Assistive Technology is defined by Wikipedia as a generic term that is used to describe the selection, location and using devices that assist, adapt and provide rehabilitation for people with a disability. Assistive Technology creates or enhances products that are then used by people promoting greater independence by enabling them to do tasks that previously they may not have been able to do.
Today I will write about the “Go Talk” assistive device. “Go Talks” are a battery powered communication device used by people who can not communicate well by speaking. Another person records message that the user is likely to use.
An overlay of pictures (or words or symbols) is created and slid into the “GoTalks” cells then the user can “talk” simply by pressing on a picture to play a message. Each cell has five levels which mean that a 9 cell “GoTalks” actually can have 45 messages on it.
This product can be used by anyone who has cognitive ability but lacks speaking ability. Conditions such as Autism, Down Syndrome, severe Cerebral Palsy or any condition which limits speech.
Functional capacity for the user increases allowing increased independence using this device. They may be able to go into town on the bus now where as before they could not communicate where they wished to go to. This device allows the user to communicate with others in simple, mostly repetitive tasks for them. This may include going swimming or doing their own banking with a teller. The whole family may now be able to listen and communicate with their loved one where as before they may have been unable to, especially if the person was also unable to write.
Sizes of these devices vary from about A5 to A4, so are easy transportable.
GoTalks with 9 cells retails for $390.00, while you can also purchase a 4 cell ($355.00) or a 24 cell ($495.00) from https://www.star-educational.co.nz/view_products.php?cat=56.
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