Lightwriters

We've been updating our range of Toby Churchill Lightwriter communication aids, adding two new SL35s, suitable for text users.

The first is the standard SL35 model, which is small (20 cm x 130 cm x 4.5 cm), light (750 g) and very portable. Our one uses the Elan synthetic speech system - probably the best available in terms of 'British sounding' speech quality.

We also have bought an SL35 with a Cherry Keyboard. This is much closer in size to a standard computer keyboard and is suitable for somebody who finds the standard SL35 keyboard a little too small. It is less portable than the standard SL35 and is designed for use on a wheelchair tray or on a desk.

Our version uses the familiar, slightly American DecTalk speech, with a choice of several voices (male, female and child).

Both models offer two-way screens, a large memory for pre-stored messages, abbreviation expansion and predictive typing

Say-it! Sam Communicator (left) and SM1 (right)

Say-it! Sam SM1

The Say-it! Sam Communicator (which we have in CALL) from Possum is a pocket-sized communication device, but for some people it is just TOO small. We now also have a Say-it! Sam SM1, which uses the same software, but has an 8.4" display mounted in a rugged case, making it accessible for many more people, though also heavier (1.7 kg).

The SM1 has a dynamic display with symbols or text and can use either DECtalk synthetic speech or digitised speech to output a message.

There are a number of access options including direct selection using the touch screen and 1 and 2 switch scanning.

GoTalk 20+

The GoTalk 20+ is a recent addition to the GoTalk family of digital communication devices, capable of storing over 100 short messages, with a total available recording time of 15 minutes. It has 25 1" square message keys, 20 of which can be used to store different messages in each of its five operating levels. The other five message keys can be used to store core messages, e.g. "Change my overlay.", which are common across all five levels.

Message quality and volume control is slightly better than in previous models and there have been a number of other improvements.

Sci-Plus 300 Talking Scientific Calculator

We have regularly been asked for advice on scientific calculators suitable for use with students with low vision or poor hand function. In the past, all we could suggest were the RNIB's expensive talking calculator, possible alternatives using computer software, or a visit to a stationer to find the calculator with the biggest buttons available.

At last, there is a reasonable option, the Sci-Plus 300 distributed by Inclusive Technology. This has buttons that are nearly 2 cm square and a display with digits 2.2 cm high. Speech output is available through an external speaker or earpiece. It has a pretty good range of scientific functions, though it
may not have EVERY function that a student might want. Having large buttons inevitably means that it will no longer fit in most pockets - it measures approximately 15 cm by 23 cm by 3 cm.

There are two versions available from Inclusive: the Sci-Plus 300 (£220), which includes speech and the 200 (£165) which doesn't include speech.