adVOCAte
(ad.vo.cate 'ad-v&-k&t, someone that speaks on behalf of another)
adVOCAte is a fully-featured digital recording communication aid, and is extremely easy to set up and programme.
It is rugged, portable, and incorporates the latest speech recording technology. Designed to be operated by either direct access or scanning, it is suitable for adults and children with a wide range of speech and physical disability.
There are two models: adVOCAte with speech output only, and adVOCAte+ which has both speech and infrared environmental control.
Features
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Lightweight (275 gms)
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16 minutes of total recording time
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Flexible message storing- up to 128 messages
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Auditory prompting
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Flexible keyboard layout
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Effective keyguarding
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High legibility LEDs for scanning
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Multiple access methods
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Uses replacable AA batteries
Flexible Message Storing
1 - 128 messages can be stored with up to 2 minutes per location. The messages can be stored over 5 levels: 4 with single selection, 1 with key linking. Key linking enables a maximum of 64 messages to be stored on one level. Levels can be locked for simple use or more efficient scanning.
Auditory prompting
Auditory prompts can be stored for both levels and messages e.g. level = shopping; prompt = "cornflakes"; message = "I would like a packet of conflakes please"
The prompts can be stored in a different language from the messages, permitting the user to output messages in a language which they may not speak. This may be useful in a hospital setting, and other environments where there may be a language barrier.
e.g. prompt = "l’eau"; message = "can I have a drink of water please?"
Auditory prompts permit users with visual impairment to access the adVOCAte.
Flexible keyboard layout
The keyboard can be configured to 2, 4, 8 or 16 locations.
Effective Keyguarding
A range of keyguards are available for the different number of locations: 1, 2, 4, 8 portrait, 8 landscape, and 16.
Each keyguard provides clear distinction between locations, and has a transparent membrane to protect the overlay.
High legibility LEDs for scanning
Bright blue LEDs indicate the active cell to the user in both direct access and scanning modes.
The brightness adjusts automatically with ambient light, and the LEDs can be seen outdoors even with sunlight falling directly on them.
Mulitple Access Methods
adVOCAte can be used with a) direct access by keypad, b) direct access by external switches, and c) scanning access, making it accessible to all users.
