Free Demo of Let's Talk program--Introduction

Please read about the "Let's Talk" program, then start the demos. There is a video demo and an online demo of sample words in the program.
Video Demonstration of the Let's Talk program
Demonstration of sample lessons

LET'S TALK FEATURES: THE BEST DESIGN FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS

"Sensory Trigger" design accesses undamaged speech center
Real human voice plus "Text to Speech" capability for unlimited speech
Uses only the most frequently spoken words, less frustration, more movtivation
Words are not randomly presented, less confusion and frustration
You choose the words and control the repetitions for more rapid progress
Imprints words into long-term memory faster and more effectively
Over 250 matching worksheets that you can change or add to
Over 1000 Core Words make progress easier and more motivating
Make your own talking screens or worksheets, unlimited speech
Progress to phrases and sentences at your own pace
No discouraging timing devices, no pressure design
No discouraging "score cards"
No distracting animations, puzzles or analyzing tasks
User does not become dependent on the computer to talk for them
Simply turn off sound to eliminate voice cue for more difficult level
Manual teaches you how to interact with them and "unblock" speech
Exclusive "Sensory Trigger" Tutorial included
Can start anytime, even years post stroke or head injury

Here is how the Let's Talk! program from Stroke Family works

The person enters a house and goes through all the rooms, practicing objects found in each one. In the kitchen, you find all the food words. In the bedroom, you find "bed" and all the clothes words and so on. You then can go to "The Body" part of the program and learn to say all the parts of the body. Let's Talk includes a summary of the "Sensory Trigger" research information and shows the brain pathways and how they work. It also includes our special "Core Word" vocabulary--over 1000 of the most frequently spoken words, the most easily pronounced and the most functional words. With these words you can go in and use the pictures of the program to make your own on-screen lessons and worksheets. Then you can add family names, addresses, anything you want. The "make your own" screens and worksheets are "text to speech" compatible so you can make them talk! In this way, you will be able to progress from single words to phrases and sentences. (The page views at left and below do not talk.)

To operate the program, the person uses their alternate or most unaffected hand to move and click the mouse on the pictures and arrows. Please set the mouse for a left-handed person in the control panel of your computer and place the mouse to the left of the keyboard.

Moving the mouse with this hand sends the language signals to the other side of the brain directly. The person clicks on the picture and makes an attempt to say the word. Don't be discouraged if the person can't say the word right away. This will take some time.

We recommend working a minimum of 30 minutes a day. As one progresses, increase to two short sessions a day. One in the morning and another in the evening. The more one can work on it, the faster the recovery, however. The "intensive method", using the words in different ways and applying them to daily activities during the day is known to be the most effective method of speech recovery.

It is not just a computer program. We train everyone in the family how to communicate with the person at whatever level that are at. It is now recognized that "social interaction" is crucial to successful speech recovery and we tell you how to do it! The person does not become dependent on the computer program, but is constantly motivated to apply the method in daily activities. We teach everyone, family and friends, to be "expert speech helpers".

Practicing with this demo will not result in the same benefits as purchasing it. You need to learn the "Sensory Trigger" method that comes in the instructions manual on the CD. This is the sequence of cues--the touch, the visual and the sound cuing are presented in a certain sequence and timed repetitions. In the guide you will learn what the "Four Keys to Speech Recovery" are and how each part of the program uses these keys to "unlock the potential" for speech.

Usually the right-handed person will use the left hand, while a left-handed person with right-hand paralysis will use their left hand as usual. There are some exceptions to this rule. If unsure about which hand to use, please call toll free, 877-835-3157 for help.

Before trying this demo with the stroke survivor, explain that these simple, single words are going to be the "anchor" words that all future words will attach to. These words will be the new "on" buttons for speech. Everyone has to start with single words. Even people with mild aphasia sometimes start with these anchor words and to make new pathways through the alternate speech center.

NO SOUND? Try switching to Firefox or SeaMonkey browsers. If you don't get sound when you click on the words, please contact us--we'll tell you what to do. Your security settings may also be blocking the sound on this demo.
If you do not have a computer, don't worry, we now have a paper version of "Let's Talk". You can also get the Paper Materials Kit--it works very well for people without computers. The same multisensory method will give you similiar benefits as the software CD.
If this program appears too easy, please click on "More Information" for more options or call our toll free number: 877-835-3157 for recommendation.

Click this button to Start Demo
Minimum Technical Requirements: Mac or PC 486 with sound card and speakers, PC Windows 95 or 98 or more recent. SeaMonkey or Firefox browsers recommended. Additional external speakers recommended for laptops. Almost all computers work with the Let's Talk program. If unsure, call 877-835-3157 for free technical support. Let's Talk 3.0 -- printer is highly recommended

The "Let's Talk" program is created by Stroke Family at www.strokefamily.org
The techniques used in our software and materials have helped over 20,000 adults recover their speech since 1987.