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Before the operation, my speech had been getting more slurred, so that only a few people who knew me well, could understand me. But at least I could communicate. I wrote scientific papers by dictating to a secretary, and I gave seminars through an interpreter, who repeated my words more clearly. However, the tracheotomy operation removed my ability to speak altogether. For a time, the only way I could communicate was to spell out words letter by letter, by raising my eyebrows when someone pointed to the right letter on a spelling card. It is pretty difficult to carry on a conversation like that, let alone write a scientific paper. However, a computer expert in California, called Walt Woltosz, heard of my plight. He sent me a computer program he had written, called Equalizer. This allowed me to select words from a series of menus on the screen, by pressing a switch in my hand. The program could also be controlled by a switch, operated by head or eye movement. When I have built up what I want to say, I can send it to a speech synthesizer. At first, I just ran the Equalizer program on a desk top computer.
However David Mason, of Cambridge Adaptive Communication, fitted a small portable computer and a speech synthesizer to my wheel chair. This system allowed me to communicate much better than I could before. I can manage up to 15 words a minute. I can either speak what I have written, or save it to disk. I can then print it out, or call it back and speak it sentence by sentence. Using this system, I have written a book, and dozens of scientific papers. I have also given many scientific and popular talks. They have all been well received. I think that is in a large part due to the quality of the speech synthesiser, which is made by Speech Plus. One's voice is very important. If you have a slurred voice, people are likely to treat you as mentally deficient: Does he take sugar? This synthesiser is by far the best I have heard, because it varies the intonation, and doesn't speak like a Dalek. The only trouble is that it gives me an American accent"

... Direct quote from Stephen Hawking's website

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How does steven hawking type?

Professor Stephen Hawking communicates using a speech synthesizer, powered by a computer program he operates with a switch. The program, called the Equalizer, selects from a list of several thousand words, phrases and letters, through which he can generate about 15 words a minute. Initially the switch was operated by hand, but after losing strength now uses a sensor which detects intentional twitches in his cheek muscle. (Eventually it may need to be adapted to use eye motions.)


Will Stephen hawking listen to my ideas?

It is unlikely that Stephen Hawking, who passed away in 2018, will be able to listen to your ideas. However, you can still share your ideas with others who may be interested in hearing them or explore ways to contribute to scientific discussions or research communities.


How many children did Stephen Hawkins have?

Three. Robert, Lucy (a novelist), and Timothy.


How will Stephen hawking's theory about black holes help the world?

Stephen Hawking's work on black holes has advanced our understanding of fundamental physics, leading to discoveries about the behavior of black holes and the nature of the universe. This knowledge has contributed to technological advancements and new insights into the fundamental laws of physics, which could have practical applications in the future. Additionally, Hawking's work inspires curiosity and innovation in scientific research and education worldwide.


Why did Stephen Hawking give more credit in science to Galileo than Albert Einstein?

He was born exactly 300 years after GalileoI'd kinda think that it more relates to the foundations that Galileo had been able to establish of which Albert Einstein was then able to form his theories

Related Questions

Who are scientist able to make history in physics?

Galileo, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking


How does steven hawking type?

Professor Stephen Hawking communicates using a speech synthesizer, powered by a computer program he operates with a switch. The program, called the Equalizer, selects from a list of several thousand words, phrases and letters, through which he can generate about 15 words a minute. Initially the switch was operated by hand, but after losing strength now uses a sensor which detects intentional twitches in his cheek muscle. (Eventually it may need to be adapted to use eye motions.)


Is Stephen Hawking having seizures when he talks about super string theory?

No, he isn't. If he were having a seizure, he would not be able to communicate the idea at all.


Will Stephen hawking listen to my ideas?

It is unlikely that Stephen Hawking, who passed away in 2018, will be able to listen to your ideas. However, you can still share your ideas with others who may be interested in hearing them or explore ways to contribute to scientific discussions or research communities.


Can Stephen Hawking say anything he wants when he wants?

Not necessarily. He uses a computer software that helps him speak, as he had pneumonia and had to have a surgery, so he wouldn't be able to talk normal again. He could say many words, but it takes him a long time to say anything, because he controls the software with his cheeks.


How many children did Stephen Hawkins have?

Three. Robert, Lucy (a novelist), and Timothy.


Is there or use to be a crippled scientist?

Yes Stephen Hawking is almost completely paralyzed. He is only able to communicate via a voice synthesizer that he control with his cheek (one of the only body parts he can still move)


How will Stephen hawking's theory about black holes help the world?

Stephen Hawking's work on black holes has advanced our understanding of fundamental physics, leading to discoveries about the behavior of black holes and the nature of the universe. This knowledge has contributed to technological advancements and new insights into the fundamental laws of physics, which could have practical applications in the future. Additionally, Hawking's work inspires curiosity and innovation in scientific research and education worldwide.


Who is able to tell from afar if one is online using their computer?

One can be able to tell if someone is online using their computer by logging into the computer remotely. Remote access allows one to use their computer, files and information from another computer at a different location.


How is the sun able to constantly produce nuclear fusion?

think of it, this way, it's a positive of a black hole. Meaning that this singularity has achieved enough mass to support nuclear fusion caused but extreme gravitational pull of the singularity. but much is thoerized by Stephen Hawking, and his notes on the hawking molecule that should give you the information you need.


Why did Stephen Hawking give more credit in science to Galileo than Albert Einstein?

He was born exactly 300 years after GalileoI'd kinda think that it more relates to the foundations that Galileo had been able to establish of which Albert Einstein was then able to form his theories


What if you save a picture to your computer and the computer is not yours?

If you save a picture to a computer that is not yours, anyone who has access to that computer will be able to view your photo. You will not be able to access the photo yourself unless you are using that computer yourself. When you are using a computer that isn't yours, you would usually want to save pictures to a flash drive or to an account on a photo storage site like Picasa.