What types of communication devices are available?
There are a variety of communication devices available. Devices can have a single message or multiple messages. Medicare categorizes devices based on the following features. • Speech Output- Digitized (recorded human speech) or Synthesized (electronic conversion of text into speech). • Message Type- Prerecorded (messages that are stored) or Message Formulation (can spontaneously create novel messages). • Recording Time- less than or equal to 8 minutes, greater than 8 minutes, or based on the memory size of the device in general (e.g., 16 MB). • Access Method- Direct Physical Contact with Device or Multiple Access Methods (e.g., switch, mouse, joystick, etc.). • Message Formulation Technique- Spelling only or Spelling and Other Methods. Additionally, devices have different display types (dynamic, static or both). Dynamic displays are similar to a computer monitor. The selection set or level changes automatically on a dynamic display screen as the user makes choices. Some dynamic display
