| Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA) offer a high-tech solution to speech impairment, allowing non-speaking people to communicate with the help of electronic devices and computers. There are many types of VOCA units on the market today, varying in number of possible messages, portability, maximum recording time, and price.
To help the many people who require VOCAs for short-term use or for trial purposes, Ezer Mizion opened its VOCA Lending Center in 1996. The center allows speech-impaired people to try a VOCA for several months. If the device does not satisfy the needs of the user, the family can exchange it for another one. In this way, users can determine which is the correct VOCA for them before buying their own units. The VOCA Lending Center is the only one of its kind in Israel and one of only a few in the entire world.
The VOCA Lending Center currently lend out 509 digital speech devices and 80 synthetic speech devices (talking computers), with a total of 589 augmentative communication devices available for loan. Over 1,200 loans are made annually. |
