Communication Devices
What are Communication Devices?
Communication devices can be used by people with little or no speech to communicate with others in their home, school and community. There are a range of communication devices available to meet individual needs.
- Low-tech communication devices are simple, non-electronic solutions that can be created or purchased at a relatively low cost. For example: visual schedules; now-next boards; pencil grips. Link Assistive products include: Flip Books
- Mid-tech communication devices are relatively simple electronic communication devices that require minimal set-up and customisation. For example: voice output switches; static communication devices; electronic timers. Link Assistive products include: BIGmack, Step-by-Step, TalkingBrix, QuickTalker, GoTalk
- High-tech communication devices and software are more complex electronic devices that require individualised set-up and customisation. For example: AAC devices; iPads, tablets, phones and computers. Link Assistive products include: iPad Bundle, SpeechCase, I-110, EyeMobile 5, I-Series, TD Snap, Grid 3, TD Snap PODD, simPODD, and Communicator 5
Choosing a Communication Device
There are a lot of communication devices available on the market, and it can be overwhelming to choose what’s right for you. Your speech pathologist is an invaluable resource in evaluating the options and determining which solution will provide you with the best possible technology to suit your needs. To assist you and your team with this process, Link Assistive offer options for short-term loans and rentals for many of our communication devices.
A short-term loan is free and gives you the chance to try the communication device for between one and three weeks. There may be a waitlist of up to three months to access devices in our short-term loan pool.
Our rental program is a paid hire option that gives you access to the communication device for a minimum of 12 weeks. We may be able to deduct the cost of the rental from the purchase price of the equipment. There is a wait-time of up to 4 weeks to have rental equipment delivered to you. Our Clinical Team can work with you to determine the most suitable communication device for your individual circumstances.
Purchasing communication devices
Once you have determined the most suitable communication device, you can request a quote from our website. This can be used to support a funding request, for example with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care (MAC) or Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). Link Assistive is a registered NDIS provider of communication device. For more information about accessing Assistive Technology through the NDIS, see their website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained
Support for Communication Devices
Our support team comprises of both Clinical and Technical support services to ensure you get the most out of your communication device. Our team is here to help you before, during and after your trial with training and troubleshooting.
Set-up support and 12 months technical support is included with purchase of most of our communication devices. We often make use of remote support to help you, which involves us remotely accessing your device to assist with your technical needs. All our communication devices come pre-installed with TeamViewer to allow this service whenever you request support. This means that we can provide support to users all over Australia. Ongoing Technical Support packages can also be purchased as needed.
Our Clinical team of experienced Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists can also provide training to clients, support teams and therapy organisations to use the communication device. We have Clinical team members based in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne who provide support across Australia. They can provide training through standard or custom workshops delivered face-to-face or online depending on your needs and circumstances. Please contact us to discuss your options for training in use of communication devices further.
