Over 30 Years of Leadership and Innovation in the field of Speech Generating Devices and Software

     
Gordon Harris, President

Executive Summary

Gus Communication Devices is a leading developer and provider of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) speech tablets and speech software. For over 30 years, Gus Communication Devices has been committed to providing innovative and affordable AAC solutions to people with autism, aphasia, Parkinson's, and other conditions that affect communication.

History

In 1991, Gordon Harris designed the Gus Robot to assess a computer's capability to recognize vocal input and create voice responses. The Gus Robot garnered media attention and was featured in the Disney movie "Still not quite human." Subsequently, Chrysler Corp and Abbot Laboratories acquired Gus Robots for use at trade shows in the US and Canada. During one show in Vancouver, BC, an individual with experience in speech disorders was impressed by the robots' speech capabilities and contacted Mr. Harris to inquire if he could utilize his voice technology experience to help people with autism, strokes, Parkinsons, and other conditions.

In 1993, Gordon Harris unveiled his "Gus! Multimedia Speech System for Windows" at the Closing-the-Gap Assistive Technology Conference in Minneapolis. The Gus! Multimedia Speech System was the FIRST speech software available for inexpensive Windows PCs and was a significant milestone in the history of speech generating devices. It started the evolution away from single purpose (dedicated) proprietary devices and their high "medical equipment" prices.

Over its 30+ year history, Gus Communication Devices has developed speech software solutions for Windows, Palm, Pocket PC, Apple and Android smartphones and speech tablets. In 2012, Gus Communication Devices released TalkTablet PRO, an AAC/Speech App for Apple Devices (iOS). TalkTablet PRO quickly became the 4th highest-grossing education app in the United States and is now available in multiple versions for iOS, Android, Windows, and Google Chromebook.

In 2022, Gus Communication Devices released the SpeechWatch PRO, the world's FIRST, wearable, self-sufficient AAC speech device. The SpeechWatch serves as an AAC device, smartphone, and smartwatch, with web browsing, text messaging, GPS, email, access to millions of Android apps, and a camera.

Today

Gus Communication Devices is America's largest direct-to-consumer vendor of AAC speech tablets and wearable speech watches. Gus Communication Devices are available exclusively from www.USAspeechtablets.com.

Mission

Gus Communication Devices is committed to providing innovative and affordable AAC solutions to people with autism, aphasia, Parkinson's, and other conditions that affect communication. Gus Communication Devices believes that everyone has the right to communicate and express themselves, and is dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve their full potential.