Inclusive Technology Launches The Smooth Talker Single Switch Communicator For Users With Speech And Movement Difficulties
Assistive technology specialist, Inclusive Technology, has launched Smooth Talker, an easy to use and highly versatile single switch communicator for users with speech and movement difficulties.
- (1888PressRelease) November 08, 2011 - Assistive technology specialist, Inclusive Technology, has launched Smooth Talker, an easy to use and highly versatile single switch communicator for users with speech and movement difficulties. Providing up to two minutes of high quality speech recording time, Smooth Talker comes complete with the option of single message, sequential and random message playback. Users can also add another switch, using a standard jack plug - or a wireless it-Switch, for two message functionality as well as auditory scanning and a co-operative mode. Built-in wireless technology means it is ready to use with Simply Works toy controllers and it-Click-On Plus. A video on the device can be found at http://www.inclusive.co.uk/smooth-talker-p4946
The main switch can also be linked to a second switch, enabling the learner to communicate and interact with another user and to control other devices from the Simply Works range. The user can then operate electrical or battery devices such as lights or a fan, through the inbuilt wireless technology.
Featuring a large brightly coloured button and two good quality loud speakers housed within a low profile device, Smooth Talker slopes towards the user so when placed on a table they need only lift their hand slightly to activate the unit.
Smooth Talker can be used in the same way as a traditional voice recorder, to relay recorded information such as stories or instructions. Users simply press the main switch to hear it. In addition to the traditional playback feature, the main switch enables users to play back both single and sequential messages. A single message may be used to playback a story or instruction whereas sequential messages can be used for learning exercises, such as counting. The ease of use and flexibility of the Smooth Talker device means that learners or carers can switch between various functions, according to the learner's ability.
Smooth Talker can be used to further develop communication skills for people with learning difficulties. To promote the idea of turn taking, the Smooth Talker can be used to record two sides of a conversation, such as a joke. Set to the sequential messages function, the first user presses the large surface area when they wish to start the joke. The second user can then press the same switch or a second switch that has been linked with the device, when they wish to provide their recorded response. The technology of the Smooth Talker ensures that responses are only played back at appropriate points of a conversation, ensuring that there is no interruption, thereby teaching learners the importance of turn taking.
For users that have movement difficulties, the Smooth Talker can also be used to assist in daily activities. To promote social interaction and engage users, a teacher, parent or carer can use the single message recorder in a variety of ways. For example, for users with movement difficulties who may find it difficult to roll a dice, they can record numbers using the single record function and play them back using the random function, allowing the Smooth Talker to act as a dice as part of a game or educational activity. Users can press the main switch when it is their turn and the Smooth Talker will relay a number from a dice at random. The loud speakers and durable nature make it suitable for the classroom environment, enabling small groups of children to take part at any one time.
Having a number of communication aids as part of a single product is very unique and is extremely beneficial to parents, carers and teachers. By simply holding down the record button, messages can be saved to be used in a variety of ways and to form an important part of everyday communication. The option to add a second switch provides users with a new dimension of communication that was not previously available through message recorders. Users can press the second switch to preview their saved messages, before pressing the main switch once they have identified the message that they wish to playback in full. They can also communicate with other Smooth Talker users - something that makes it far more versatile than previous voice recorders - and control their preferred devices, allowing increased independence.
Sandra Thistlethwaite, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Inclusive Technology, comments: "At Inclusive Technology, we felt there was a need for a product that fulfils all of the early communications needs, something that has not previously been available. Smooth Talker certainly offers this. We have taken technology that people are familiar with and created a simple, easy to use and highly accessible communication tool for those in the early stages of learning these skills, something that we are extremely proud of."
For further information about Smooth Talker, please contact the friendly information team on 01457 819790 or email inclusive ( @ ) inclusive dot co.uk.
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