If I Had a VOCA-SHORT VERSION

The adapted lyrics for this song were written to teach the world that everyone needs a way to communicate. A VOCA (Voice Output Communication Aid) can help someone with limited or no speech to communicate. Access to the right technology, training, and support is essential. With a keyboard people can type whatever they want to say, and literacy instruction helps them to tell the stories of their lives.

Sadly, many people spend months, years, and sometimes a lifetime without effective communication. We are working to change that. Everyone has something to say. Our goal is effective communication for all . . . in our lifetime!

This unique video uses a remarkable trio of computer-generated singing voices. These computerized voices are used by people who have little or no effective speech. It is rare to hear them sing and rarer still to hear them harmonize.

The tune is an old and familiar one which reminds us about justice, freedom, and love. The song is paced for an audience sing along. We invite you to join in as the lyrics scroll across the screen.

We dedicated this song to the memory of Mary Travers, whose voice for justice and freedom and love still rings in our ears and in our hearts.

Adapted lyrics by Judy C. Bailey (Everyone Communicates) and friends (TASH Communications Committee www.tash.org). Musical programming by Snoopi Botten, a VOCA user and an expert in programming music that allows people with little or no speech to sing with a communication device or computer. Snoopi travels, does concerts, and programs songs for anyone who wants to sing. Snoopi programmed a trio version of "IF I HAD A VOCA", to help point the world in a new direction. All he is saying is give us a voice. The point of the trio is to show how voices blend together. And the real point is, we all should have a voice so that we can make our mark in the world.

Original words and music of "If I Had a Hammer" were by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger. The arrangement used in "If I Had a VOCA" was by Peter, Paul and Mary, who brought the Hays and Seeger song to a new (now older) generation.

The complete video with credits and resources is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJi_Si_jTHk

Category:

Education

Tags:

• VOCA SHORT VERSION
• augmentative communication
• AAC
• access to communication
• communication device
• alternative communication
• advocacy song
• communication rights
• TASH
• ISAAC
• USSAAC
• aac awareness
• Everyone Communicates
• Snoopi Botten

[Katilea69]

me too. I got a Lightwriter, no idea how to make it sing though.. lol!

[caandahl]

I LOVE this!!!

[Hankusb]

This is a great adaption of a old favorite to present an up to date message!