Overview
of LightWRITERSTM
Made in England by
Toby Churchill Ltd.
For people with progressive conditions, i.e.
ALS/MND.
Many people with progressive conditions may
have their speech affected and become unable to communicate as their voices
get weaker. Communication aids are then required, preferably with voice output.
LightWRITERs
are small portable text-to-speech communication aids specially designed to
meet the particular needs of people with speech loss and for progressive conditions.
Custom Designed
LightWRITERs are specially designed with saliva-resistant keyboards(optional
raincoats are available), high legibility displays,
rugged design, and long life rechargeable batteries for use all day.
Tremor Control
All LightWRITERs have adjustable tremor control to suppress inadvertent key
presses.
Easy to Use!
LightWRITERs are extremely easy to use. You simply turn them on and type.
No special training is required in their operation. Users do not feel intimidated
of the technology.
Acceleration Techniques
» Memories
All LightWRITERs store memories so that
frequently used words or phrases can be retrieved with 2-key selections.
» Abbreviation / Expansion
Allows frequently used words or phrases to be stored and retrieved quickly
using letter codes.
» Word Prompting
All LightWRITERs that support scanning have word prompting included as standard,
which gives a significant reduction in keystrokes and increases one's communication
speed.
Keyboard LightWRITERs
LightWRITERs are widely used by people with
progressive conditions due to their small, compact design and the features
provided.
The LightWRITER's keyboard has proven itself
for easy access over many years of use in the field.
The specially-designed LightTouch keyboard requires
a very low operating force and can continue to be used even as finger muscles
weaken. The LightWRITER may be adapted to scanning with a switch when the
keyboard can no longer be used.
Scanning LightWRITERs
Scanning is a selection technique for people who cannot use a keyboard.
The alphabet is displayed on a screen on which
a selector box moves automatically from letter to letter. When the selector
box reaches the desired letter, the user presses a switch to select that letter.
Plug-In Scan Module
The Plug-In Scan Module converts a keyboard model LightWRITER to one with
scanning access.
This option is designed for users with progressive
conditions who become unable to continue using the keyboard. It plugs into
the keyboard LightWRITER to allow scanning with 1 or 2 switches.
The Scan Module is fully self-contained and can be mounted on a wheelchair
tray, floor-stand, or over a bed away from the LightWRITER itself, on a table
stand (as shown) or simply placed on a table.
SL85
The SL85 is designed as an extremely compact, dedicated scanning communication
aid for people whose vision is not impaired.
It fits neatly on wheelchair mount, wheelchair tray, table, floor-stand or
over a bed. An external keyboard is provided for use by a caregiver to make
setting up easier.
SL86
The SL86 is a combination of the keyboard LightWRITER and the Plug-In Scan
Module. The same display that is used for scanning is fastened to the LightWRITER
to make a single package. It is appropriate for use in clinical evaluation
centers, etc.
Features of LightWRITERs
Dual Displays
LightWRITERs are unique in having
dual displays, one facing the user so he or she can see what is being typed,
and a second outfacing display to allow communication in a natural face-to-face
position.
People who are unable to speak should not be
denied eye contact, facial expression and body language, all of which are
important communication elements.
Adaptable
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, slow reactions, impaired vision and deafness.
High Legibility Displays
High legibility displays are used for the widest range of lighting conditions
and to cater to vision impairment.
Meets All Communication Needs
LightWRITERs can have a range of internal speech synthesizers available in
English and other European languages. Any word typed will be spoken aloud
to give a natural form of communication, and allows conversation over the
telephone.
LightWRITERs have built in buzzers to summon attention, and may be connected
to printers and computers to provide written output.
Alternative keyboard layouts
The keyboard can be changed quickly in the field between QWERTY (English
typewriter layout), ABCDE (alphabetical layout), AZERTY (French
typewriter layout), & QWERTZ (German typewriter layout).
Built-in Alarms
LightWRITERs have two built-in alarms for summoning attention.
Language options
LightWRITERs are currently available with speech synthesizers for the following
languages: British English, American English, Irish, Welsh, French, Dutch,
German, Italian, Spanish (Castilian), Spanish (Latin), Catalan, Portuguese,
Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Icelandic.
Easy to Use
The scanners are designed to be extremely easy to understand and quick to
use.
On the principle that scanner users have little or no use of their hands and
so are unlikely to be able to use the manual, the unit's operation has been
designed to be as self-evident as possible.
Auditory Scanning
The scan is selectable to be beeping, spoken, or silent, to assist
users with vision impairment.
Use over the Telephone
For many users the ability to communicate over the telephone is an important
part of their communication requirements. This is increasingly important to
enable people with disabilities living on their own to communicate with the
outside world or to summon help when needed.
Any LightWRITER with speech may be used to communicate over the telephone.
This is easiest with a 'hands-free' speaker-telephone.
Accessories
Printers
A print-out may be used for recording stored memories, writing short notes,
shopping lists, letters, and even typing longer documents such as poetry and
books.
MiniPrinter
The MiniPrinter is a small portable printer with rechargeable batteries. This
compact printer operates automatically when connected to a LightWRITER with
full control through the LightWRITER keyboard or scan screen. Four sizes of
print caters to those with vision impairment.
Computer Printers
LightWRITERs also connect to a wide range of standard computer printers.
Computer Connections
LightWRITERs can be connected to computers to allow the LightWRITER to enter
text into the computer. At this time, it is not possible to control a computer
from a LightWRITER.
Carrying Cases
Carrying cases have been designed to suit the various needs of people using
LightWRITERs while standing or sitting.
The soft carrying case can be worn over the shoulder or around the waist for
ambulant users, and around the waist for wheelchair users.
Product Specifications
& Characteristics
Specially designed to enable a person with a physical disability to operate
an electrical device.
For children with disabilities. Much more than play.
Stimulate or soothe the emotions through the senses of sight, touch and smell.
Home Automation and Environment Control
Appliances, beds, doors, windows, television, telephone and more.
Speech Output Communication
Call Buzzers,
Pagers, Intercoms and Patient Monitoring
Including toilet training and posture training
Computer Software
and alternative computer control
Contact Details
and more about
Technical Solutions
Prices and ordering
information.
Download printer friendly PDF documents:
Catalogues
Manuals
