SimplyWorks Smooth Talker AAC Communicator

The SimplyWorks Smooth Talker AAC Communicator is a highly versatile single-level communication aid with eight minutes of recording time and eight different playback modes. It can be used for anything from playing one familiar phrase to supporting choices, conversations, classroom activities and sequential communication.

Messages are recorded using the built-in microphone and played through twin speakers with clear digital sound. The large, low-profile activation surface measures 125mm across and is angled towards the user for easier access. A built-in symbol holder can display a photograph, picture or communication symbol as a visual prompt.

Smooth Talker can be operated using its main activation surface, a compatible wired switch or a SimplyWorks wireless switch. Some playback modes use two switches, allowing the communicator to support choices, two-person conversations, auditory prompting and question-and-answer activities.

Individual messages can also be linked to a switch-adapted toy, compatible software or an electrical appliance when Smooth Talker is connected to the appropriate equipment. This allows a spoken instruction, answer or reward message to be accompanied by an immediate activity or response.

The built-in rechargeable lithium battery provides many hours of use between charges and can be recharged from a USB socket. Smooth Talker can continue to be used while charging, removing the ongoing cost and inconvenience of disposable batteries.

Key Features

• Single-level, multi-message AAC communicator
• Up to eight minutes of recording and playback time
• Records messages using the built-in microphone
• Eight selectable playback modes
• Digital amplifier with twin speakers for clear, high-quality sound
• Adjustable playback volume
• Large 125mm activation area
• Low-profile surface angled towards the user for easier activation
• Built-in holder for a photograph, picture or communication symbol
• Input for a compatible wired external switch
• Can also be operated using a compatible SimplyWorks wireless switch
• Second-switch access supports choice, conversation and prompting activities
• Direct 3.5mm output for compatible switch-adapted toys and battery-powered appliances
• Can control equipment wirelessly through compatible SimplyWorks receivers
• Messages can be added without erasing the existing recording sequence
• Built-in rechargeable lithium battery
• Charges from a USB socket and can be used while charging
• Secure coloured switch top cannot be removed by the user
• Available with red, yellow, green or blue activation tops

Eight Playback Modes

• Sequential: Plays recorded messages in order, beginning with the first message and returning to the beginning when the sequence is complete.
• Random: Selects a recorded message at random. This can be used to create a speaking dice or a random-selection activity.
• Random – No Repeats: Plays every recorded message once in a random order before beginning again, helping to ensure that nobody is missed or selected twice during a group activity.
• Choice: Uses the main activation surface and a second wired or wireless switch to provide a choice between two messages, items or concepts.
• Choice Progression: Presents a sequence of paired choices, allowing the user to make several decisions during the same activity.
• Converse: Allows two users to conduct a recorded back-and-forth conversation. Each switch becomes active at the appropriate point, helping the conversation remain in sequence.
• Auditory Prompt: Allows messages to be browsed discreetly at a lower volume before the selected message is played at the normal volume using the main activation surface.
• Question and Answer: Uses recorded question-and-answer pairs, allowing a question or answer to be repeated for clarification and reinforcement before progressing.

Auditory Sensory Benefits

• Plays recorded speech clearly through twin speakers
• Allows familiar voices, phrases, instructions and sounds to be recorded
• Adjustable volume helps the sound level suit the user and environment
• Random mode can provide engaging and unpredictable auditory feedback
• Auditory Prompt mode allows messages to be reviewed quietly before selection
• Can help users connect an action with a spoken message or response

SEN and Access Benefits

• Provides recorded speech for people who cannot always communicate reliably using spoken language
• Supports single-message communication and longer sequential exchanges
• Large, low-profile activation area requires less precise targeting than a small button
• Can be operated through an alternative wired or SimplyWorks wireless switch when the main surface is not suitable
• Supports communication using the user’s most reliable controlled movement
• Choice modes provide a structured way to express preferences and make decisions
• Converse mode supports turn-taking and the sequence of a two-person conversation
• Question and Answer mode allows information to be repeated without losing the place in the activity
• Messages cannot be interrupted by repeated presses while they are playing
• Built-in symbol holder can connect the recorded message with a photograph, picture or communication symbol
• Can support participation in lessons, stories, games, social activities and everyday routines
• Toy, software and appliance activation can provide an immediate and motivating response

Ways to Use Smooth Talker

• Record a frequently repeated line so the user can join in with a story, song or classroom activity
• Prepare messages for circle time, show-and-tell or a presentation
• Record requests, greetings, answers or familiar social phrases
• Create a speaking dice using Random mode
• Select turns fairly during group activities using Random – No Repeats mode
• Offer two choices or a progression of paired choices
• Practise a structured two-person conversation
• Browse and select an appropriate message using Auditory Prompt mode
• Reinforce learning using recorded question-and-answer pairs
• Connect a message to a switch-adapted toy, activity or compatible appliance

Product Details

• Product type: Single-level, multi-message AAC communicator
• Recording capacity: Up to eight minutes in total
• Number of levels: One
• Playback modes: Eight
• Sound: Digital amplifier with twin speakers
• Recording method: Built-in microphone
• Main activation area: 125mm
• External switch input: Yes
• Wireless switch access: Compatible with SimplyWorks wireless switches
• Toy output: 3.5mm socket and compatible SimplyWorks wireless control
• Symbol holder: Built in
• Power: Built-in rechargeable lithium battery
• Charging: USB charging
• Use while charging: Yes
• Available colours: Red, yellow, green and blue

Compatibility

• Wired switch access: Accepts a compatible accessibility switch with a standard 3.5mm jack plug
• Wireless switch access: Works with compatible SimplyWorks wireless switches and transmitters
• Direct toy control: Connects to a compatible switch-adapted toy or battery-powered appliance through the 3.5mm toy output
• Wireless toy control: Works with SimplyWorks Control, Control Lite or Control Pro
• Computer software control: Works with SimplyWorks Receive or Receive:2 to send an Enter command when an assigned message is played
• Mains appliance control: Works wirelessly with SimplyWorks Energise or iClick

Please note: This is the standard single-level SimplyWorks Smooth Talker. The separate Smooth Talker with Levels provides five independent recording levels. A second switch is required for Choice, Choice Progression, Converse and Question and Answer modes. Auditory Prompt mode can use a second switch, although messages can also be browsed using the controls on the communicator. External switches, SimplyWorks receivers, toys and appliance controllers are not included unless stated separately. Only compatible switch-adapted toys and battery-powered appliances should be connected directly to the toy socket. Mains-powered equipment must only be controlled through a suitable mains controller such as SimplyWorks Energise or iClick.