets the gap and can also be used by the children with neuromotor disorders (cerebral palsy).
It can be accessed through indigenous special access switches.

8. Contact Prof. Anupam Basu Chairman and Head
Centre for Educational Technology
IIT Kharagpur, India –
Mobile No.:
Office Telephone:
Fax No.:
Id:

9. Thank you