TalkTrac Wearable Communicator

Review by Sue Porr, M.Ed., M.S., OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

This month’s resource review is for the “techies” in the group.  Communication needs are key to success for many of the young children we work with who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) are welcomed supports for use in the classroom and the community.  If you haven’t scoped out the TalkTrac Wearable Communicator by AbleNet (http://www.ablenetinc.com/products/index.html) as a reasonable, portable option, you should do so soon!  This inexpensive wristwatch style communication device is easy to program and uses Boardmaker software (from Mayer Johnson) for making pictures to match programmed messages. Up to 70 seconds of recorded time are available on the device, and a maximum of 8 messages can be recorded. 

In considering the TalkTrac Communicator, look at the fine motor accuracy of the child.  The target area for activating the message is ~ ½ square inch which may be challenging for children who have visual issues in conjunction with their communication needs.  The user also has to have sufficient pressure on the target area to activate the small message button.  If these are not concerns this communicator, which costs around $65, is an easy to use device that allows children with ASD and other communication needs to be included in the preschool and community arenas. 

  Ideas for programming could include:

1. Greetings for staff and friends at school
2. Requests for assistance with activities of daily living [e.g. toileting, food and drink wants]
3. Playground choices for daily outside fun

This device is also flexible and would make an excellent trial device in the repertoire of an assistive technology center’s assessment tools.  Check it out!

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