Re: assistive communication devices

[Guest guest]

Sherry,

We have tried three different asst. communication devices over the past

couple years. The one we are happy with is called a Tech Speak. We got it

from Mayer . It has held up well for about 15 months now. It has

six level settings with 32 symbols each setting. It also has a nice volume

adjustment, a clear speaker and is easy to record voice into. At first all

the ³experts² told us she could never master it and to buy a device with

less symbols but I¹m glad we didn¹t. At first we didn¹t fill up every

symbol space and now she has grown to use all the spaces and settings.

We¹ve also tried the Go Talk and the Listen to me. Both could not stand up

to the abuse my daughter likes to dish out, like throwing it across the

room, out the car window, using it as a step stool, tying it to the dog¹s

tail with her shoelaces. The Tech Speak is the clear winner in the

durability catagory.

We¹ve also used Boardmaker on the computer and that¹s fine but not very

portable. The Tech Speak was kind of expensive, over $600.00, but it was

less expensive, lighter and more durable than a lap top. We ended up paying

for it out of pocket because our state¹s waiting list is too long for aid

and the school district refused because they didn¹t think she could learn to

use one.

I hope this helps.

Therese ­ Mom to 13 y.o. DS-Pdd

> When I was on this list long ago it seemed that many of you were having

> experience (good and bad) with various voice output devices. Is there anyone

> who can share with me how you started out? what worked and what didn't? how

> you got funding? Any input would be appreciated.

> Sherry, mom to 15 DS/aut

>

>

[Guest guest]

well you need to start simple and work your way up, nathan will be getting

his very own springboard anyday now, and our insurance is paying for it ,

medicaid will too if jamie has it. We started when nathan was around 3-4 years,

with

pic symbols, and pecs. He went from computalk with the intelikeys to

voicepals and then communication pages to notebook and go-talk device and now a

springboard which is like a dynavox except red instead of blue, and we chose

this

due to recording acutal voices instead of the computer generated onces on the

dynavox otherwise they are practically the same device, and we only use the

device to augment his speech. he is to only use it when not understood, he is

starting to make the connection oh they tdont understand what i want, and will

get it out and use it well. You can go thorugh your school ST or AEA assist tech

people too, but we didnt get veryfar with them so we used nathan's team at

the university hospital sho speicalize in kids like nathan theyve hleped us get

whatever weve needed form pull-ups to vailbed and wheelchair, even wrote a

request for a whirlpool tub for his waiver moneys to pay for but we have been

unsuccessful finding people who are medicaid apporved(providers) we just need

two

bids form this kind of contractor and we live and a small rural area, uuugh.

Which ever team you use will need to document greatly and everyone will have

to be consistent, on what program and divice used, in what situations and

progress on not, because this is the BIGGIE in getting a communication device.

hope

this helps. Oh you may want to check out communication devices online, or

dynavox, thy may be able to hlep you more. shawna

[Guest guest]

katie wrecked a go talk, wow, and those are pretty durable, nathan loves all

his " digital " stuff he is a tchno boy, can run anything electronic, and pay

most anygame with ease, but can read a simple reader as of yet, go figure, all

though with all his curriculum on the computer he has made great gains in

edmark program. shawna.

[Guest guest]

heheheeh

[Guest guest]

Therese,

<< The one we are happy with is called a Tech Speak. . It has

six level settings with 32 symbols each setting. the ³experts² told us she

could never master it and to buy a device with

less symbols but I¹m glad we didn¹t. >>

Thank you (and Joan Of course) for your input. You guys are helping me to ask

the right questions and narrow the field a bit. Our CBA also mentioned getting a

device that would have room for growth with alot more symbols. The tech talk

looks good. Did you have to be evaluated and trained and all to use it? $600

sounds cheap compared to some I've been looking at in the thousands!

,<< like throwing it across the room, out the car window, using it as a step

stool, tying it to the dog¹s

tail with her shoelaces.>>

LOL this is why I'm happy to be back here on this list where " talents " like

these are appreciated:-)

<<. We ended up paying for it out of pocket because our state¹s waiting list is

too long for aid

and the school district refused because they didn¹t think she could learn to use

one.>>

Yes. our waiting list for an eval is 1 year. I've contacted a couple of other

places for evals but haven't heard back yet. I don't know how much help we can

get from the school as is homeschooled....but in Florida she is " supposed "

to qualify for services like this. We'll see. Thanks for your help...and the

laughs.

Sherry, mom to jamie DS/Aut 15

I hope this helps.

Therese ­ Mom to 13 y.o. DS-Pdd