Devices in Augmented Communication--Crespeaker or ?

Reviewed by Brenda Vaughan

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The Problem of Practice: A Need or an Opportunity

Within the autistic population approximately 40% of the individuals are non-verbal.
Many are not impaired in their receptive language skills; however, for reasons that are
mostly unclear they are unable to communicate verbally. There are many methods for
aiding communication, many of which do not require technology. There have over the
years been many technological developments though and for students that are cognitively
able, many of these offer great possibility. A student that effectively integrates a
communication device into daily life in a functional way would be considered a success.

The Setting
The entire idea behind the implementation of any augmented speech aid is that the
individual in need would be able to utilize the device to communicate effectively across
settings. Most students while learning to use and practice the tool would require
instruction and guidance. It is helpful if everyone involved in the education of an
individual is familiar and competent in the workings of the communication device. The
student will need to be prompted in the beginning to use the device throughout the day in
different academic and social settings. Often there are different adults in each of these
settings and it is imperative they all work together to encourage the student to
consistently use the speech aid. Often it is simply a matter of substituting and replacing
the habits of a less successful method of communication.
Technology-Integrated Solution
The Crespeaker is one such device. There are several designs that fall under this name.
They range from a larger design that allows individuals with less adept typing skills to a
version that simulates a very small laptop. The Crespeaker Maxx is an example of the
larger design. It is rectangular in shape and approximately 8 by 15 inches. The keys are
large enough that younger children or individuals with less muscle control have no
problem centering their fingers directly on the keys. It requires a slight amount of
pressure—more than a typical keyboard, however. The device works similarly to a laptop
in that words are typed and displayed on the screen. Once a thought is completed a
button is pushed and the words are spoken auditorally.

The Crespeaker Maxx was introduced as a new communication device for a 7 year old
non-verbal student. This child is reading…..or at least he seems to be reading based on
his ability to find words when asked. He independently writes a few words. Written
work is difficult, and he often uses another type of keyboard device called an AlphaSmart
so transitioning to a keyboard type communication device seemed appropriate. In
consultation with the speech and language therapist and his paraprofessional, the team
discussed that James did not seem to be connecting the spoken language with the
receptive language he heard or the written words on the page. He was communicating
solely through pointing, manipulating situations to get what he wanted, and to a very
limited degree with much prompting and encouragement, picture cards. The team
decided that a Crespeaker may be an appropriate tool to develop the connection between
these parts of language.

James has been experimenting with the Crespeaker for about 3 weeks. His response to it
is still somewhat indifferent. He does not startle when the voice is activated as the
information suggested may happen with some students. For students with autism this can
be a deal breaker as they often have an unusual response to sound stimuli. An inability to
tolerate the voice on the device would make it an inappropriate tool. On the other hand,
it doesn’t appear to draw his attention either. The device has a feature which allows for
determining a male or a female voice but there appears to be no noticeable difference in
response for James. The pros of learning to utilize such a device are several including the
fact that it provides a way of communicating verbally in a format understood by most of
the population. At just under $250., it also is reasonably priced compared to many
technological devices. It is portable making it accessible in a variety of settings;
however, its size is a bit cumbersome for most younger children and really is slightly
inconvenient if used independently. It almost seems to require an adult presence
especially during the learning stage or when moving from one setting to another. It is
presumed that this need would decline over time, but it is a bit of a hurdle at the onset.

A more sophisticated version of the Crespeaker exists which is extremely portable. It is a

little larger than a calculator and fits neatly into a little pocket with a shoulder strap
making it easily accessible during most activities. Its more mature look allows it to fit in
as an educational tool as opposed to the more “toy” like look of the Maxx. The cost is
still reasonable for such devices at $300-$500 depending on accessories (such as
amplifiers). On the negative side, it does require some muscle control and typing skill.
Its size makes it easy to accidentally hit the wrong key. The voice amplification is quieter
making it difficult to use in a whole class setting or when trying to be heard over noise.
Using the accessories isn’t particularly helpful; this then makes it less portable.

Larry, a thirteen year old non-verbal student with autism, began using a Crespeaker some
time ago. Larry is a very literate young man and it seems that the Crespeaker was a very
nice match. He types capably and spells enough words to communicate most of what
he’d like to say in written form. Using the Crespeaker allows him to participate in class
and with his peers by typing what he wants to say. Although the voice activation feature
is available, Larry often just shows what he’s written on the screen to the individual he’s
talking to. When there’s more than just one other person participating in the conversation
it becomes more critical that Larry use the voice activation. Larry can answer questions
in class, ask for items or tools needed or can discuss daily events. He uses the device at
home as well for homework and is “talking” with his family. As Larry has become more
“verbal” with sentences of greater length, the small screen on the device is beginning to
be limiting. The team along with Larry’s family has begun to research alternate devices
that would have larger screen capacity and would also work companionably with more
typical computer equipment found in schools.

Benefits and Disadvantages of the Solution

Any information that is available is very positive in promoting augmented voice activated
technology for those that are able to access it. The Crespeaker is an effective choice for
most students of school-age in large part because the cost factor means that it is likely to
be affordable for most schools. It is portable and the voice activated output is easily
understood by most of the population. It requires no special training on the part of the
audience as opposed to some alternate methods of communication such as sign language.
The individual utilizing the Crespeaker also requires very little training. If they are able
to type even minimally and spell reasonably close to correctly, the tool can be effectively
employed. It can be used in one-on-one conversations as well as with a group and is
small enough to be convenient. It also looks enough like other educational tools that it
doesn’t cause the student to be significantly set apart from typical peers.

The cons of the Crespeaker are relatively few but should be considered especially if this
is to be a long term need for an individual. The voice amplification is limited making it
impractical for the Crespeaker to be used fluidly within larger classroom discussions. All
versions require that an individual be able to type and spell at least to a fairly functional
degree. Screen capacity is limited as well so sentences and thoughts that are lengthier
must be broken down interrupting the flow of the conversation. The Crespeaker does
seem to be hardy in that it doesn’t easily break; however, it does not seem to have
longevity especially when being used regularly as is its purpose.

Implications
In the final analysis, the Crespeaker is an affordable communication device that can
highly impact the overall social, independent and academic growth of an individual. For
Larry it has allowed him to function similarly to his peers in many respects; for James,
the impact is still unclear but having the option available allows James the opportunity.
The Crespeaker is a tool that represents possibility. As with most technological
innovations, this is a tool that is beneficial for students with the right combination of
needs and skills.

Sources:

Crestwood Communication Aids, Inc; website www.communicationaids.com

Several articles from www.colorado.edu ; articles by Tracy Rackensperger, Barbara

Dotts, and Stephanie Morris and more.

Articles about DynaVox (another possible augmented communication aid source)

http://pittsburghbizjournals.com

MITS Loan Library, Central Michigan University

Larry, James, and their team of educators and specialists!