In January 2017, a new program started lending iPads to people with speech disabilities. By using the installed speech applications, people who have difficulty talking or trouble being understood can speak independently or more easily.
This 18-month pilot program hopes to address a long-standing problem among potential users of such assistive technology: It is difficult to prove one could benefit if the technology is not available for learning on and testing. Such proof is often needed in order to get funding from insurance or other sources.
The program is a joint venture between the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
For more information, go to the program website at Voice Options. Demonstration centers are located in Anaheim, Grass Valley, Los Angeles, Redding, Sacramento, Salinas, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose, and Santa Ana.