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).
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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