Strategies Using Low-Cost Voice Output

Low-cost voice output communication aids ("VOCAs") let a user "speak" by touching a key that a helper can pre-record just before any activity. The CheapTalk (Enabling Devices), for example, comes in several models: single plate, rocking plate (2 choices), Cheap Talk 4 or Cheap Talk 8, with varying combinations of direct selection (keys on the device), switch jacks (attach your own switches), and/or scanning (use a single switch to select a message). Cost: $50 - $300.

Advantages:

Low cost -- great tool for assessment or classroom; good choice for a first device or back-up.
Easy to program -- 1st graders can do it for peers.
Light & portable -- carry in waist pack or on tray.
Easily viewed indoors or out -- unlike an LCD screen which often gets washed out in the sun.
Can take it to the beach!

Drawbacks:

Fewer programming and customizing options than more expensive devices.
May not have enough "room to grow" as a child's skills progress. (However, the low cost voice output devices are always in demand and can be passed along to other children or classrooms.)

Activity Ideas for ANY Voice Output Device

Make a Shake!

Get 3 kids working together to make wacky shakes.

You'll need a voice output communication device, a PowerLink, switch, blender, and some great ingredients. Don't forget the chef's hat!

The "Chef" use the keys, below, to tell the "pourer" what to add to the blender. On the chef's order, the "Mixer" hits a switch connected to a Powerlink to mix it all up. The chart below shows how you might program a voice output device for this activity. The first row of the chart shows word and graphic labels for each key. The second row shows what to record for each label.

ice cream

milk

strawberries

cookie

more

Mix it up!

"Put in some ice cream."

"Let's add som milk."

"I think we need to add some strawberries."

"Let's put in some cookies!"

"Add some more!"

"Okay, mix it up!"

What's the Weather?

This chart shows symbols for a simple four-key communication activity on weather. The first row shows the symbols, while the other rows show several possible ideas for programming the keys.

sun

clouds

rain

snow

It's sunny today. Yay!

It's a cloudy day.

It's raining, what a bummer.

It's snowing. Burrrr!

I think it'll be sunny tomorrow.

I think tomorrow will be cloudy.

I think it's going to rain.

I think it's going to snow. Not!!!

Mr. Sun, Sun! Mr. Golden Sun. Please shine down on me!

Boats sail on the rivers. Ships sail on the seas. But the clouds that sail across the sky are prettier far than these.

Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day!

Frosty, the snow man was a jolly, happy soul...

Sun. Warm, yellow, happy.

Cloud. Cool, puffy, shy.

Rain. Wet, clean, helpful.

Snow. Cold, icy, fun!


"Put in some ice cream."	"Let's add som milk."	"I think we need to add some strawberries."	"Let's put in some cookies!"	"Add some more!"	"Okay, mix it up!"


It's sunny today. Yay!	It's a cloudy day.	It's raining, what a bummer.	It's snowing. Burrrr!
I think it'll be sunny tomorrow.	I think tomorrow will be cloudy.	I think it's going to rain.	I think it's going to snow. Not!!!
Mr. Sun, Sun! Mr. Golden Sun. Please shine down on me!	Boats sail on the rivers. Ships sail on the seas. But the clouds that sail across the sky are prettier far than these.	Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day!	Frosty, the snow man was a jolly, happy soul...
Sun. Warm, yellow, happy.	Cloud. Cool, puffy, shy.	Rain. Wet, clean, helpful.	Snow. Cold, icy, fun!