Katilea

Polyana

Posted on 07/01/09, 02:13 am

I don't have very much information on this text-to-speech aid as it is not one that is on the British market.

http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/pro...


I would be interested to hear from anyone who owns one of these, what it is like to use and how it helps them.

• Reply #1 07/13/09  11:36pm
  
  Hankwheelie
  Hi, I use the Polyana 4 which I believe is not available in UK? It is made by Zygo or Zyteq in USA and based on the Netbook Pro. It uses DECtalk to speak, has great word prediction that is available by simply pressing a number from 1 to 6. It "learns" the words you use most which is a bonus. It also has phrases you can type in and use by simply using a fingernail or the stylus. Another option is one that allows you to use a separate page to type in a quick message if you already have something on the main screen. It allows you to write notes with MS Word, view Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoints. Fantastic for meetings and similar.
  Hank.
• Reply #2 07/14/09  5:56am
  
  Katilea
  Thanks for answering Hank. That sounds good. Been able to write on a separate page sounds handy.
  
  My programmes have the 'Hotkeys' word prediction too where you just press one of the numbers above the qwerty keyboard that has the word you want. I use this combined with pre-stored sentences and abbreviations to be able to type quicker on computer. It is called 'Keystrokes' for my Macs and have Lightwriter SL40 as a separate communication aid, which also works the same way.
  
  I'm presuming yours runs windows then also if it is a netbook?
• Reply #3 07/27/09  12:13am
  
  Hankwheelie
  Hi Katilea,
  Yes, the Polyana is based on Windows CE (which is a bit of a drawback as there are't many Windows apps that run fully on CE), but I can "Active Synch" Polly to my main computer via USB. It has Bluetooth and infra red as well but I haven't tried them. The USB works fine for me. I used to have a Lightwriter but as this was offered 'unloccked' (i.e. with Windows CE as the funding body - COMtec - did a trial). Normally they strip the programmes and only offer them as a speech output device.
  Hank.
  
• Reply #4 07/28/09  7:14pm
  
  Hankwheelie
  More detailed info about the Polyana 4 is available at http://www.zygoaustralia.com.au/pr...
  Regards,
  Hank.
• Reply #5 07/31/09  9:56pm
  
  Hankwheelie
  http://www.zygoaustralia.com.au/pr...
  
  Hope the link works?
  
  Hank.
• Reply #6 07/31/09  9:59pm
  
  Hankwheelie
  OK??? Go to www.zygoaustralia.com.au/
  
  Select products then communnication systems then polyana4.html.
  
  Hank.
  
• Reply #7 09/09/09  6:39am
  
  Hankwheelie
  I recently had a handle added to my Polyana to make it easier to open as I had some difficulty (see picture). In reponse to Katilea's comment about "being able to write on a separate page sounds handy". Yes it is and the Polyana has 3. There is the main screen for normal use, ISpk to say something quicker and have already typed someting on the main screen as well as Phrase where you can program key sentences alphabetically. I use "Phrase" a lot for such things as how I like my coffee, my name and how are you, etc.
  

For People who have severe speech difficulties and use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) such as signing, symbol books, or Electronic devices such as Lightwriters, Dynavox etc.