Home Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Step-by-Step communicators can have a whole string of messages recorded onto them. The messages are spoken in the sequence they are recorded by pressing the switch. The device has 75 seconds of recording time.

Here are some examples of how you can use it

1. Use it to spell a name. For example, “A-L-I-C-E – spells Alice – B-R-O-W-N – spells Brown – that’s my name Alice Brown” (13 switch presses). You can vary the length of this spelling activity depending on the switching ability of the user.

2. Use it for counting. You can record the numbers from one to ten and use the device in number activities
   
   • The easiest activity is just to see how many switch presses the user can do “Wow you got up to 8 today I wonder how many you will do tomorrow?”
     
   • Using the device to count things in the room is a bit harder. “Let’s count how many people are here today”
     
   • Giving directions to draw a silly picture “How many legs?” 1-2-3-4 – “Oh you want 4 legs hey?

3. Use it to participate in book reading. For example, record the pages from a small book, e.g. “That’s not my lion”. The user can then “read” the page by pushing the switch when each page is turned.

4. Use it to be funny. Record some jokes or riddles, e.g. “Knock knock – Police – Police to meet you – Want to hear another?”, etc. (4 switch presses).

5. Use it in cooking. Record the steps of a recipe to remind the rest of the class during cooking. “Break 2 eggs into a bowl – Add one cup of sugar – Beat until pale and frothy”, etc.

6. Use it in class. Record all the students’ names. The device can now be used to do the roll call or to choose a partner for class activities.

7. Use it to get to know people. Program in a chat script to make friends and get news from people. “My name is Sue what is yours?” – “I live in Springwood where do you live?” – “My star sign is Scorpio what is yours?” – “My favourite colour is pink what is yours?” – etc.

8. Use it to be social. Record some messages and compliments to be used anytime anywhere to make contact with people. “You look nice today” – “How are you doing?” – “What’s new?” – “Have you got time for a chat?”

9. Use it to be cheeky. Record some cheeky messages to get a reaction from people. “Here’s trouble” – “Look what the cat brought in!” – “Oh no not you again.”

10. Use it to say a poem with one press for each line; Limericks work well too.

11. Use it out and about. Record the Brownie Guide promise or a prayer for church. One press for each line.

12. Use it to take control. Record directions for carers at mealtimes. “I’d like a cup of tea – milk and one sugar please – I don’t like it too hot – I use a straw to drink – Thanks you are doing a great job.”

Example of a playground scripts for a teenager

The idea is to use the device to keep a social interaction going. The user will need to practise pressing the device when it is his turn in the conversation or when there is an opening.