AbleNet QuickTalker FT 23

My son uses the Quicktalker12 in his non-verbal classroom and has had great success with it. Because of his accomplishments, we made the decision to upgrade to the 23. His speech therapist customizes it to create communication goals and can also incorporate our home goals. The only drawback is that it's heavy for our 6 year-old and you can tell it gets hard to lug around all day. Overall, a fantastic tool for our son. :)

$265 paperweight unless I can find endless hours to design my own picture sheets. There is a QR code in the instructions, which are the equivalent of a quarter of a sheet of paper. It takes you to an app that states that this device is not compatible with their app and, the worst part, they won’t even allow you to download the app anyway so you can use it. It’s the only app for this company, it’s not like there are other options. I have the latest iOS updated iPhone so I know it’s not that my personal device is not compatible since the model and iOS number are listed as being compatible. I’m kind of glad I ordered myself it so it can be returned. My daughter’s school wanted to go through our insurance to get it. I would have been even more angry with this joke of a company had I paid an insurance copay only to receive a non functional and non returnable item.

My adult son has a severe TBI from an automobile accident. He is unable to talk and has motor issues. He has used more expensive communication devices but right now is without one. We are working with an SLP to get one but it is at least 6 months out. I bought this so he could say things to caregivers and get his basic needs known. I also was a Special Education teacher for 25 years and have worked with SLPs and created many communication systems for kids. Here are my impressions of the QuickTalker FT 23: OVERALL: The product is well made and sturdy. It is easy to use. The instructions for setting it up are clear and videos are provided online. I like the deep wells that the pictures sit in because my son has motor problems, and it makes it less likely that he will hit buttons randomly. The sound could be better. It has definitely a recorded sound to it. The sound is clear but a bit "tinny". It is understandable. It is easy to record your messages. It does not come with prerecorded messages or overlays. You must create your one based on your own needs. OVERLAYS: This is the one problem I see with this device. And why I gave it 4 not a 5 stars. It comes with BLANK overlays for use with the device and they are nicely made on good quality paper. Blank is best because you really do need to make your own because each person's likes, dislikes and needs are different. However, it is not easy to make your own overlays. I have experience with making picture systems for kids so knew what I was doing. According to the website you must download an app. on an IPAD. You cannot get this on a computer or an android device. I have found a friend with an IPAD but have not tried this to see how easy it is to create. I will update after doing this. If it is easy that would make this device more accessible. If you do not have access to an IPAD, you can get a template to create your own overlays on the website. You have to be fairly computer literate to do this because it takes multiple steps to make it usable on a computer. I was able to do this and created a template to use. It is suggested in the instructions to use PhotoShop after creating the template. Most people do not have PhotoShop and it is complex to use. I used Microsoft Publisher to create the overlay after getting the template. I went online and found a website with free icons called OPENSYMBOLS.org. You can cut and paste them in the template. I wish the company had an easy-to-use template, basic symbol set and overlay creator on their website. It would make this device accessible to many more people and would probably reduce people sending it back. OVERLAY USE. I printed my overlays on plain computer paper and cut them with scissors to fit in the device. I ripped a number of them trying to get them out as I was experimenting with them. I finally left a long piece on the right-hand side of the overlay, and it pulled out fine without tearing. I also slightly cut off all 4 corners to make it easier to insert and remove. THINGS TO KNOW: Good, sturdy simple device. Easy to use. You must make your own overlays based on your own needs. You need access to an IPAD for the company overlay creating program, but it is possible to make your own if you have good computer skills. UPDATE: I still have not tried the IPAD to see how easy it is to make overlays. The machine is "glitching" and not playing the messages correctly. I am planning to call the company tomorrow. It is to new and lightly used by my adult son. UPDATE: I emailed the company explaining the problem and they are sending me a new device. Great customer service! And Fast! It came quickly and we have had no problems with the device. ADVICE FOR THE COMPANY: Create a good program for making overlays that is accessible on all types of tablets and computers. It is a good simple device that could make communication easier for more people.

Easy to program, easy to use. Was a great help to my mother who had suffered a stroke and had problems communicating.

It serves the purpose for my non verbal son to be able to say "Hey Alexa, play.... (various music) without messing with his other communication device. It's a bit difficult to program. You really need to press down hard on the buttons to activate.

My Level 3 Autistic 6 year old Grandson is Learning to use it and Likes it He is even taking it to his School and it helps him communicate

Not what I pictured...it came with blank cards ... I'm still trying to find the right one.,.but for the price it should come with picture cards instead of blank cards...

Good