Communication methods used to replace or supplement speech or writing for individuals with impairments related to producing or comprehending spoken or written language are called augmentative and alternative communication devices, or AAC devices. Utilized by those with a wide range of speech and language disabilities, including intellectual impairment and autism, congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, and acquired conditions such as Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, AAC devices can assist as a temporary aid, or as a permanent addition to an individual's daily living communication needs.

As one of the most exciting new AAC devices on the market today, the LOGAN PROXTALKER  now available from Rehabmart, is changing the face of the augmentative and alternative communication industry with its ease of use and innovative, robust design. Invented by Glen Dobbs for his autistic son, Logan, this device has already helped many people around the world to achieve easier and more direct verbal communication. Dobbs, along with his friend and colleague Kevin Miller, came up with the original design for the PROXTALKER® to help give non-verbal Logan a 'voice'.

While Logan had mastered the PECS (Picture Exchange Communication) system, the available AAC devices on the market were not for him. As Dobbs explains, "He could not get to grips with the dynamic devices at all, where were the words stored? How did you get to them?" Logan would often throw remote controls on the floor just to see bits fly everywhere, so these computer-based AAC devices were not going to be his solution. But, like many other parents of a non-verbal child, his family wanted Logan to have a 'voice'. "He had developed good use of PECS," said Dobbs. "But it did not help him order his Taco Bell or McDonalds, nor did it allow him to communicate with us on the phone."

 

Dobbs decided to use his engineering experience and combine that with the expertise and assistance of several close friends and colleagues to develop and design something that Logan could easily and instinctively use to give him a voice. Dobbs founded ProxTalker.com, Incorporated, in 2007 to create the PROXTALKER® AAC device and has created quite a sensation in the AAC world ever since. And the very first time Logan tried using this new device, it took him less than a minute to ask for one of his favorite toys!

As an amazing mid-tech communication tool, the LOGAN® PROXTALKER® employs RFID technology to play stored words through pictures and icons. When users press the corresponding icon for the word they wish to 'speak', this device emits clear, real words spoken in the human voice. New words can be recorded quickly onto custom cards with the built-in microphone, while new symbols can be added with stickers, which are included. Logan himself has lots of different pictures and symbols on his own PROXTALKER®, along with some sound tags with just words. His family, teachers and caregivers have all recorded sounds that he is happy to use as his own 'voice'.

The PROXTALKER® couldn't be simpler to use; just pick a tag, place it on a button and press. It will then emit the appropriate sound, word or sentence. Available in a Back-Pack style or Binder style, this water-resistant and robust device is completely portable, even wheelchair mountable, to make communication accessible everywhere the user may roam, and it is built to stand up to even the toughest use and abuse. Four included Duracell C batteries provide a minimum of 6 months of usage, and this device also comes standard with 80 pre-recorded SoundTags in your choice of a female or male voice, and preferred language; 20 blank SoundTags; programming tags; a Speak ALL tag; a page set with four pages; and maintenance tools. Other special options include Large SoundTags for individuals with visual impairments; a range of languages for versatility; and Light Touch buttons for weaker muscles.

Well suited for a wide range of applications, the cutting edge PROXTALKER® can be used for bilingual support, as a classroom tool, as an introduction to augmentative and alternative communication, as a transition to high tech devices, as a therapy tool, and as a totally functional communication system for individual users. Simple to use for both special needs children and adults, this device now helps all non-verbal users to find their voice and communicate out loud. Now everyone has access to defining common requests, questions, statements of desire or expressions of a personal nature with the amazing LOGAN® PROXTALKER® from Rehabmart.

Carol Koenigsknecht,
Medical Consumer Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO