Lightwriters
• Out-facing daylight-readable display – encourages conversational interaction in all settings
• NaturalSelection prediction – faster communication
• Choice of high-quality Acapela voices – improved intelligibility with intonation
• Built-in SMS texting – moving the boundaries of communication
• Trainable environmental control – extending the world of AAC
• Adjustable keyboard – suitable for a wide range of users
Older Lightwriters
Lightwriters allow people who are unable to speak to communicate by displaying words. Scanning Lightwriters can be used by people who are unable to type. Some Lightwriters are able to convert written text to computer speech.
Easy to use
With Direct Access Lightwriters you simply turn them on and type. No special training is required in their operation.
With Scanning Lightwriters, the first press of the scan switch turns the Lightwriter on and starts scanning, and subsequent switch presses make the selections from the scan screen. The objects on the scan screen are laid out logically for rapid communication, and these devices are found to be very easy to use.
No special training is required for Lightwriter operation. Users do not feel afraid of the technology.
Custom Design
Lightwriters are specially designed to meet the particular needs of communication aid users, with high legibility displays, rugged design, and long-life rechargeable batteries for use all day.
Dual Displays
Lightwriters are unique in having dual displays, one facing the user so they can see what they are typing, and a second out-facing display to allow communication in a natural face-to-face position.
We believe that people who are unable to speak should not be denied eye contact, facial expression, and body language which are important elements of communication.
Display Options
Models SL35 and SL38 have Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) fitted as standard. These have excellent legibility in bright light and have backlighting to provide high legibility in low light conditions.
We offer optional Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFD) for users or communication partners with impaired vision. These have slightly smaller characters but are much brighter and have higher legibility.
Versatile
Lightwriters are designed to accommodate the wide range of other disabilities which may accompany loss of speech, such as poor motor control, tremor, muscle weakness, spasticity, slow reactions, cognitive limitations, impaired vision, and deafness.
The keyboard models can be quickly changed in the field between QWERTY (English typewriter layout), ABC (alphabetical layout), AZERTY (French typewriter layout), and QWERTZ (German typewriter layout).
Scanning models can change the scan screen layout between QWERTY (English typewriter layout), ABC (alphabetical layout), and EARDU (frequency-of-use layout).
Memory and Acceleration Functions
Memories
All Lightwriters store memories so that frequently-used words or phrases can be retrieved with a 2 key selection.
Abbreviation Expansion
Most Lightwriters have Abbreviation Expansion so that frequently-used words or phrases can be stored and retrieved as a 2 or 3 key code, e.g. DC = "I'd like a drink of coffee, please."
Word Prediction
Most Lightwriters have word prediction included as standard (not in all languages at present). It includes the most frequently used words in spoken language and, even on a single line display, gives a significant reduction in keystrokes.
This word prediction facility may benefit keyboard users who are slow on the keyboard, headpointer users, poor spellers, and people who have difficulty finishing words, and gives a significant increase in speed.
Auditory Scanning
Scanning Lightwriters assist users with vision or cognitive impairments, and permit use by people who are totally blind. Auditory Scanning is selectable to be beeps, spoken, or silent.
Scanning - Multiple Access Methods
With Scanning Lightwriters, the first press of the scan switch turns the Lightwriter on and starts scanning, subsequent switch presses make the selections from the scan screen. The objects on the scan screen are laid out logically for rapid communication, and these devices are found to be very easy to use.
Scanning Lightwriters allow different scanning methods.
Automatic Scanning
Single-switch row/column scanning with optional auditory feedback. Operates with any single switch.
Step Scanning
Two-switch step scanning with optional auditory feedback. One switch directs, the other selects.
