AUGMENTATIVE and ALTERNATIVE
COMMUNICATION
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of
communication (other than oral speech) that is used to express thoughts, needs,
wants, and ideas. People with severe speech or language problems rely on AAC
to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional. Special
augmentative aids, such as picture and symbol communication boards and
electronic devices, are available to help people express themselves.
Cheap Talk 4
Assists in language development and it's easy to use!
Our popular Cheap Talk communicators are light-weight, portable, user-friendly
and economical. They enable the user to “speak” pre-recorded messages. Use
them to provide communication and cognitive support to enhance and develop
expressive and receptive language skills. Messages can be up to 5 seconds
each and can be recorded and re-recorded as often as you wish.
Cheap Talk 8
Stores up to 48 5-second messages! Our exclusive 6-Level Communicator is
ideal for teaching language skills and communicating. Record 48 6-second
messages on 6 levels. Messages can be recorded and re-recorded as often as
you wish
Wrist-O- Pic
The Wrist-O-Pic goes with you wherever you go! It allows you to show off,
switch, and trade your favorite pictures. Just apply your favorite stickers,
scrapbooking designs, pictures of sports players, movie characters, family, pets,
etc. onto a pre-sized card template. Place these pics into the protective clear
vinyl “Pic-Pockets” and attach them to the Wrist-O-Pic.
Step-by-Step Communicator
Record any series of messages into the LITTLE Step-by-Step Communicator.
Press its activation surface once to hear the first message. Press it again to hear
the next message in the sequence, and so on. Two full minutes of recording time
allow you to record as many messages as you need.
Step-by-Step Communicator with Levels
All the same great features of our BIG and LITTLE Step-by-Step Communicators
with the power and convenience of levels! Levels are ideal for pre-recording
sequential messages to be used at specific times of the day, or for recording and
storing sequential messages that are used on a regular basis. With a total of four
minutes of recording time, there is no limit to the number of messages per level.
BIG Mack
The BIG Mack is a simple, one-message communication device, which allows a
single message of up to 20 seconds to be recorded and played back.
Pocket sized communication books
The Pocket-sized Communication Book fits conveniently in a breast or hip pocket
and displays up to 144 one-inch symbols on 12 pages. Optional grommet
attaches a chain. They include a grommet for attaching a chain. The spiral-bound
version opens flat on every page and includes heavy-duty spiral binding (without
a grommet).
Eye gaze board
An eye gaze communication board (also known as an e-tran) is a vertically
held/mounted board, made of plexiglass or sturdy paper with a window cut in the
middle, that enables children with severe speech and orthopedic impairments
(i.e. children who are unable to speak or use their hands to point out pictures or
symbols on a communication display) to communicate by focusing their gaze on
selected items displayed on the board.
Twin Talk
Twin Talk is the ideal trainer, teacher and communicator. Use it to request
attention, communicate needs, make simple choices, sing a song, make sound
effects, participate in games, and more. It was designed to be used as a
precursor and trainer before more complex communicators is introduced. Twin
Talk allows you to record, playback and re-record two 10-second messages
Go Talk 9
GoTalk 9 is lightweight and rugged and has a 45 message capacity (9 keys, each
1 3/4″ x 2 1/4″, and five recording levels). PLUS three “core messages” which
stay the same on each level so you don’t need to re-record essential messages
for each level. It has all new technology providing great sound and volume
control. The device has easier sequential recording, an option for whole level
erasing and built-in overlay storage
Go Talk 20
GoTalk 20 is lightweight and rugged and now has a 100 message capacity (20
keys, each 1-inch square, and five recording levels). It has five “core messages”
which stay the same on each level so you don’t need to re-record essential
messages for each level. The device has all new technology providing great
sound and volume control. It has easier sequential recording, an option for whole
level erasing and built-in overlay storage.
Seven Level Communicator
The 7-Level Communication Builder is a self-contained communication device. It
allows the user to record and play back 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 different messages per
level. There are seven levels for recordings, giving you a total of up to 112
messages (in the 16 window setting). Total record time is 300 seconds. The unit
comes equipped with 5 sturdy frame/overlays in 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 windows. Rerecording is required when you change window frames.
Clear Clock Communicator
This is a transparent-faced clock communicator makes it easy for teacher and
student to view one another. The student can communicate by activating a switch
which moves the clock hand to the desired picture, word, or object affixed to the
clock face. You can customize the communication by using as few (or as many)
objects as you’d like.
Take and Talk
Device allows you to play four 5-second messages. You play the messages back
by removing “taking” an item (of your choice) from one of the light sensitive
compartments (TAKE mode) or “placing” the item in one of the compartments
(PLACE mode). Objects cannot be translucent/clear.
EvaluWare
EvaluWare is assistive technology assessment software designed for use by
children with cognitive, communication, or speech disabilities. This software
program helps speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, and AT
professionals identifies the best computer access methods, strategies for
modifying standardized tests, and ideal alternative and augmentative
communication (AAC) setups for users with special needs.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of augmentative
and alternative communication (AAC). It is typically used as an aid in
communication for children with autism and other special needs. The system has
been used with a variety of ages including preschoolers, adolescents and adults
who have a wide array of communicative, cognitive and physical difficulties.
Preliminary evidence shows that its primary benefit is providing a means of
communication; there is only very limited or unclear data on whether it is effective
for improving social-communicative skills, challenging behaviors, or speech
development.
ALS (Aided Language Stimulation) books, overlays, videos
Aided language stimulation is a system where a therapist or teacher points to a
graphic symbol while simultaneously producing the corresponding spoken word
during natural communicative exchanges. Research clearly states that using this
approach increases comprehension, motivates children to communicate and
assists children with understanding expectations and timelines.
Boardmaker
Boardmaker is software popular among teachers, speech-language pathologists,
and parents for creating and individualizing adapted content for students with
learning challenges. It helps teachers and parents create on-screen and printed
symbol-based learning activities for students with special needs.