You Need
What a great
device, with lots of options and switch or direct access. It can be used as an
assessment tool for a school, or provide an all in one device for a pupil to
develop their understanding of symbols, selection and communication skills.
It's also a device that grows with the pupil.
SuperTalker can have one message cell right up to eight cells, and the overlays can be stored in the back of the device. All the instructions you need are on the back too, with clearly labelled dials and switches.
I started with the switch access as this is what interests me. I plugged in the switch and recorded the repeated text of my favourite story into the four message overlay. So with a press of the switch I could join in with the story, in sequence, without needing scanning skills. (An adult could 'scan' the overlay when the switch press moves on to the next message.) What a great idea. I know many pupils for whom this will be an excellent tool.
I feel that this is an adaptable device for any pupil who works with varying numbers of message cells, as it offers progression. It also helps with pupils who will never learn to use scanning techniques but who can have access to a series of messages in sequence. And it's easy to programme!
The sets or 'levels' of messages are useful for helping pupils to join in with different activities throughout the day, as eight levels provide a good variety. At the end of the day, messages could be recorded on one of the levels to take home and tell the family what happened in school.
I think the SuperTalker is a great addition to the equipment for the pupils I work with in schools across London.
Trish Davidson
Team Leader
CENMAC
CENMAC works in Greater London with children with a physical disability that prevents them communicating: www.cenmac.com