How does the Go Talk increase functional capacity

Communication boards are a different way of communicating for those who cannot articulate their needs or desires verbally. The Go Talk has 9 buttons where pictures to represent the message can be inserted. Some children may not be able to read but a visual cue maybe understood. When the button is pressed the associated recorded message is read out. The individual can hear what they are trying to say. Messages can be recorded and re-recorded as many times as necessary, additionally different levels mean that the Go Talk has a capacity of 42 messages.

Communication boards can help children who can't verbalise to interact with others, to convey needs to others and even to support the home team at the football!! In addition, communication boards can be used to facilitate learning. The buttons can represent answers and this gives the student a method of verbally answering questions which may be important in a classroom situation.

Go Talk: Communication Board

The Go Talk communication board is a tablet with the following features:

• 9 message keys, each 1.75" x 2.25", record 8 seconds each.
• 5 recording levels.
• 3 core messages of 12 seconds each.
• 42 messages in addition to the core messages.
• 8.5 minutes of total recording time.

It is 9" x 12" x 7/8", (just larger than A4) and therefore very portable.

The Go Talk 9+ is $199 US dollars, which converts to $263 NZ dollars.

Definition of Assistive Technology

According to the public law 100-407 (2000, cited in Cook & Hussey, 2000), assistive technology is:

"Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." (p5)

Reference
Cook, A. M. & Hussey, S. M. (2000). Assistive technologies: Principles and practice. USA: Mosby