Go Talk AAC Device

I have mentioned on my family blog that the clinician has introduced a Go Talk to Matthew for this semester. I know some may have no clue as to what that means, so I thought I'd give you a visual and a little explanation as to how the Go Talk works.

An AAC device stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device. It's kind of like this device gives a child, like Matthew, a voice. I think the possibility of this device is very exciting and I can hardly wait till the end of the semester to see if Matthew takes to using the device and what strides he might make.

The picture below is of the Go Talk 4, which is the exact device they are using with Matthew right now.
This device comes in a wide range of selections to which more pictures can be added. They are starting with the 4 so Matthew is not over-whelmed with choices and can focus more on figuring out the point of the device. Here's an idea of how it works:

The two smaller picture buttons at the top: One picture stands for yes and the other no. On Matthew's, they say "hello" and "I want more". When you push the buttons, there is a voice that speaks the word on the picture. In the four squares at the bottom, are 4 choices that Matthew is allowed to choose from. They have been working with just two pictures, just to get him the idea. This is what he does....he pushes the button "I want more" and then he chooses what he wants, for example "marshmallows". He has 'spoken' the words, "I want more marshmallows." The trick is to find out what is highly motivating to him so that he sees he can use this device to get what he wants. Then the idea would be to branch out and use it in other appropriate ways. They have hopes that one day he will be able to go around the CEC and use the "hello" button to greet other people through out the building. I THINK THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!!! This is actually Matthew's first type of device of this type. He has used other AAC systems previously that include the picture exchange system (where he hands the person a picture of what he wants) and sign language is considered an AAC system. Needless to say, I am super-excited about the idea of using some of today's technology to help my Matthew! It may be something he never cares about using, but I think it's well worth the try! I'd say if he catches on to it, there would be a purchase to be made in the future to have a Go Talk at home!!