Communication equipment

Find out more about organisations to help you get online and make using computers easier when you have Parkinson's.

Some people with Parkinson’s have difficulties with communication, including their speech and writing. But technology can help.

Technology like computers, smartphones and tablets can help with communication. A speech and language therapist can help you find equipment which works for you. 

Computers

A computer and the internet can open up lots of opportunities for you. You can:

  • email, video call or use speech-to-text software if you have problems writing by hand
  • keep in touch with your friends and family
  • connect with other people affected by Parkinson’s through online communities, like our forum.

Visit the Parkinson's UK forum.

Smartphones and tablets

Some people with Parkinson’s find that tablets, such as the Apple iPad, are easier to use than desktop or laptop computers because they have touchscreens, rather than a keyboard and mouse.

Features or apps that are commonly available which you might find useful include: 

  • Voice activation. Most smartphones and tablets allow you to enable voice activation, also called voice control. Voice activation can help you:
    • call someone in your phonebook just by saying their name
    • search the internet
    • dictate text messages and emails
    • open apps
    • record notes as reminders or to send as messages.
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers. These allow a nominated person, such as a partner or family member, to see where you are on a map if you’ve got your device with you.
  • Medication managers. These apps remind you when your medication is due. They may let you store medical information, for example care plans or details of local healthcare professionals. 

If you're not sure how to do something, you could ask a family member or friend to help you get online or set up assistive technology on your devices. 

AbilityNet is a company that offers resources and training to help people with disabilities use digital technology. Visit the AbilityNet website.

Speech and language therapists

A speech and language therapist can assess you to see if you would benefit from an electronic communication aid, a communication app on a smartphone or tablet, or a paper communication aid such as a book or board.

If you need help with communication, ask your GP or Parkinson’s nurse to refer you to a speech and language therapist.

You can also pay for private speech and language therapy. Visit The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice website.

Getting help with technology

There are also many ways you can adapt your devices, using assistive technology, equipment, software and apps, to suit your specific needs and abilities.

The organisations below can help you get started.

Get online and improve your digital skills

We’ve partnered with AbilityNet to help people with Parkinson’s get online and boost their digital skills.

Find out more

Find someone who understands

Our online forum is an active space to share tips and tricks when you have Parkinson's. Watch this short video to find out more.

Join our forum

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Thank you

Thank you to the following experts who contributed to or reviewed this information:

  • Rebecca Boddington, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

  • Lauren Drake, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, MY Therapy service, Mid Yorkshire Teaching Trust

  • Rachael Stringer, Occupational Therapist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Thanks also to everyone living with or supporting someone with Parkinson's who provided feedback or helped produce this information.

Last updated

This content will next be reviewed within 3 years of that date. If you'd like to find out more about how we put our information together, including references and the sources of evidence we use, please contact us at [email protected]