Environmental Health Science, Inc.

418 Wall Street
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
United States
Telephone: 800-841-8923.
Fax: 609-924-0793.
Web: http://www.speechgeneratingdevices.com.
Email: healthscience@patmedia.net.

Products distributed by Environmental Health Science, Inc. (listed alphabetically)

1. ALLORA

   Allora is a keyboard communicator designed for use by individuals with speech or communication disabilities. This text-to-speech device enables any message typed on the keyboard and shown on the display to be read out clearly in a high-quality, natural sounding male or female voice. These digitized sounds can be used to attract attention, animate a conversation, orfor playback of a human voice or as a WAV or MP3 player. The synthesized voice (Realspeak) is available in different languages. The unit can change languages with a few keystrokes to accommodate multi-lingual settings. The text-to-speech capabilities are further enhanced by an intelligent word prediction system. A character keyed in will generate a predicted list of words that begin with that character. Word prediction can be further refined by the input of additional characters. When a complete word has been typed or inserted, the Allora predicts the next word using its knowledge of word pairs. The unit can also recall pre-stored messages. Commonly used phrases can be programmed under any key, and more than 100 messages can be stored. Abbreviation expansion can be used to display a whole message with just a few keystrokes. This communicator also has built-in scanning with no extra display required. When a standard switch is plugged in, pressing it will cause scanning to begin automatically. The row-column alphabet also takes advantage of word prediction. The unit features a waterproof keyboard with standard sized, easy-to-push, tactile keys. The liquid crystal (LCD) display consists of two lines with 40 characters each. The first line is used to write the message. The second line displays the word prediction list. The scanning keyboard appears on the right hand side of the display. Settings can be changed using a menu and the device has a USB personal computer (PC) connection for downloading software updates. POWER: Uses a rechargeable internal battery for up to a full day's use between charges. OPTIONS: Infrared unit for environmental control. DIMENSIONS: 10.2 x 6.5 x 2.3 inches. WEIGHT: 2.2 pounds.

2. BIGMACK COMMUNICATOR

   The BIGmack Communicator is a touch switch and direct selection communicator designed for use by people with visual, range of motion and communication disabilities. This single-message communicator offers 75 seconds of recording time. The communicator also has a toy/appliance feature which enables any message in the sequence, or as many messages as desired, to be paired with a reinforcer. To program, the user presses the record button and the top of the BIGmack while speaking into the built-in microphone. Releasing the button finishes recording. An on/off switch preserves battery life and prevents activation when transporting and volume is adjustable. POWER: Uses one nine-volt battery (not included). DIMENSIONS: The switch surface is 5 inches in diameter and the unit is 2 inches tall at its highest point. COLOR: Base is black and the switch surface is available in red, yellow, green, blue, and black. WARRANTY/GUARANTEE: The manufacturer offers a 30-day, money-back, satisfaction guarantee.

3. BLUEBIRD II

   Bluebird II is a direct selection communicator designed for use by individuals with communication, speech, or cognitive disabilities. This device has 10 communication overlays, each with 24 buttons in a 6 by 4 configuration. Messages are digitally recorded (up to six hours total) and stored on a 256 megabyte memory card. Recorded messages are played by pressing the corresponding button on the overlay or by using a connected switch for one or two switch auditory scanning. Four jacks are provided to allow remote access by an external switch. The device also has a toy control overlay and two jacks for adapted toys, allowing toys to be controlled from the device's keyboard. Other features include built-in legs that can be flipped up to provide a 15-degree tilt, a hand-strap on the back of the device for carrying, and accessible volume control buttons. OPTIONS: Combo package with Picture Master Language Software (PMLS) to create communication overlays. POWER: Uses rechargeable batteries (included). DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 1.4 x 8.5 x 11.7 inches. WEIGHT: 2.25 pounds.

4. CHATBOX & CHATBOX-DX

   ChatBox and ChatBox-DX are direct selection communicators designed for use by individuals with communication disabilities. Usefull for beginners because the vocabulary can be customized and reprogrammed as the user's needs change, each device can be accessed directly via the keyboard or through single-switch scanning, and multiple overlays can be used to create up to four custom vocabularies. These products use Minspeak so that symbols are used to represent words, sentences, or phrases. The user can select any symbol or set of symbols by pressing the keys with the appropriate icons on the ChatBox or ChatBox-DX keyboard. Ten minutes of digitized speech and a built-in microphone enable the user to easily record messages. A small light (LED) in the upper left-hand corner of each key makes it simple to locate stored messages. To reduce errors, if a key is not illuminated, it cannot be activated. ChatBox-DX includes the basic features of the ChatBox plus auditory scanning capability, remote switch access, special overlays to accommodate oversized keys (four location keyboard) and additional switch jacks. Each model has the capability to utilize a version of Unity vocabulary software called UniChat:16 (sold separately). It provides access to many words through secondary overlays and icon sequencing. Most of the vocabulary used in UniChat:16 are consistent with the Unity version of Minspeak (see separate entries) to allow for an easier transition if the user moves to a more advanced system. Activity-specific vocabulary plus ten overlays for a variey of activities are included with each program. OPTIONS: A carrying case and blank overlays in sets of four and twenty are also available. DIMENSIONS: (L x W) Each of these communicators is 5.75 x 7.5 inches. WEIGHT: Each of these communicators weighs 1.5 pounds. WARRANTY: Both of these communicators have a one-year limited manufacturer's warranty.

5. FL4SH SCANNING COMMUNICATOR

   The Fl4sh Scanning Communicator is a scanning or direct selection communicator designed for use by individuals with communication disabilities. The device can be activated by direct selection, with one or two switches, or by connecting one switch for each message location. The unit offers three scan modes with adjustable scanning rate, including automatic scan, step scan and two-switch step scan. Auditory scanning options are accessed by the touch of a button, with a choice of message, prompt, or beep feedback. For scanning identification, the unit uses a highly visible light source that frames each picture symbol in succession. This communicator has four message locations and offers 16 minutes of recording time with variable message lengths. The recording time can be divided across one overlay or across multiple overlays. The unit features automatic overlay detection, an innovative use of barcode technology that allows it to recognize individual overlays and adjust its output accordingly, eliminating the need for levels. Other features include adjustable viewing angle, volume control with lockout feature, separate volume control for auditory feedback, one external message jack, one headphone jack, one toy/appliance jack with cable, and four Input jacks for single-switch access to any specific location. The complete communicator package includes one FL4SH Scanning Communicator, one overlay binder, one rechargeable battery pack with alternating current (AC) adaptor, one sixteen-minute memory module, 12 blank overlay sleeves, and three QuickStart overlay sleeves (MASTER for out-of-the-box training, Social Interaction to get started communicating, and Chase-The-Light to start teaching scanning). POWER: Uses the included rechargeable battery pack with AC adaptor or four double-A batteries (not included). OPTIONS: Additional memory modules for increased recording time and additional overlays.

6. JELLY BEAMER TWIST SWITCH

   The Jelly Beamer Twist Switch is a wireless button or touch switch designed to control a wide range of switch-adapted devices and toys for individuals with upper extremity or severe physical disabilities or spinal cord injury. This switch has two components: the Jelly Beamer switch that houses a transmitter and the Jelly Beamer receiver that can be plugged into any switch-adapted device, from battery operated toys and electric appliances to a digital camera or computer. Each switch is uniquely paired with its receiver, allowing more than one switch to be used at the same time without interference, from as far away as 30 feet. This switch comes with four twist-off tops, enabling the user to change switch colors as desired. POWER: Transmitter and receiver each use two double-A batteries (not included). COLOR: Blue, red, yellow, snd green buttons are included. Optional sets include Semi-formal with blue-grey, deep green, and merlot tops and Business Casual with classic black, modern grey, and khaki tops.

7. LIGHTWRITER (MODEL SL35)

   The LightWRITER SL35 is a hand-held, dual-display communication aid. The device consists of an oversize keyboard and two liquid crystal displays: one display faces the person typing, and the other faces the message recipient. A DECtalk Speech Synthesizer is included to allow phone conversations. A memory unit permits storage of lists, such as address files, or of a frequently used message, and the screen can prompt words for selection by sight. Control keys include backspace and clear keys for correcting mistakes, a replay key for rerunning messages, and a buzzer key for attracting attention. POWER: Rechargeable batteries. OPTIONS: A keyguard is available for use with the LightWRITER; contact manufacturer for further information on this and other options. DIMENSIONS: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches. WEIGHT: 1.5 pounds.

8. LIGHTWRITER SL87

   Lightwriter SL87 is a scanning and keyboard communicator designed for use by individuals with communication or speech disabilities. This communication aid has an alphabetic keyboard, a large scanning display with a high-contrast backlit screen, and DECtalk English speech synthesizer installed. The device can store up to 36 memmories, one for each of the 36 number and letter keys. Each memory can be up to 250 characters long. Scan methods include single-switch automatic row / column scanning, or two-switch step scanning, both with optional auditory feedback. For individuals using headpointers, the scan screen can be set to display eight predictions instead of just one, each selected using the number keys. The scan screen can also be set to display four lines of small-sized text, two lines of medium-sized text, or one line of large text to accommodate users with short-term memory disabilities (several sentences can be viewed on screen at once), or for users with severe vision impairment. A power-saving feature, Scan-suspend, halts the scanning and dims the scan screen after a number of cycles rather than time. The device comes with a carry handle, neck strap rings, and wheelchair mounting points in the integrated plastic base. POWER: Uses internal rechargeable nickel-metal-hydride battery. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 4.3 x 9 x 10 inches. Characters on the user's display are 0.25 inches high; characters on the listener's display are 3/8 inches high. WEIGHT: 9.3 pounds.

9. LITTLE STEP-BY-STEP COMMUNICATOR (FORMERLY STEP-BY-STEP)

   The LITTLE Step-by-Step communicator is a touch switch and direct selection communicator designed for use by individuals with visual or upper extremity disabilities and communication disabilities. This communicator offers 75 seconds of recording time and is designed to record a series of sequential messages. The initial activation of the communicator plays the first message, the second activation plays the second message, etc. The device has a "repeat" feature which locks in a message until it is appropriate to move on to the next one. The communicator also has a toy/appliance feature which enables any message in the sequence, or as many messages as desired, to be paired with a reinforcer. This device has an angled surface and a detachable base with a "snap track" extension that allows additional communicators to be connected as the user's needs and abilities grow. This switch comes with four interchangeable tops, allowing the user to change switch colors as desired. DIMENSIONS: 2.5 inches in diameter and 3 inches high at its tallest point. COLOR: The communicator has a black base and the switch surface comes in a set of red, yellow, green, and blue. Optional sets include Semi-formal with blue-grey, deep green, and merlot switch tops and Business Casual with classic black, modern grey, and khaki switch tops.

10. LITTLEMACK COMMUNICATOR (FORMERLY ONE-STEP)

    The LITTLEmack communicator is a touch switch and direct selection communicator designed for use by individuals with visual or upper extremity and communication disabilities. This single-message communicator offers 75 seconds of recording time. The communicator also has a toy/appliance feature which enables any message in the sequence, or as many messages as desired, to be paired with a reinforcer. This device has an angled surface and a detachable base with a "snap track" extension that allows additional communicators to be connected as the user's needs and abilities grow. This switch comes with four interchangeable tops, allowing the user to change switch colors as desired. DIMENSIONS: The switch surface is 2.5 inches in diameter and three inches tall at its tallest point. COLOR: The communicator has a black base and the switch surface comes in a standard set of red, green, yellow, and blue. Optional sets include Semi-formal with blue-greym deep green, and merlot tops and Business Casual with classic black, modern grey, and khaki tops.

11. PARTNER/ONE, PARTNER/TWO, & PARTNER/FOUR

    Partner / One, Partner / Two, and Partner / Four are direct selection communicators designed for individuals with communication disabilities. These self-contained augmentative communication devices have one, two, or four buttons with interchangeable picture overlays that play recorded messages when pressed. Partner/One has one button with 32 seconds of memory, Partner/Two has two buttons with 16 seconds of memory each, and Partner/Four has four buttons with 8 seconds of memory for each message. Each communicator has on/off volume control and an input/output jack for external hook ups. OPTIONS: Partner/Four is available with light emitting diode (LED) signals and vibrating feedback for users who are blind or have low vision. DIMENSIONS: Overlays are 3.5 inches square.

12. TALARA-32

    The Talara-32 is a direct selection and scanning communicator designed for use by individuals with communication or speech disabilities. This electronic communication aid has a keypad on which the number and size of keys can be changed to a variety of patterns with one to 32 keys. The communicator has four levels, which all use the same key pattern. Up to 45 minutes of messages can be recorded, with no restriction on message length per key. The messages are selected and spoken when the user selects a key either by pressing it directly, or by using a switch with scanning. The messages are usually represented with a paper overlay, which may display pictures, photos, graphics, or words. Available key layouts are 4 x 8, 2 x 1, 4 x 1, 2 x 2, 2 x 4, 4 x 4, or single key. POWER: Uses 4 AA batteries. DIMENSIONS (LxW): Keyboard is 7.75 x 11.5 inches. WEIGHT: 1.75 pounds.

13. TECH/SCAN 32 & TECH/SCAN 32 PLUS

    Tech / Scan 32 and Tech / Scan 32 Plus are direct selection communicators designed for use by individuals with communication disabilities. These direct selection communicators can play back 32 separate messages per level on two, four, or six levels. Messages can be scanned in three different modes (Linear, Step, and Row/Column) at three different scan speeds (slow, fast, and medium). The scanning grid provides the user an uninterrupted view of the scanning lights without having to look through a hole in the overlay. This makes changing overlays easy for therapists, family members, and users by eliminating the need to punch holes into the overlays. Tech Scan 32 Plus has an audio prompt (an audible beep) to provide a scanning cue for users with low vision. These direct selection communicators are similar to Tech/Speak 32 (see separate entry), with the addition of scanning and/or audible scanning cues. Messages on both models are spoken in high-quality "Real Voice" audio. Messages are activated by a light touch on the surface of the message cells. Functions are controlled by switches on the back. There is an adjustable on/off volume control and level switch. The devices automatically turn off when not activated after five scanning sweeps, and turn back on with a touch of the user switch. These devices are drop resistant, able to withstand rough handling, such as falling off of a table or being thrown against a wall, and water resistant for easy cleaning, making them hygienic as well as resistant to adverse environmental conditions. A shoulder strap is included. POWER: Uses rechargeable battery pack. The battery provides up to eight hours of use with a recharging time of four hours. An alternating current (AC) charger is included. OPTIONS: Standard (2.25 second) or extended (4.5 second) message time. Tech/Scan 32 is available with two, four, or six levels, 32 messages per level; Tech/Scan 32 Plus is available only in a 6x32 version. WEIGHT: Less than two pounds.

14. TECH/SCAN 8 & TECH/SCAN 8 PLUS

    Tech / Scan 8 and Tech / Scan 8 Plus are direct selection communicators designed for use by individuals with communication disabilities. These direct selection communicators each have eight message cells that produce clear audible four-second messages when pressed. Users can select from eight message sets (or levels), for a total of 64 messages. These devices are similar to Tech/Talk 8x8 (see separate entry) with the addition of scanning and audible prompts. On both of these direct selection communicators, the message cells can be scanned using a light emitting diode (LED) built into the case. Users can scan at three speeds, in linear or single switch step scan mode. In addition, Tech/Scan 8 Plus has an audible prompt, a beep that can be turned on or off. Both devices have a simple rotary on/off volume control, a level select switch, a built-in speaker and built-in recording, and jacks for external inputs or outputs. OPTIONS: Carrying case. DIMENSIONS: Message cells are 2.5 x 2.5 inches.

15. TECH/TALK (MODELS TT6X8, TT8X8, & TT12X8)

    Tech/TALK is a direct selection communicator designed for use by individuals with communication disabilities. Model TT6X8 offers eight messages on each of six levels, for a total of 48 messages. Model TT8X8 offers eight messages on eight levels, for a total of 64 messages. Model TT12X8 offers eight messages on twelve levels, for a total of 96 messages. Messages are easily recorded in any language in digital Real Voice, and can be changed as needed. Messages will last without battery backup. This unit features a shatter-proof, impact-resistant, waterproof plastic case; a shoulder strap; and an external speaker jack. The unit includes a set of six changeable full-color Mayer-Johnson overlays and a Boardmaker (see separate entry) grid. POWER: Uses four double-A alkaline batteries. OPTIONS: 4.5-second messages (standard time) or 9.0-second messages (extended time). DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 2.5 x 6.5 x 12.5 inches. WEIGHT: Two pounds.

See Environmental Health Science, Inc. products that are no longer available.