MND can affect the nerves and muscles used for communication including speaking, facial expressions, gestures, and swallowing. Approximately, 80% of people living with MND will experience changes to their speech.
For people living with MND, a speech pathologist is an important health professional to engage with. Regular reviews with a speech pathologist are recommended to help understand how MND might affect your speech, provide you and your family with strategies, and find the right equipment for your needs.
Speech Pathology Week runs from 23-29 August 2026. The theme this year is ‘communication creates possibility’. This highlights that when communication and swallowing needs are supported, people have more opportunities to connect, learn, make choices, participate and thrive.
A speech pathologist can refer for communication aids and equipment through MND NSW’s FlexEquip - Assistive Technology website. FlexEquip has a range of communication aids to support a person with MND including electronic communication aids and non-electronic communication aids.
Electronic communication aids
iPad with communication app
An iPad with communication software is a high-tech, portable device that comes pre-loaded with applications to aid communication. A speech pathologist can support you to choose the right ones for you. Learn more here: Portable communication aids
Eye Gaze
Eye Gaze technology uses eye movements as commands on a computer screen to either spell out words or select pre-set phrases. A speech pathologist and an occupational therapist are required to trial and set up this device. Learn more here: Eye gaze equipment for MND participants
Voice Banking
Voice banking is a helpful way of recording your voice to use as an electronic voice when you can no longer use our own. A speech pathologist can help you set this up. Voice banking vouchers are available from FlexEquip.
Non-electronic communication aids
Communication chart
Communication charts are easy-to-use laminated cards and are available with phrase tiles, letter tiles, or pictures. We have a couple of examples of these charts we can laminate and send to you. You can request these from MND NSW by contacting the Info Line on 1800 777 175. These are examples only, contact your speech pathologist for communication charts that are right for you.
E-Tran Board
E-Tran Board is a clear Perspex board designed for face-to-face communication by spelling out words using eye-movements. Learn more here: E-Tran board
Other Resources
MND Australia has downloadable guides applicable for each stage as you navigate through speech changes.
- Preparing for changes in speech
- When speech gets harder
- Staying connected without speech
Speech Awareness Cards
Speech Awareness Cards are business style cards that say “I have Motor Neurone Disease which affects my speech. I can hear and understand you”. You can request these from MND NSW by contacting the Info Line on 1800 777 175.
Our mobile phone background/lockscreen speech cards fit most phones and can be downloaded by clicking here.
Learn more:
