Seven years ago I started on my quest to find a communication device that would be professional looking, simple to program, and easy to use.  I wanted something fairly small, that would also give me many messages at my fingertips. 

I had tried two cumbersome and rather complex communication devices without much success before being introduced to the MessageMate 40/600.  A friend, who had a background in speech therapy, thought it might work for me.  In a short time we determined the MessageMate would fulfill my criteria.

I decided the MessageMate would be the most beneficial because it would fit with the way I was used to communicating.  My natural speech can be understood after a while if someone has the patience.  I was in the habit of using a letter board to spell out words when people didn't understand my speech.  The MessageMate became an extension of my letter board.

Some of the advantages that appealed to me were its durability and simplicity matched with its versatility, I appreciated that the MessageMate 40/600 had no complicated  "on" and "off" buttons or other apparatuses to carry.  It is inconspicuous and appears to be a normal part of what I carry with me like a cell phone, notebook, or planner. 

I knew I would need to be able to reach my MessageMate and move it into position on my own when going for a ride in my power chair.  Since I can suspend it under my seat with a strap, I am able to reach between my knees to pull it up onto my lap to use it.  Most of the more complex communication devices require a person to master a whole different language.  Symbols used on other devices were difficult for me to interpret.  I have limited vision and trouble associating the various symbols with what I want to express.  However, the MessageMate allowed me to use the language that I already knew. 

The main challenge to learning how to use the MessageMate was deciding how to arrange the messages in categories, and in a natural order for me to remember.  Since the MessageMate is a digitized speech device, someone has to record each message.  A friend and I were able to customize my device by planning the messages that needed to be recorded and arranging their placement so I would get the maximum usage out of it.

I use a finger on my left hand to access the pre-recorded messages on the MessageMate.  I have cerebral palsy and my muscle movements are sometimes difficult to control and are unpredictable.  It may take me several attempts to get my left hand in place to push the desired key on the MessageMate.  To compensate for my uncontrollable movements, we added an extra piece of plastic stiffener on top of the keys to make the keyboard less sensitive to touch.  This allowed me to get my finger in the right spot before exerting enough pressure to push down the key.  The added plastic also reduces the times I press the wrong key as I slide my finger across the face of the MessageMate aiming for the desired key.

I have a pretty good memory, which when combined with the versatility of the MessageMate, enabled me to utilize all the levels and keys in operating this device.  My speech pathologist consultant and I highlighted the keyboard paper template with colored lines to give me visual cues for key locations.  I found this helpful for finding the desired key. 

The MessageMate gives me a quick way to communicate with neighbors and friends whom I don't see very often.  One phrase I use when I go to church is, "May peace be with you."  Saying this particular message accomplishes two things: First, it lets others know very quickly that I know what is happening around me.  Growing up with a speech disorder I learned that some, when hearing me speak, thought I had a cognitive disability.  Second, I feel good being able to say nice greetings to others because I enjoy people.

My MessageMate is set up to have four levels, providing up to 10 minutes recording time and storage for 144 possible phrases.  The first level has simple greetings such as, "My name is Joe."  Another phrase on this level is, "Gee, it's hot tonight."  This level helps me to communicate with people I meet for the first time.  

The second level has requests for when I go out on errands.  An example is, "I need cash from my ATM card."  This level has other messages such as, "I am here to pick up my medicine."  Also, on this level I have phone numbers of care providers and friends who I can call in emergencies.  I set my MessageMate on this level before entering a grocery store or the pharmacy. 

The third level is for emergencies such as "Call 911."  I also have a message here stating, "I don't need you to call 911."  This is in case I push the wrong key. The fourth level is for miscellaneous phrases.  On this level I have the name of my website and my e-mail address.  Another phrase on this level is, "I am looking for a care provider.  Are you interested?"

In setting up my MessageMate we have tried to cover various aspects and areas of my communication needs.  My MessageMate helps me to make a good and positive first impression when I introduce myself, and it opens up more opportunities for me to immerse myself in my community.

Note: Photo from Words+ website.