Communication Aid – Speaking Board
A custom communication board was developed to help a hospital patient with limited mobility easily request assistance using large, pre-recorded buttons.
The Challenge
Due to a health condition, the client will sometimes need to call for assistance from someone when she is in hospital – she has restricted movement and it was agreed that a large board with four buttons would be easier to trigger, and that the buttons could cause a sufficiently loud pre-recorded request to be played back.
The solution
A board was designed which holds four embedded buttons – each button is a separate commercially available device. Since the buttons on their own are quite insubstantial, the board holds them together so that they don’t move when pressed. The board is sized to allow it to sit on the client’s lap.
Recordings were made on each of buttons, of the phrases the client would like to have played out – one recording per button. “Pain Killers please”, “I’m in pain”, “I’m thirsty” etc. Volumes were tested to be appropriate.
Power is supplied by means of batteries in each of the buttons. The expected battery life is approximately a year. The buttons are colour coded and have simple graphics added to help Linda see which is which.
The board is a piece of painted MDF with sanded edges and felt feet. Holes were cut in which the round plastic buttons are sat.
The benefit
This project enables the client to make herself heard to request a drink, pain relief etc. The devices will store the recordings indefinitely, and the recordings could be changed if required. Communication for Linda is improved as the device helps her call for assistance when needed.
- Skills involved:
- Issues Addressed:
- Activities Helped:
- Location:
- Solution:
