JayBee AAC System - Speech Aid Using Eye and Head Triggers
Author: Txtlocal
Published: 28 Jul 2012 - Updated: 21 Feb 2026
Publication Type: Product Release, Update
Contents: Synopsis - Definition - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates - Related Publications
Synopsis: This product announcement covers JayBee, an augmentative and alternative communication system developed by satellite control systems company Time Is Ltd in partnership with text-to-speech specialists CereProc and mobile messaging provider Txtlocal. JayBee allows people who cannot speak - including those with Motor Neurone Disease, cerebral palsy, ALS, and stroke-related conditions - to communicate using physical triggers such as hand gestures, touch screen input, head movements, or eye blinks, which are converted into realistic synthesized speech. The system also integrates SMS messaging so that users who are homebound can send and receive text conversations with caregivers, family, and emergency services. This information is particularly relevant for people with complex communication needs, their families, and clinicians looking for AAC solutions that combine speech output with mobile communication capability.*
- Topic Definition: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
An augmentative and alternative communication system, or AAC system, is a device or software platform that enables people who have limited or no functional speech to express themselves through alternative means. These systems range from simple picture-based communication boards to advanced electronic devices that use input methods such as touch screens, eye tracking, head movement sensors, or switch access to generate spoken output through synthesized voice technology. AAC systems are used by individuals with conditions including Motor Neurone Disease, cerebral palsy, autism, ALS, and aphasia, and they may also incorporate text messaging or internet connectivity to extend communication beyond face-to-face interaction. The goal of any AAC system is to provide a reliable, accessible channel for expressing needs, thoughts, and social connection when natural speech is not available or not sufficient.
Introduction
JayBee Augmentative Communication (AAC) System
A new service, JayBee, helps those unable to communicate audibly express themselves via text messages, in another example of how mobile technology allows a greater range of social interaction for the disabled.
JayBee is a system allowing people who do not have the power of speech to communicate fully, fluently or quickly. Developed by satellite control systems company Time Is Ltd, and text-to-speech solutions CereProc, JayBee uses triggers like hand movements, touch screen, head movements and a blink of an eye, to transform predictive text phrases into very realistic voices which add character to the audible communication.
Main Content
Augmentative Communication, also known as Alternative Communication and Alternative Speaking, is a method of communication used by individuals with severe speech and language disabilities, those who have Cerebral Palsy, Autism, ALS, suffered from a stroke, etc. AAC is for those individuals who are unable to use verbal speech yet are cognitively able or when speech is extremely difficult to understand. These individuals will use gestures, communications boards, pictures, symbols, drawings or a combination of all of these.
Txtlocal are working with Time Is Ltd on their product JayBee, to help individuals with a wide variety of illnesses and varying degrees of disability to communicate both audibly and instantly with the outside world.
JayBee is a system which allows those who do not have the power of speech to communicate fully, fluently and quickly. Developed by satellite control systems company Time Is Ltd, and text-to-speech solutions CereProc, JayBee uses various 'triggers' such as hand movements, touch screen, head movements and even a simple blink of an eye, to transform predictive text phrases into very realistic British voices which add character to the audible communication. Designed initially for people with Motor Neurone Disease, JayBee allows users to say exactly what they want to say. It learns their communication patterns using technology initially used by TIL in the Space Industry.
Simon Greenway of Simonface has been testing the product on behalf of people with Motor Neurone Disease.
"The seamless integration of Txtlocal mobile media services into JayBee has produced a most powerful product which will be of immense help to those who lose the ability to speak. It only takes a few keystrokes or face gestures by the user to send instant messages to carers, family and friends. JayBee with SMS really empowers those with the disease to achieve a higher quality of life through communication."
Managing Director of Time Is Ltd, Ian Schofield wanted to extend the system to allow those indoor-bound to communicate with the outside world.
Ian selected Txtlocal from many competitors, and in a matter of weeks the Txtlocal platform became a vital extension to the JayBee system allowing users not only to send text messages instantly to mobile phones, but to receive the responses back into JayBee. It works by allowing any of the phrases the user would normally speak, or so called instant phrases such as 'Come quickly I need help now" to be sent through Txtlocal's SMS Gateway and the response from the recipient is retrieved from the same Gateway and displayed in JayBee.
Ian said:
"Our partnership with Txtlocal is truly revolutionary for JayBee users. It means that for the first time, people can now call for help, text for an ambulance or simply have a general chat with a friend. It's amazing that those unable to speak through conventional methods, can now send a text, simply by moving a part of their body."
The Txtlocal and JayBee systems work in harmony with each other so that SMS replies can be sent back to the user and a text conversation can take place, giving freedom and power to the user to be in touch with the world.
Managing Director of Txtlocal said:
"We are extremely proud that our robust platform has been implemented into such a sophisticated system like JayBee. It is testament to both of our technological expertise that people who don't have the ability to speak, can still communicate effectively and instantly. This really is the power of mobile in action, helping people to stay in touch."
JayBee is a new competitively priced Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) system, and is integrated with CereProc's advanced text to speech system CereVoice. CereProc voices are renowned for their quality and the emotional and characterful capabilities.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: What sets JayBee apart from many AAC devices is its dual approach to communication - not only generating lifelike spoken output through CereProc's voice technology, but also bridging the gap to the outside world through integrated SMS messaging via Txtlocal's gateway. For someone who is homebound and unable to speak, the ability to text for help, call an ambulance, or simply have a casual conversation with a friend represents a meaningful expansion of independence and safety. The system's roots in satellite control technology gave its developers a unique perspective on precision input methods, and the result is a tool that can be operated with movements as subtle as a single blink. While the AAC market has continued to evolve since JayBee's introduction, the core idea here - that real-time mobile communication should be accessible to everyone regardless of speech ability - remains as urgent and relevant as ever.Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Txtlocal and published on 28 Jul 2012, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.
* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.