Young Welsh voices created for children and young people who rely on technology to communicate

24 November 2023

Children and young people in Wales who rely on technology to communicate now have access to young Welsh-accented voices and Welsh language versions.

Until now children and young people in Wales have only been able to choose between High Tech Communication Aids with English and Scottish accents, and adult version Welsh language voices.

Thanks to funding by Welsh Government youngsters now have a voice that represents their Welsh identity and sounds more like other children their age.

In total, 16 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) voices have been developed. These include North and South Wales-accented voices in English and Welsh for boys and girls, and equivalent teenage versions.

Dr Jeffrey Morris, Head of the National Centre for Electronic Assistive Technology, said: “This development removes another barrier to communication for children in Wales who rely upon high technology to give them a voice. We’re very grateful to the Welsh Government – without them this important milestone would not have been possible.”

Launching the Synthesised Welsh Voices project at the National Centre for Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) Wales at Rookwood Hospital, in Llandaff, Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Social Services, said: “Children and young people who use high tech AAC in Wales should not face a barrier to sounding like their friends and peers.

“Whilst Welsh children using AAC are already able to speak Welsh, this is not through the means of an appropriate voice for their age. 

“I am delighted these new Welsh language and Welsh accented voices will help give them more options and a greater sense of Welsh identity. This will also help support their mental wellbeing.”

Around 330,000 people in the UK need communication tools to help them speak, due to a variety of illnesses and learning difficulties

Rebecca Meyrick, the mother of centre patient Lina, six, said: “These voices are so needed for young people and their families. Having a voice that matches their Welsh identity will make a big difference. It’s the missing puzzle piece.”