Choosing the Right Communications Device

AMDI offers speech with touch of a button

For many individuals, speaking can be difficult or impossible due to conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, ALS, developmental disability, stroke, or traumatic brain injury.  AMDi (Advanced Multimedia Devices, Inc.) provides a solution to this problem with a line of communications devices that generate speech at the touch of a button.  With a wide range of options and configurations, AMDi offers devices that are tailored to fit the specific communication needs of a given individual.

The Basics

AMDi’s communicators are structured around cells that can be pressed to play recorded messages.  For example, a cell can be assigned to the word ‘Drink.’  The user, or a friend or family member, speaks the word ‘Drink’ into the device’s recorder and programs that recording to correspond to the chosen cell.  The cell has an overlay where a picture can be placed to identify the cell, such as a person drinking a glass of water along with the word ‘Drink’.  Each time the cell is pressed, the communicator plays the ‘Drink’ recording.  Cells can be programmed with individual words, phrases, or sentences.

 

Device Variations

AMDi’s communicators range from 1 to 128 cells.  The original message recording for each cell is referred to level 1 communication; however, many of the AMDi devices offer additional communication levels. By sliding the device’s switch from level 1 to level 2, a second message recording may be used along with a new corresponding picture and/or word overlay.  AMDi offers messaging devices in several categories: single, four, eight, thirty-two, and multi-message.  Within each category there are variations of the device, including:

• A ‘Plus’ product in the eight message and up devices features an additional 4 buttons on the device with a recorded message that remains the same on all levels of communication.

• A ‘Smart’ product has overlay recognition.  Rather than manually sliding a switch from level 1 to level 2, the ‘Smart’ technology recognizes the picture overlay and automatically adjusts the communication level to match the overlay in use.

Available Models

• Single Message: AMDi offers two single cell models.  The Partner/Plus records an up to 30 second message that plays when the cell is pressed.  The Partner/Plus Stepper records a sequence of messages up to 60 seconds.  Each time the cell is pressed, the device will play the next message in the sequence.

• Four Message: All AMDi four message devices have 2 communication levels.  Additional options to choose from include LED lights for visual feedback and/or vibration capabilities for tactile feedback.

• Eight Message: AMDi’s eight message devices are offered with the choice of 6, 8, or 12 additional communication levels.  The eight message devices can also be customized with the ‘Plus’ and ‘Smart features.

• Thirty-two Message: The thirty-two message options available are 6, 12, and 32 communication levels, along with ‘Plus’ and ‘Smart’ models.

• Smart/128: In addition to overlay recognition, AMDi’s 128 cell model has unlimited messaging and a removable transparent grid.  The removable grid allows the user to communicate through visual scenes opposed to picture cells.  The picture below displays a farm scene.  Different messages may be recorded to correspond with pressing a particular object in the scene such as the horse or barn in the farm scene.

• Environmental Control Units (ECU): ECU devices give the user more control over their environment with the ability to control up to 8 electrical devices and/or lights simultaneously.  ECU devices are available combined with the eight and thirty-two cell Tech/Talk and Tech/Speak series and are compatible with radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) devices.
  

• Scanning: AMDi also offers scanning communicators that combine switch controls with the features of their Tech and Smart series models, in addition to environmental controls.  With switch controls, the user can scan the available cell options in multiple ways:

                Linear Mode:  By pressing the switch down, the LED automatically scans

                    through the cell messages in sequence. Pressing the switch again selects a

                    message to speak.

                Single Switch Scanning Mode: The LED advances sequentially to a new cell

                    each time the switch is pressed.  When the user reaches the desired message and

                    does not press the switch again within a short time period, the recording is

                    played.

                Double Switch Scanning Mode: Switch 1 is used to advance the LED through

                    the message options, and pressing Switch 2 selects the message to be played.

 

With such a wide array of features, AMDi’s devices can be customized to fit a wide range of communication needs.  To shop for the device that is right for you, click below: