2. Overview
1. Description
2. Features
3. Who Benefits?
4. Selection Process
5. Training Materials
6. Classroom Implementation
7. Student Resources
8. Constraints
9. Implementation Examples
10. References
3. Description
• Augmentative communication system
• All ages
• Picture-based
• Provides speech output
• Fosters development of communication
• Must use Boardmaker
• Tailored to any lesson
4. Features
• 20 message buttons (8 seconds each)
• 5 recording levels
• 14.75 minutes of recording time
• 100 message capacity (played in multiple languages,
dialects, or accents)
• 5 “core message” keys (12 seconds each)
• Excellent sound quality
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive (roughly $200)
• Built-in handle (easy transportation)
• Fast record and erase
• Battery operated
• Durable
• Many versions (4+, 9+, 20+, and 32+)
5. Who Benefits?
• Limited vocabulary, cognitive ability, and orthopedic ability
• Early learning tool for someone who is learning to use a voice output device
• Best for students whose goals are to participate in class activities, express themselves,
make choices, interact with others, and demonstrate knowledge
6. Selection Process
• Match to student’s abilities, communication needs, motor skills, daily environments,
and personal preferences
• The AT team must include at minimum, a speech-language pathologist, the student,
parents/guardians, the classroom teacher, and the SEA
8. Classroom Implementation
• Connections between home and school
• Select relevant vocabulary
• Overlays and messages should be built to support students across multiple
environments
• Provide overlays and messages that are in correlation to the curriculum and classroom
routines
9. Student Resources
• GoTalk Overlay Software: Provides a
library of 1200 photos and
illustrations
Image symbol library with 3700+
symbols
• Wide selection of readymade
templates/picture grids
• Standard paper size of picture cards
for personalization
Prevents AT abandonment
10. Constraints
• Requires pressure to depress message keys
• Keys lose sensitivity over time
• Requires upgrades if a student’s needs and abilities change
More message keys means smaller buttons
More costly
11. Implementation Examples
• Youtube: Elliana goes to school with her GoTalk NOW AAC app for iPad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsUwoiR2DKA
Must use Boardmaker to create the pictures the student needs for communicating
Tailored to any lesson by changing the picture symbols through Boardmaker
- Limited vocabulary, cognitive ability, and orthopedic ability: For example, it benefits people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy
- Because it comes in different types and sizes, it can be used by adolescents and adults who have head injury, stroke, or temporary inability to speak
In page 154 in the textbook, there are examples given of students who would benefit from this device:
If a child runs or walks a lot, you want a device that is easy to transport and is durable
Also, if the child has difficulty reading or writing, he or she will need a communication system that uses picture symbols instead of words
Provide overlays and messages that are in correlation to the curriculum and classroom routines so that the student can participate across all subject areas
One of the student resources is the GoTalk Overlay Software
Basically you can choose from dozens of readymade templates
The devices uses standard paper size for the overlays (which are the picture cards) so you can even print them off from your colour printer
The nice thing about this feature is that can personalize the images to include pictures of their loved ones or their favourite activities
Prevents AT abandonment
In this video, Elliana is using GoTalk through an app on the iPad, which works the same way as the device we’ve been discussing
iPad is more expensive and isn’t as durable, but it can be a good option for some students and schools already equipped with iPads
STOP @ 1:38
