Mom wants to write her life story. Anyone have any advice on speech to text or dictation options?

The best thing I can think that if she has an iPhone because that’s all I have is there is a microphone in the corner right hand side bottom. Just press the button lightly and a speech thing will appear and all you have to do is speak into it and it will type whatever you say. The only thing you have to make sure of is that you say the word PERIOD. She still may need someone to look it over to make sure that she said the right word and that the keyboard understood her correctly. I have verbally written this entire note just by talking into the microphone. You can also use a tablet to see better I would suggest that she still find someone to look over what she has typed to make sure the right word was used.My husband has ALS and he cannot use his fingers so this has been a blessing. God bless you and I hope this helps happy Thanksgiving.

If there is a college or community college in your area, you might contact their English or communications departments. Helping a senior write his or her story is frequently used as a "service learning" component in some sections of advanced composition. Your mother tells her stories, the student records them (either in writing or digitally) and puts the stories together in written form.

There are also writing groups who still do "Tuesdays with Morrie" projects -- they visit interested seniors and write those individuals' stories.

Dragon Naturally Speaking, which GardenArtist mentioned, is good for dictation if your mother doesn't want anyone else involved. The training of the software doesn't take too long, and then the product works very well. I'm a writer and teacher myself, and I used it after I had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists at once.

My mother told her life story on video about ten years ago. The process went well. The taping took a few months, but I could stop any time and resume. I sent copies to all family members.

They still have nice little Cassette players with recording setting, and there is built in microphone that she could speak into. It records on a regular size cassette tape.
Then someone could transcribe it into print for her. My parents did this and it is very interesting to hear their voices.

These are available for less than $50 and quite sturdy. I have one for my husband at a care center to listen to old time country music that I have recorded from LPs to cassettes for him. Works well.

Ruth

I don't know anything about the technology for transcription from a tape recorded, or even if it's possible since there are vast differences in the technology, i.e., tape recorders are "old school" and transcription through a computer is more contemporary.

If she did use a tape recorder, you would probably have to transcribe it by listening and typing.   That's kind of tedious.  

I'm guessing though that there are adaptations for people like Stephen Hawking, although they might be expensive.   What I would do though is check out these various hits:

https://www.google.com/search?ei=A03cXbjUMd6v0PEPjZ-5gAg&q=apps+for+dictation+and+transcription&oq=dictation+and+transcrtiption+for+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.0i22i30l2j0i333.957837.1077026..1084875...9.1..0.232.6882.8j48j1......0....1..gws-wiz.....6..0i71j0i67j0i273j0j0i131i67j0i131j0i362i308i154i357j0i10j0i13j0i13i30j0i8i13i30j33i10i160j33i10..10001%3A0%2C154.KBLspheNNDA#spf=1574719810150

Apparently there are some apps specifically for the purpose you address. 

You could also search and browse VA files, as they deal with a variety of adaptive devices for wounded Veterans.

But there are quite a few hits on the "apps for dictation and transcription" search listed above.  

Good luck, and please let us know if you decide on or try out any.  I'm sure this could apply to others here.

Dragon Naturally Speaking

https://shop.nuance.com/store/nuanceus/custom/pbpage.resp-dragon-naturallyspeaking-home-13

I've used it. She'll need to take some time to "train" it to recognize her speech patterns, accent, etc. Even then it's not perfect and the results will have to be carefully proof-read.

I was a medical transcriptionist. Just use a dictaphone. Tapes can be mailed to a local transcriptionist who charges by the line, words or page. You might also investigate Amazon's book publishing. Google has some type of service in this area but I haven't used it.

I love the idea of video recording. If you could video and use something like google docs in tandem how awesome for future generations to be able to read or view great, great or even greater grandma tell her story.

91 years of change, what a story she has.

My friend loves writing. She is an avid reader. She took a memoir writing course at the university. She loved that course.

Look at the universities in your area and see if they offer any memoir courses. Get the professor’s email address and ask if they have any suggestions for you. If the professor can’t help he/she may be able to have a student help you with tips.

What a wonderful idea for her to fulfill. It will be something that will be cherished in your family and by many others.

A video recording sounds fantastic.

I have had students with muscular disabilities which left them unable to use the keyboard without struggle and frustration. We purchased a voice-recognition software product, DragonSpeak, which enabled them to do away with the keyboard yet keep up with the other students. It is Windows-based and very affordable. Review the product offerings before purchasing, there are multiple varieties tailored for different needs. You might benefit more from the general conversation-type which is NaturallySpeaking.
Good Luck, I hope this is a great experience for both you and your mom!