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Assistive Technology, Inc.
333 Elm St.
Dedham, MA 02026
800-793-9227
www.assistivetech.com
customercare@assistivetech.com
$799 standard model
$999 scanning model
There’s a new communication device on the block called L*E*O, that’s short for Language and ECU in One. As the name would imply, it is both a voice output communication device and environmental control unit in one and for the price it is quite an amazing device, integrating good solid technology with some user friendly features that set it apart from similarly priced devices currently available. I had the pleasure of using L*E*O and checking out the features first hand; here’s a look at what it can do:
Speech: L*E*O uses digitized speech to play recorded messages. The quality of the voice is clear and recording messages was easy.
Capacity: The device can store up to 32 minutes of recorded messages; this is the total time available for the device and is divided by the number of cards that will be used; the cards serve as pages for the device. The device can be configured to store up to 20 cards although the default setting is for 12 cards. Each card can contain 1, 8 or 32 cells. The recording time for each card is fixed, based on the number of cards selected and the quality of the speech, regardless of the number of cells selected.
Membrane surface: L*E*O has a membrane surface that is activated by touching a cell to speak the message. In the 8 cell configuration it played the message consistently, regardless of where the pressure was applied to the cell, including the corners. Likewise, it was equally consistent with the smaller 32 cell surface area. In the 1 cell configuration “hot spots” are created by grouping cells through the software that comes with the device.
Creating cards: It was easy to create cards for L*E*O using the software that is included with the device. Templates are provided for each configuration accessible through MS Word or Boardmaker; it is necessary to have access to clipart, pictures or picture library software to provide a source of pictures for the cells.
Bar codes: Here’s where things get really nifty! When cards are created and it is time to record the corresponding message, a barcode is applied to the back of the card. When the card is inserted into L*E*O, the device “reads” the code and saves the messages that are subsequently recorded. The next time you insert the page, L*E*O reads the bar code, retrieves the corresponding messages and the page responds as recorded. Cards of different configurations can be saved simultaneously. In other words, when saving cards there can be a combination of 1, 8, and 32 cell cards all stored at the same time. The barcodes come with the device and there is a template to replicate them included in the software. The barcodes are printed on standard labels available anywhere that sells office supplies. This makes changing the cards both easy and convenient, something that some users will be able to do independently.
Scanning: L*E*O comes in two models, one of the models has scanning capabilities. The scanning model is capable of both single switch automatic scanning and two switch step scanning. Scanning can be either linear or row/column; cells are highlighted by a single red light located in the upper right hand corner of the cell and can be accompanied by an audible click; additionally, spoken previews can also be recorded into cells, but this does count as part of the total recording time for a cell. Scanning speeds are adjustable as are delay, cycle and auditory click features. I tested out the scanning features and found them to be consistent and user friendly. The switch interface is built in so switches can be plugged directly into the device.
Power: L*E*O has a built in rechargeable battery that lasts several days on a single full charge. The device is always “on” eliminating the need to have someone turn it on for the user. The device has a battery level indicator making it possible to see how much power is remaining. This feature saves the need to have alkaline batteries on hand for their untimely but inevitible demise.
Peripheral features: All of the access buttons for operating the device are flush with the outline of the unit. While this feature is an overall plus by reducing the likelihood that the settings of the device can be changed accidentally or when not appropriate, it requires an intact fingernail or a paperclip tip to make adjustments. There is a USB port to connect the device to a computer.
Environmental Control Unit: L*E*O functions as an environmental control unit by recording infrared commands. This enables users to turn on/off devices in the immediate vicinity. I tried this feature out with my TV remote control and used it to torment my husband a bit while he was watching the baseball game; needless to say it worked like a charm and gave the kids and I a little chuckle. Both ECU commands and spoken messages can be recorded on the same card.
Software and computer interface: L*E*O comes with software that contains templates for creating and programming cards. There is a USB cable included with the device to enable it to connect to your computer. Once connected it’s possible to complete a number of functions such as transferring card info between the computer and L*E*O, changing messages and configuring the settings to change the number of cards that can be stored. This feature makes programming easy and possible to do without having to take the device from the user.
I found L*E*O to be a welcomed addition to the field of lower cost voice output communication and environmental control unit devices. It can serve as a good introduction to augmentative and alternative communication; its versatility makes it appropriate for use in a small group setting or with a variety of learners making it a good fit with early intervention providers looking to provide that first AAC experience. The 1 cell feature with programmable hotspots enables creation of teaching scenes that can be used to enhance theme based curriculum activities and social situations, making it appealing in inclusive settings. The innovative barcode system makes the changing of language cards simple and painless, ensuring use across contexts. Leo, as an astrological constellation, is concerned with expressing identity, being creative, warm, and outgoing in an effort to gain approval from others. I would say that the folks at Assistive Technology Inc. have aligned the sun and the moon with the stars in bringing L*E*O to the market. Shine on!