New Mid-Level AAC Device: Ablenet's QuickTalker

Ablenet has introduced a new series of mid-level augmentative/alternative communication devices.  Called QuickTalkers these recorded speech devices feature 4, 9 or 20 main message buttons that change on each level and 3 static message buttons which remain across levels (total recording time six, twelve or twenty minutes).  Each device has five levels.  The devices have a built in handle and overlay storage compartment.  The devices are listed as rugged and designed for users of all ages.  They are 11.6” x 11.8” x 1.7” in dimension and as of this writing do not have a listed weight online.  The devices retail for $159.00 to $199.00.  

The obvious comparison to make with the QuickTalker is Attainment's tried and true Go Talk Devices.  Go Talks come in 4+2, 9+3 and 20+5 buttons configurations, each with five levels, a built in handle and overlay storage.  (Four and a half, nine and fifteen minutes of recording time respectively.) Go Talk devices have level and record lock buttons to eliminate issues with our "button happy" users.  They also range in price from $159.00 to $199.00.  The Go Talk also come in a six message, multi-level pocket model and a 32 Message Express model.  Go Talk devices are well known for their durability.    

Coming Soon: Go Talk Express 32

By now many of use are familiar with the durability and usefulness of the mid-level AAC devices in the Go Talk family from Attainment Company. The Go Talk One and the Button offer a one message option, while the Go Talk 4+, 9+ and 20+ offer a relatively inexpensive five level static display device (with 4, 9 or 20 buttons plus a core vocabulary row). The Go Talk Pocket offers the same with six buttons in a hand held size.

Coming soon (2/15/10) Attainment Company will be offering the Go Talk Express. It will feature everything we are used to the sturdy case and handle, the overlay storage, five levels, volume control, level lock, level delete and it is green.

However it also features switch access and scanning (see below), over 26 minutes of recording, and an "express mode". The express mode is for sentence chaining (or it could be use to pre-train students for minspeak/Unity if you are crafty about it) allowing users to select a series of icons to make a sentence. Express mode does not have to be used, you can use it the same way you do any Go Talk.

It will retail for $599.00. Here is the brochure.

Scanning Capabilities

• Visual Cueing— four bright LED pipes surround the message keys
• Auditory Cueing— choose between a 1.5 second recorded cue or beeps of varying tones
• Scan Pattern— step, linear, or group scanning available
• Switch Access— single or double switch access with a switch debounce feature
• Number of Messages— scan 4, 8, 16, or 32 messages with a scan levels feature
• Scan by row or column
• Scan every other message
• Choose fast, medium, or slow scanning speed
  

Coming Soon: Go Talk Pocket

Attainment has announced a new hand held sized moderate technology AAC device, the Go Talk Pocket. Like its larger Go Talk family members it is a static display device with five levels and it stores the overlays in the back of the device. It runs on 3 AAA batteries and weighs 7 oz. The cost will be about $200.00 and it should be available by the end of the year (but you can order now).

I hope they are as sturdy as the larger ones (one flew across my classroom and landed hard on Friday and was fine) and I hope a few arrive in my classroom for the holidays!