A3 sized PDF poster - revision 2.0, published 2021
Simple battery-operated communication devices can be highly effective tools for creating communication and learning opportunities across the curriculum. This infographic highlights the key features of some simple single and multi-message devices. There is information on price, size, recording time, power source and features.
If you are looking for activity ideas which use single and multi-message devices, CALL has produced a poster and accompanying leaflet to help: 20 Ways to be Excellent (poster) and 20 Ways to be Excellent (leaflet).
Assistive Technologies to help autistic learners to access the curriculum
Below is an accessible breakdown of the contents of the PDF poster, designed to be accessible with a screen reader, and also for people who find it hard to see or access the links in the poster.
Single and multi-message talking buttons are fantastic tools to teach communication and social interaction skills across the curriculum.
Single button communication devices can be used as simple communication aids in a variety of learning and communication activities. Depending on the device, you can have up to two minutes of recording time. Multi-message button devices can be used to record a sequence of messages and depending on the device type, will play messages in order, randomly or by choice. This infograph lists a selection of devices which are sturdy enough to withstand daily classroom use!
All the devices are available in the UK from a range of suppliers at a variety of costs.
| Device name | Approximate cost (exc. VAT) | Type of device | Recording time | How labels attach | Power source | Size and shape | Features | Additional features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Button | £53 | multi-message | 10 level with 6-14 seconds | Clear cap, labels slide underneath | 2 x AAA batteries | 8.3cm square button | Label storage compartment at rear | Function to edit parts of a sequenced message |
| BIGmack | £79 | single-message | 2 minutes total | Clear snap cap for labels | 1 x 9v battery | 12.7cm round button | Port for an external switch | Includes cable for controlling toys and appliances |
| Big Step-by-Step | £121 | multi-message | 4 minutes total over 3 levels | Clear snap cap for labels | 1 x 9v battery | 12.7cm round button | Port for an external switch | Includes cable for controlling toys and appliances |
| Big Talking Brix | £204 | single-message | 10 seconds | Clear cap, labels slide underneath | rechargable | 8.6cm round button | Magnetic | Pack of 3 which can be linked together |
| GoTalk One | £12 | single-message | 10 seconds | Label sit behind secure clear frame | 2 x button batteries | 8.3cm square button | Light weight | Useable with the 'GoTalk Talkbook Four' Vinyl Folder |
| LITTLEmack | £79 | single-message | 2 minutes total | Clear snap cap for labels | 1 x 9v battery | 6.3cm round button | Port for an external switch | Includes cable for controlling toys and appliances |
| Little Step-by-Step | £121 | multi-message | 4 minutes total over 3 levels | Clear snap cap for labels | 1 x 9v battery | 6.3cm round button | Port for an external switch | Includes cable for controlling toys and appliances |
| Little Step-by-Step Choice | £149 | multi-message | 4 minutes total over 3 levels | Clear snap cap for labels | 1 x 9v battery | 6.3cm round button | Port for an external switch | Includes cable for controlling toys and appliances |
| Smooth Talker | £109 | multi-message | 8 minutes total | Flip-up label holder | Rechargable | 12.5cm round button | Port for an external switch | Many message playback modes: random, conversational, Q&A and more |
| Talking Brix 2 | £160 | multi-message | 10 level with 6-14 seconds | Clear cap, labels slide underneath | Rechargable | 8.3cm square button | Magnetic | Pack of 3 which can be linked together |
Make sure your devices are labelled with a symbol icon, photograph or tactile cue. Consistent labelling can help your learner understand the meaning of recorded messages. Buying a new device? Spend a little more and purchase a multi-message device to give you the flexibility to use it with one or more messages. Looking for activities and ideas which use single and multi-message devices? Download our "20 Ways to Be Excellent"
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