In choosing a website that focuses on resource needs in my classroom, I felt
the most common area of concern was communication. The majority of
my students have difficulties expressing wants and needs. Some children are
non-verbal, while others become frustrated by not being able to impart
simple desires. Hence, communication devices are essential to the school
environment. All too often, we are so busy handling behaviors, that wants
and needs of children are overlooked. In having augmentative devices
immediately accessible to individual students, this problem is partially
alleviated.
The website below offers a number of choices for assistive technology, which
can be used in all grades at Silvercrest Children's Development Center.
Because I am familiar with most of the products, the website offers me
enough information to proceed with my choices. The novice in the domain
of communication with special education students might find the page
somewhat frustrating and time consuming. If pictures of the devices were
on the opening page, the descriptors would be more understandable and
allow for quicker choices. Also, a number of the companies do not offer
website addresses, which could be an oversight on the part of DDInSite.
Being able to access more information about products and have the
ability to immediately contact companies is imperative to our classroom,
as students arrive year-round and usually have no assistive technology
devices.
The positive aspects of the website, according to Kathy Schrock's standards,
are readability on a 14" Monitor, adhering to standard HTML conventions, and
on the whole, the page is user-friendly with working links. It is easy to contact
the author of the site, and the page is replicable. The content is also
verifiable,
as I personally am familiar with the majority of the products.
http://murmur.arch.gatech.edu/crt/Techknow/Devices/ComDev.htm
Many of these devices are grouped under Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). In general, all of these products assist individuals in communicating with others. They have different types of input methods such as text or picture based, and may display and/or speak the desired message.
ADDvox III - This is an amplifier/speaker system designed for use by those with vocal-cord impairments or difficulties in voice projection. Can be worn on a headband or neckband. It is recommended as a training device for speech-recovery therapy.
Stanton Magnetics Incorporated
1010 Sunnyside Blvd
Plainview, NY 11803
800-526-3684
516-349-0235
FAX: 516-349-0230
AlphaTalker II- A simple, lightweight communication device that is anything but basic. Its sleek, durable case houses more capabilities than any other device in its class. It comes with digitized speech to record hundreds of words and can be set up with 4, 8, or 32 locations.
Prentke Romich Co.
1022 Heyl Rd
Wooster, OH 44691
330-262-1984
800-262-1984
www.prentrom.com/speech/alpha.html
Attainment 15 Talker - A communication device that has 15 recorded message options with 8 seconds recording time per message. Messages can be recorded for long term use or updated daily.
Attainment Company
P.O. Box 930160
Verona, WI 53593-0160
800-327-4269
FAX: 800-942-3865
Bedside Communicator - Designed
for persons who have a temporary or permanent speech impairment. This device
has an eight message scanning capacity and will also activate a nurse's
station or buzzer. Messages can be recorded and re-recorded often. This
device also includes a Sip-&-Puff Switch.
Enabling Devices/Toys for Special Children
385 Warburton Ave
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
800-832-8697
FAX: 914-478-7030
http://www.enablingdevices.com/
BIGMack - This
first step communication device for speech output, plays back recorded
messages with a touch of the surface or connect an external switch. Messages
can be up to 20 seconds long. In addition, this device has volume control
with easy-to-operate controls. The option of connecting an adapted toy
or appliance for immediate reinforcement is also available.
ACCI
280-B Moon Clinton Rd.
Moon Township, PA 15108
800-982-2248
E-Mail: acci@usaor.net
Box-Talk Series -
Entry level communication devices for persons with speech impairment. Most
models feature step scanning, auto scanning, long-lasting re-chargeable
batteries, AC wall adapters, and a set of stickers. These devices also
have program modes that allow the user to change up to eight of the default
settings in order to accommodate specific needs.
Box-Talk
413 Welshwood Dr. #102
Nashville, TN 37211
800-805-9278
FAX: 615-832-4100
E-Mail: boxtalk@esslink.com
Card Communicator- A symbolic language communicator or playing cardholder. As a communication aid, the Card Communicator holds up to 7 talking picture cards which are selected by the user by stopping a light that moves horizontally from left to right with a single action switch (not included).
Crestwood Company
6625 North Sidney Pl
Milwaukee, WI 53209-3259
414-352-5678
http://www.communicationaids.com/
ChatBox - A
small, easy-to-use device that can be operated by pressing the keys with
one's fingers or headpointer. This device can also be used by scanning
with an external switch. It has 16 keys and 3 minutes of speech output.
Special features include icon prediction and four user overlays, plus a
battery charger, icon sticker sheet, and blank overlays.
Saltillo Corporation
2143 TR112
Millersburg, OH 44654
330-674-6722
FAX: 330-674-6726
E-Mail: aac@saltillo.com
Clear Clock Communicator- A scanning communicator designed with clock face board and rotating dial for individuals who have difficulty communicating. This non-verbal communication device is operated by triggering the clock hand to sweep around and point to the desired picture, word, or object affixed to the clock face.
Enabling Devices/Toys for Special Children
385 Warburton Ave
Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
914-478-0960
800-TEC-TOYS
http://www.enablingdevices.com/
Clicker Plus - A talking on-screen keyboard for writing and communication in Windows. Clicker Plus lets students type text, enter keyboard commands and speak phrases from the screen. Perfect for anyone who uses a touch screen, mouse, joystick or trackball. The standard keyboard is available for others to use. The Clicker Plus works with any word processor.
Don Johnston Incorporated
P.O. Box 639
Wauconda, IL 60084-0639
Fax: 847-526-4177
The Crespeaker - The talking aid which speaks words, phrases, or sentences in English and Spanish up to 100 characters or about 18 words. 402 English and 402 Spanish built-in phrases. It is helpful for those who have communication difficulties.
Crestwood Company
6625 North Sidney Pl
Milwaukee, WI 53209-3259
414-352-5678
www.communicationaids.com/html/speaking_aids_.html
Crestwood Flowering Frame - This is a mirrored frame that has four flowers in each corner that stay lit only when the user is talking, stimulating the user to talk more. This is a good tool for voice therapy.
Crestwood Company
6625 N. Sidney Place
Milwaukee, WI 53209-3259
414-352-5678
FAX: 414-352-5679
DECtalk PC - This product translates ASCII text files from a user's PC into natural-sounding speech. The user can choose from nine distinct voices, and can fully customize each one's input since all inflection controls are user-defined. The speaking rate ranges between 75 and 650 words per minute. Purchase includes headphones and an external speaker.
Blaze Engineering
105 E. Jarrettsville Rd.
Forest Hill, MD 21050
410-893-9333
DigiVox 2 - A powerful digitized augmentative communication device offering quick, easy access and programming, superior speech quality and record time. This comes with a set of 18 overlays that can be customized with an individual. The custom overlays can be designed with any combination of symbols, letters, or handwritten messages.
Sentient Systems Technology, Inc.
2100 Wharton St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
888-697-7332
FAX: 412-381-5241
www.sentient-sys.com/digi2.folder/DigiVox2.html
DynaMyte3100 - This device is for ambulatory communicators who want a powerful, easy-to-carry communication device. It weighs only 3.2 pounds, and comes with a handle and strap making it easy to carry by hand or over the shoulder. It has a durable rubberized case which lessons the impact of shocks. DynaMyte is designed to meet the needs of both children and adults.
Sentient Systems Technology, Inc
2100 Wharton St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
888-697-7332
FAX: 412-381-5241
www.sentient-sys.com/09%20DMyte3100.folder/DynaMyte3100.html
EasyTalk - Each key of this communication device can record a message of variable length. The Easy Talk has LED's located underneath the keyboard and automatically converts to a scanner when switches are plugged in. This device features a compact, rugged case, varied keyboard layouts, rechargeable battery, keyboard access, and a call alarm.
The Great Talking Box Co.
2211B Fortune Dr.
San Jose, CA 95131
888-791-9922
408-456-0133
Fast Food Passport - For non-speaking individuals, this is a small kit with 44 picture cards that can be used when ordering food in a fast food restaurant. When ordering, the user can point to the desired foods or a helper can circle them in advance with a special pen that wipes off later. These cards are also available in other formats such as "Casual Dining," " Supermarket Shopping" or for "Personal Needs" shopping.
Crestwood Company
6625 N. Sidney Place
Milwaukee, WI 53209-3259
414-352-5678
FingerFoniks - This small device combines phonemes, synthesized and recorded speech output to provide the only 1-pound system that can say anything. Anyone who knows the sounds needed to create a message can use this device.
Words+, Inc.
40015 Sierra Highway
Building B-145
Palmdale, CA 93550
805-266-8521
FAX: 805-266-8969
Freestyle - A custom tablet-style computer created to facilitate independence. This fully accessible Macintosh computer offers the ease and simplicity of an AAC device along with the power and flexibility of a computer.
Assistive Technology, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
800-793-9227
617-641-9000
Fax: 617-641-9191
Hand Held Voice - A lightweight, portable communication device that includes a touchscreen with high quality digitized recorded speech and a dynamic screen. This device allows the user to build picture-based linking communication displays and output recorded speech with the touch of a finger.
ACCI
280-B Moon Clinton Rd
Moon Township, PA 15108
800-982-2248
E-Mail: acci@usaor.net
HeadMouse - This input device emulates a standard mouse by translating the movements of a user's head into directly proportional movements of the computer pointer. This wireless optical sensor tracks a tiny and disposable reflector, which is placed on the user's forehead or glasses. This feature combined with an on-screen keyboard allows the HeadMouse to completely replace the functions of a conventional keyboard.
Words+
1220 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
800-869-8521
Hip Talk Communicator - This portable communication device is designed for children and adults. This unique device is activated when one of its buttons are pressed. Messages can be recorded and changed often. This device is offered in one, two, four, ten ,and sixteen message models. Each include four batteries and a nylon fanny pack.
Enabling Devices/Toys for Special Children
385 Warburton Ave
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
800-832-8697
FAX: 914-478-7030
http://www.enablingdevices.com/
Holly-Com - This portable communication device is available in 8-Key and 32-Key models, and uses a system of coded overlays and floppy disks. This device helps to make unlimited communication available to a person who would otherwise have no means of "speaking"his/her mind.
Communication Devices, Inc.
421 Coeur d'Alene Ave, Suite 5
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
800-604-6559
208-765-1259
Liberator II - This device offers high quality speech synthesis. It can be used as a writing tool as well as an alternate keyboard to most computers and environmental control units (ECU). It has user friendly menus, changeable voices and key size.
Prentke Romich Co.
1022 Heyl Rd
Wooster, OH 44691
330-262-1984
800-262-1984
www.prentrom.com/speech/alpha.html
Lightwriter - This device features two large screen displays: one for the user and one facing the listener. It is very easy to use, simply turn it on and use it like a typewriter. This device includes synthesized speech and lighted keyboard with tactile feedback.
ZYGO Industries, Inc.
P.O. BOX 1008
Portland, Oregon 97207-1008
800-234-6006
503-684-6006
FAX: 503-684-6011
Link - Link is the smart keyboard that talks. Featuring speech output, Link is an easy-to-use, lightweight communication device. It offers keyboard shortcuts for abbreviations and messages, flexible read-back and keyboard settings. It also includes 8 different voices and multiple files for storing up to 64 pages of text.
Assistive Technology, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
800-793-9227
617-641-9000
Fax: 617-641-9191
Message-Mate 20 - A small, lightweight, hand-held communication device with up to two minutes of analog recording (linear & column-row scan). This device has a 20-key-keyboard, and two modes of scanning. The keyboard features membrane keys for a light touch and an optional stiffener for the heavier touch. Special options include: rechargeable battery, carrying case, clear keyguard etc.
Words+, Inc.
40015 Sierra Highway
Building B-145
Palmdale, CA 93550
805-266-8521
FAX: 805-266-8969
Mighty Mouth - This bright purple friend helps children speak up by electronically clarifying speech and enhancing volume. It is extremely durable with a stable, waterproof microphone. There are both "ambulatory" and wheelchair versions.
Electronic Speech Enhancer, Inc.
12190 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63044
800-600-9819
MultiPhone - The MultiPhone offers private and independent access via the telephone using computer-based communication systems. The device connects to a standard touch-tone telephone and any AAC device or computer that can output standard touch tones and digitized speech to a speaker or headphones, including devices with DECtalk technology. Multiphone allows for clear output of synthesized or digitized speech through the phone line.
Assistive Technology, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
800-793-9227
617-641-9191
FAX: 617-641-9191
Multi Voice - A lightweight, rugged, and portable speech synthesizer with text-to-speech capabilities using DECtalk technology. This device provides speech output for persons with vocal and visual impairments. Special features include: a choice of 8 voices, contoured volume knob, rechargeable battery, and a headset jack for auditory scanning.
Assistive Technology, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
800-793-9227
617-641-9000
Fax: 617-641-9191
One Message Voice Module - The 1401 voice board is a one message, solid state voice record/playback device. The voice signal is sampled and stored in an analog EPROM memory where it will remain stored for a minimum of 100 years without power. The voice signals are not digitized, but stored directly in their natural analog form, providing the most natural reproduction available. The method of audio recording provides the highest quality playback available in a single-chip board. The voice record/playback time is 20 seconds.
Companion Products International
P.O. Box G
Milford, PA 18337-0208
717-686-4713
Fax: 717-686-4718
Parakeet - This 15-key digital recording communication system allows for each message to be 8 seconds for a total recording time of 2 minutes. Individual recordings can be changed at any time without affecting the others. This device is operated by a 9 volt alkaline battery. Memory is not affected when the battery goes flat. Eight laminated overlays are included.
ZYGO Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1008
Portland, OR 97207-1008
800-234-6006
503-684-6006
FAX: 503-684-6011
Parrot - This high-tech digital recorder/playback unit has enough recording time for 16 brief messages (or a few long ones) such as: "I need some help.", "Please call my wife.", or "I'm fine, thanks.". It can be recorded with the appropriate male/female child or adult voice in any language(no external microphone required). It can also be tailored to special needs and is able to re-record quickly and easily whenever needed.
Zygo Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1008
Portland, OR 97207-1008
800-234-6006
503-684-6006
FAX: 503-684-6011
Parrot Software - Computer software for persons with aphasia, cognitive, language, and memory disorders resulting from head injury or stroke.
Parrot Software
P.O. Box 250755
West Bloomfield, MI 48325
800-PARROT-1
FAX: 248-788-3224
Personal Communicating Device - This is a portable electronic device with an alphanumeric keypad. The message is communicated on a display.
D.C. & D, Inc.
42 Skinner Rd.
East Windsor, CT. 06016
860-623-7364
Personal Talker - This is a pocket-sized aid that provides one 10 second message. There is a large press and play button and an enclosure for picture or written information. Can be used as a method of passing information between friends, parents and teachers or used for a talking ID.
Attainment Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 930160
Verona, WI 53593-0160
800-327-4269
FAX: (800) 9442-3865
pwTelephone™ - This product has provided non-visual access to the Web for many thousands of users over recent years, and is a premier technology for non-visual access to the Web. It turns the standard telephone into the most common, lowest cost Web resource possible, allowing users to surf the world wide web via telephone. pwTelephone provides an ideal facility for customer support or customer services, and for providing information services to a broad base of users.
The Productivity Works, Inc.
7 Belmont Circle
Trenton, NJ 08618
609-984-8044
RedLite - This is an optical pointer that shines a red bulls eye on a communication board, a wall or any other object within 3 feet of the pointer. The pointer can be mounted on the user in different ways including on a pair of glasses, a headband or a glove. It can be used to facilitate communication when used to spell out words on an alphabet board or when it points to pictures on a communication board.
See A Need
8864 Kalmar Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
719-282-0141
Routine Talk - This early communication device for those who are just starting to understand and develop messages, is designed so that users and their listeners can exchange actions and messages as they interact together. This device includes over 300 messages with the 25 overlays.
Innocomp
26210 Emory Rd Suite 302
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
800-382-8622
216-464-3636
FAX: 216-464-3638
E-Mail: Innocomp@sayitall.com
Scan-It-All & Scan-It-All Gold - These two devices provide a text-to-speech system that allows for light pointing or visual scanning. Both devices have the ability to store phrases in any one location or groups of locations within the device. Each also include special features such as: automatic on/off, multiple user capability, laser light pointer, set of eight overlays, and MSL II Software. Additional features are also included.
Innocomp
26210 Emory Rd Suite 302
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
800-382-8622
216-464-3636
FAX: 216-464-3638
E-Mail: Innocomp@sayitall.com
6-Video Multimedia Training Package - This six-part videotape series and discussion guide on the method with special emphasis on how to use facilitated communication with different age groups and in different settings. For example, one video describes how to introduce facilitation to young children with various developmental disabilities. The classroom scenes all include children with and without disabilities.
Facilitated Communication Institute
Syracuse University
370 Huntington Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244-2340
315-443-9657
SounText - A multi-lingual voice synthesizer that plugs directly into the parallel port of a PC or laptop and runs on one 9 volt battery or adapter.
Compusult Limited
40 Bannister Street
P.O. Box 1000
Mount Pearl, NF
Canada A1N 3C9
888-388-8180
Fax: 709-745-7914
Speak-A-Tag - Talking I.D. Tag to provide identification or emergency medical information for children, non speaking people or Alzheimer's patients. Can be worn by pets as well. Size is 1" x 1 1/2 " x 2 1/2" and weighs 1.65 ounces.
Luminaud, Inc.
8688 Tyler Blvd
Mentor, OH 44060-4348
800-255-3408
440-255-9082
FAX: 440-255-2250
Speaking Dynamically - This powerful speech output communication program allows you to use your Macintosh computer as a communication device. The customized dynamic screens allow for outstanding versatility and efficiency. Speaking Dynamically can be used as a communication program for individuals who need a voice, an interactive tool for inclusion of special needs students in regular classes, a training program for learning communication and language skills, an educational tool to encourage literacy, and an aid for individual's suffering from repetitive voice overuse in the workplace.
Mayer-Johnson Co.
P.O. Box 1579
Solana Beach, CA 92075
619-550-0084
SpeakEasy Communication Aid - This is a communication aid with voice output and 12 options for message programming. Six keys allow for 10 second messages, 4 keys for 20 second messages and 2 keys for messages up to 60 seconds.
Innocomp
26210 Emery Road
Suite 302
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
800-382-8622
216-464-3636
FAX: 216-464-3638
Speech Amplified Handset - This telephone handset amplifies weak or soft voices. Replaces your modular handset. Volume is fully adjustable with a simple control. Not compatible with all telephones so call customer service to determine compatibility.
Hitec
8160 Madison
Burr Ridge, IL 60521
800-288-8303
708-654-9200
FAX: 708-654-9219
The Speech Enhancer - This communication device improves speech clarity and, if needed, functional voice volume. This is a possible solution for mild to moderate speech challenges, and may provide an aid to increased independence. This system consists of a microphone and lightweight unit worn at the waist or hung on a wheelchair. It works with the telephone and voice recognition software.
Electronic Speech Enhancer, Inc.
12190 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63044
800-600-9819
Talk Ease 20 - This is a handheld communication device that also has an option to connect to a TDD or telephone allowing you to "speak" directly. Holds up to 20 messages with a total time of 90 seconds.
Companion Products International
P.O. Box G
Milford, PA 18337-0208
800-258-6423
FAX: 717-686-4718
Talking Picture® Kits - Functional picture cards of survival living needs. The various classifications include bathroom, health, food, clothes, people, misc. There are 5 different languages on the one side and sign language on reverse side of card. The heavy duty vinyl envelopes holds up to 20 pictures. The kit includes a metal ring to hold pictures together and vinyl cord to tie the ring and pictures to the bed, wheelchair, belt, wrist, etc.
Crestwood Company
6625 N. Sidney Pl
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414-352-5678
http://www.communicationaids.com/
TruVoice - An advanced text-to-speech converter that is suitable for many applications including: audio e-mail, internet services, document proof reading, and remote fax reading. This device has ten different voice options to choose from and is available in the English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian languages.
Centigram Communications
91 E. Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
800-746-1632
Vangaurd - This high-tech communication device utilizes synthesized and digitized speech, a combination of icons to extend vocabulary, and auditory scanning and feedback. This device also features a variety of other dynamics for powerful language, customization, tools for teaching and learning, easy operation, and the support of independence.
Prentke Romich Company
1022 Heyl Rd
Wooster, OH 44691
800-262-1984
330-262-1933
Fax: 330-263-4829
E-Mail: info@prentrom.com
Vocal Assist - This is a hand held, portable voice output communication device. Three models are available with up to 4.5 minutes of recording capacity and up to 48 messages. Pictures or words prompts can be used, recording messages in any voice or language.
Luminaud Inc.
8688 Tyler Blvd
Mentor, OH 44060-4348
800-255-3408
440-255-9082
FAX: 440-255-2250
VoiceAssist - This product allows users to perform complex operations and commands on personal computers by using simple voice commands. Users can increase their productivity, save time, and reduce their chances of suffering repetitive strain injuries. This powerful command-and-control agent is designed to work with Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4.0. VoiceAssist runs in the background and an automatic voice enables menus, buttons, list boxes, and other common application controls as the user switches from one window to the next.
Mindmaker, Inc.
224 Airport Parkway, Ste. 550
San Jose, CA 95110
408-467-9200
Voicette - Is a personal amplifier that can be carried on a belt or on a shoulder strap. Has a built in mic or can use a remote mic. Volume adjusts for 1 to 1 conversation or to talk to groups of 50-100.
Luminaud Inc.
8688 Tyler Blvd.
Mentor, OH 44060
800-255-3408
216-255-9082
FAX: 216-255-2250
Voice-in-a Box - Provides the user up to 6 minutes of message time. This particular device features natural voice quality, quick template change, low power, simple and quick record process with a built in microphone.
Frame Technologies
W681 Pearl St.
Oneida, WI 54155
414-869-2979
E-Mail: cframe@netnet.net
VoicePal - Up to 5 natural voice messages can be recorded on this communication device. Compatible with a variety of switch options. Runs on 4 AA batteries.
Adaptivations, Inc.
2225 W. 50th St., Suite 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
800-723-2783
FAX: 605-335-4446
W7 Speech Enchancement - This is an amplified handset that increase outgoing volume to improve transmission. The outgoing speech level is increase up to 3 times.
Hear-More
P.O. Box 3414
Farmingdale,N.Y. 11735
800-881-4327
516-752-0738
FAX: 516-752-0689
WalkerTalker - This communication device is designed for the person with either limited or short-term communication needs. This could be someone whose language skills may not develop beyond the capabilities of the WalkerTalker. It could be someone who uses a more powerful system most of the time but would like something light and easy to carry for specific environments, such as recess or shopping. It could also be someone who has a short-term speech loss due to illness or surgery. At less than 2 pounds, the WalkerTalker is carried comfortably around the waist with virtually no impact on balance or fatigue. The 16-location keyboard weighs 12 ounces.
Prentke Romich Company
1022 Heyl Rd
Wooster, OH 44691
800-262-1990
E-Mail: info@prentrom.com
WebCite - Allows users to navigate the web, send e-mail, and download information with a fully functional text-to-speech environment.
Compusult Limited
40 Bannister Street
P.O. Box 1000
Mount Pearl, NF
Canada A1N 3C9
888-388-8180
Fax: 709-745-7914
Write Away - This software combines basic word processing with communication enhancement strategies for children and adults who have difficulty with written and oral communication. Special features include: word prediction, abbreviation expansion, multiple access modes, built-in scanning and auditory feedback, and multiple read-back options.
Assistive Technology, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
800-793-9227
617-641-9000
Fax: 617-641-9191