IF I HAD A VOCA

Many people who cannot talk or cannot speak clearly or effectively use a voice output communication aid (VOCA). These devices often use synthetic speech, computer sounds that are organized in such a way that they sound like natural speech. Snoopi Botten takes these sounds and assigns these to pitches and time values, giving people who use these devices the ability to sing. Today, people can go Christmas caroling or sing the National Anthem, scout songs, camp songs, and anything they want. What would you do if you had a VOCA?

This song advocates for access to communication through technology, literacy, and self-expression. It is brought to you by Judy C. Bailey (Everyone Communicates) and friends (TASH Communication Committee TASH www.tash.org), with the expert help of Snoopi Botten, who programmed the remarkable harmony of three singing voices. This song was released in honor of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness Month in October 2009. For information on International AAC Awareness Month (a project of ISAAC-International Society for AAC), check this website www.aacawareness.org.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• aac
• tash
• singing with aac
• VOCA
• AAC devices
• alternative communication
• communication device
• advocacy song
• communication advocacy
• communication technology
• ISAAC
• aac awareness
• Everyone Communicates
• Snoopi Botten

[alisons25]

amazing- well done guys : )

[baileyj2009]

@alisons25 Thanks very much! We're glad you like it! We had a fun singalong at TASH in Denver on Dec. 17. We were thrilled that it worked well with a large group singing the lyrics that were projected on a large screen. We welcome folks to use it.

[EasternVideoPrdtns]

I like the singing but HATE not seeing the people! Cheryl Jorgensen

[baileyj2009]

We have been working to set up and video a live trio performance, but that has taken some time to arrange. We hope to record the first live performance at TASH in Pittsburgh this week. Judy Bailey

[mpsteinbruck]

good stuff... hope it is affordable for people.

[BSokler1]

This video is great!! I wish everybody could have a keyboard, like I do.

Sean Sokler

[bahamadonna]

Judy and Snoop...VOCA VOCA VOCA! They will sing and speak and through your efforts we will be blessed to hear their message! Thank you for this gift!

D : )

[michaelbrianreed]

Brilliant work Judy and Snoopi! So glad you got it done in time for International AAC Month!

[DeannaWagnerAT]

This is an amazing video. What a wonderful and touching way to show the diversity of communication :)

[Bexxx021]

awesome!!!!