Symbol Communication Technology
In order to overcome receptive and expressive communication, individuals can use a symbol communication system. This type of system uses pictures, symbols, or diagrams to represent language. An individual can point to the symbol to indicate a choice or specific meaning. Often, this system works best with the option of preferred items to help teach symbols to an individual. This type of communication strives to make communication quick and easy as possible for the individual.
The Logan Proxtalker Communication Device
The Logan Proxtalker Communication Device uses tags or cards to communicate meaning. Similar to PECS, this device will generate speech for any tag that is placed on the buttons. This device combines education and communication all in one. The tags that are used for this device can be labeled with a wide range of symbols, photos, text or objects of reference. This device uses RFID technology to retrieve vocabulary stored on sound tags to produce REAL words. The tags are kept in something similar to a binder and the pages are color-coded for easy organization. There are 5 buttons for single words or sentences. This product is ideal for any picture exchange system user and for people of any age. The device is waterproof, wheelchair or wall mountable, portable in a backpack, and has a light touch application for easier.
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/5/1/14519672/1799867.png?262)
Pros:
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Tags can be labeled with wide range of symbols, photos, text or objects of reference
-Color coded pages for easy organization of tags
- 5 location buttons allow single word or sentence level use
- Each sound tag can hold up to 8 sounds
- Battery operated (uses 4 C batteries and can last up to 6 months)
Cons:
-This product can cost up to $3,000.
-May not be effective for some individuals
-May take time for user to get used to the device
Use in learning environment:
In a classroom setting, the device could be extremely beneficial. Once a student is acclimated to the device, the student could use the device to participate in classroom discussion and socialization with other peers. This device will also help a student improve their communication with others from one word phrases to sentences.
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Tags can be labeled with wide range of symbols, photos, text or objects of reference
-Color coded pages for easy organization of tags
- 5 location buttons allow single word or sentence level use
- Each sound tag can hold up to 8 sounds
- Battery operated (uses 4 C batteries and can last up to 6 months)
Cons:
-This product can cost up to $3,000.
-May not be effective for some individuals
-May take time for user to get used to the device
Use in learning environment:
In a classroom setting, the device could be extremely beneficial. Once a student is acclimated to the device, the student could use the device to participate in classroom discussion and socialization with other peers. This device will also help a student improve their communication with others from one word phrases to sentences.
Go Talk Now
“Go Talk Now” is an application that can be used with an iPad. The app features adjustable page layouts, customizable navigation, recorded and text-to-speech capabilities, and symbol set. It has three styles of communication pages. They are a standard page, an express page and a scene page. The standard page works when the location is pressed. The express page has the recorder and the text-to-speech messages and the scene page is built around a photo or image. The pages that are created in the “Go Talk Now” can be shared with other users using Wi-Fi. This app is ideal for both beginners and experienced communicators.
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/5/1/14519672/8098324.jpg?278)
Pros:
- Can choose from a number of communicating locations per page
- Can use your own images (images from your iPod, camera, picture library or symbol set)
- Has text-to-speech feature
- Add spoken labels to images
Cons:
- The user must own an iPad
- App is not free. It cost $79.99
- App can only be purchased for the App Store
- SymbolStix or Widgit Symbols Libraries can be purchased
- Only one text-to-speech voice is included
Use in learning environment:
In the classroom, this could be a very versatile and beneficial application. The Go Talk Now app can be used on a lightweight iPad making it easy for students to use as they move around the classroom. The iPad is small, and easy to see with a large screen. The app can be used in class discussion, circle-time, at lunch, or for social purposes with peers.
- Can choose from a number of communicating locations per page
- Can use your own images (images from your iPod, camera, picture library or symbol set)
- Has text-to-speech feature
- Add spoken labels to images
Cons:
- The user must own an iPad
- App is not free. It cost $79.99
- App can only be purchased for the App Store
- SymbolStix or Widgit Symbols Libraries can be purchased
- Only one text-to-speech voice is included
Use in learning environment:
In the classroom, this could be a very versatile and beneficial application. The Go Talk Now app can be used on a lightweight iPad making it easy for students to use as they move around the classroom. The iPad is small, and easy to see with a large screen. The app can be used in class discussion, circle-time, at lunch, or for social purposes with peers.