For the majority of people, greeting friends or asking for a glass of water is a simple process. However, for people whose speech is impacted by developmental issues or neurological conditions such as strokes, letting others know their needs is a challenge at best and a nightmare at worst.

While picture boards which allow a user to point to an illustration of what they need have their place, they may be bulky and awkward to carry. If someone has limited manual dexterity, sign language may be out of the question.  A more modern solution is a communicator, a device that can digitally record short messages such as greetings, alerting a need for a trip to the bathroom, or the desire for a snack or drink. Communicators are suitable for any person with special needs who can press a button. They can be used in classrooms, private or group homes, long-term care facilities, and with the portable models from Rehabmart, any place where social interaction is involved.

  


The Palm Com Assistive Technology Communicator has ten seconds of recording time. It is small enough to fit into a pocket, or it may be carried on a key ring or belt loop. A magnet allows it to be mounted onto a refrigerator. Messages are easily recorded or re-recorded. The Palm Com may be purchased individually or in sets of three.

  




Thanks to its Velcro straps, the Wearable Talker may be worn on an arm, a leg, or mounted to a wheelchair's armrest. Clear plastic lenses pop on and off the large yellow buttons to allow a helper to mount icons depicting a user's needs. Two messages may be recorded and the volume
is adjustable.

 

Even though it's only the size of a fanny pack, the Hip Talk Plus Communicator packs in a lot of features. Settings for three, six, or twelve icons can be adjusted with the touch of a couple of buttons. The icon frames are magnetic, allowing them to be changed easily. A contoured neoprene waist strap and carrying case allow the Hip Talk to be worn just like a fanny pack. It also has volume control, auditory cuing, and a sleep mode to preserve the batteries.

  



Want to feel like Dick Tracy did when he used his two-way radio wristwatch? You will if you use the Super Wrist Talker Communicator with its Velcro straps to hold it in place on your arm. It holds twelve levels of five-second messages activated by color-coded buttons. 

  

To make a bold fashion statement, wear the Flip and Talk Assistive Technology Communicator around the waist. The user gives an icon holder with a picture representing a need or a greeting a gentle squeeze to play the message. The Flip and Talk holds up to 300 seconds of messages.

All of these communicators use AAA batteries and are easily cleaned by wiping them down with a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth or paper towel. They are not waterproof or submersible.

The new generation of communication devices not only help users let their needs be known in a clear and concise manner, but allow them to interact with the world around them in a more meaningful way. Thanks to the ease in message recording, they can greet people, tell simple short jokes, and interact with family pets or service dogs. The possibilities for connection are almost endless with communicators.

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO