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Resource Library

COMPLETE LISTINGS

of All our Resources to Download

RESOURCE LIBRARY MASTER LIST 29 APRIL 08

Want to know more about the

Communication Aids on our List?

Website at: http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/vocapages/main.asp has a Database

with Pictures and Further Details.

New Items in Stock

Toys, Switches and Communication Aids

We have some stunning new equipment to borrow, which includes a talking teddy, a shiny remote controlled car and a colourful firefly.We also have new vibrating and pillow switches.

Sunny Sunshine Switch

is both a spectacular sensory toy and a switch. Push on the big yellow happy soft face or any of the 8 colourful plush arms to activate music, vibration or sparkling lights. You can also activate a toy etc).

Super Bumpy Switch

is ideal for people who need a tactile switch.The Hip Talk has four messages accessed by recessed buttons. Messages can easily be recorded. The device comes in a nylon zippered pack with a waist strap.

The 4 Scan 4

is a good example of us responding to customer demand! J, aged 4, was waiting for a full assessment by his local CAP team. Meanwhile he needed a simple scanning device. We didn’t have one in stock but with some outstanding grant funding were able to purchase 2 of these communication aids, which are now available to loan.

Wobble Switch

is very touch sensitive and once connected,responds at the touch of a finger or hand.

4Talk4 Communication Aid

is a multi-level speech device,specifically designed for use in the classroom,where it's clear speech and adjustable volume,allows pupils to participate in classroom activities.

Somatosensory Musical Bead Chain/Switch

is designed to give hours of pleasurable somatosensory stimulation, when the slightest touch to the beads, will activate a well known musical note.

The Bead Chain can also be used as an external capability switch, without any music, in order to function with any switch adapted toys or devices. It stands securely on any smooth surface, with the aid of attached suction cups.

Palm Sized Say-it!Sam Communicator

is designed to be the most powerful, easiest to use and simplest to use Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device available of it's type.

People of all ages and physical challenges will love SAM for it's amazing features: Easy to Navigate Graphic Interface, and Loud and Clear Speech Output.

Speech Language Pathologists (SLP's) will love SAM for its extensive feature list, flexible design options, and fast and easy page setup.

New 6 Week Library Loans

You can now borrow items for up to 6 weeks, which will hopefully make it easier to assess the benefits of our Resource Library.

Lightwriters Now in Stock

We now have 3 Lightwriters Available to Loan: SL87 (Scanning)
SL35 (English Speech) and
SL 38 (American Speech).
Loans can be made for up to 2 months. For more details please contact: joy@findavoice.org.uk

A Free Loan Service

Opened in October 2003 by Ashford MP and Find A Voice President Damian Green, our Resource Library has extended our service to users and their families.

It was made possible through generous grants from, among others, Awards for all, Barclays, Scope, LLoyds TSB, Kent Community Foundation, Kent Handicapped Caring Association. Dover Chest Heart and Stroke Association, Henry Smith Charity.

The library is free to all users of any age, whether service users, parents, volunteers, carers, or professionals such as teachers, OTs , SLTs, social services staff, residential care homes etc.

Students are also welcome to use the service. Donations are most welcome to assist our service.

How to Join Our Resource Library

Unfortunately,We Do Not Operate a Postal Service.
You can Return Items by Post if you wish.
If you can travel to Ashford, Kent,Please ring us on 01233 640443 or email to arrange an appointment.
Library Hours are usually Wednesday Mornings, but we can see you at other times,to suit.
To become a Member of our Resource Library,All we ask is that you Fill in a Form and Supply I.D including Proof of Address.
You can Now Borrow up to 4 Items for 6 Weeks (extensions are possible).

Library Demonstrations

We can visit your centre, school, nursery etc in Kent with a sample selection of equipment. Please contact us if you wish to arrange a visit.

Communication Aids

We have 79 communication aids to borrow. They are simple and easy to operate models such as BigMack, Step by Step, Go Talk 4 Talk4, 4 Scan 4, Tech Talk, Lib Talk and Supertalker. They are therefore ideal for initial assessments and trials. If you require something more sophisticated we can arrange demonstrations from manufacturer. We have also recently acquired 4 Lightwriters available on loan.

Switch-Access Toys
These are suitable for children or adults with profound needs. People who cannot handle toys directly (e.g. because of cerebral palsy) can use switches to experience cause and effect. Press the switch and a duck flaps its wings and plays ‘Old McDonald’. Or a glitter ball spins, or a dinosaur walks and roars. Toys can be cute and furry e.g. a rabbit or shiny plastic e.g. tape player or a car. The toys are valuable both in providing play experience and in encouraging the user to gain switch skills. These skills can then be applied later to communication aids and computer games. (over 100 toys and switches are available to loan).

Help to access Toys and Computers

In addition to Jelly Bean switches we now have no-click touch sensitive Pal Pad switches, a squeeze switch, Big Track trackballs, smaller USB tracker balls and a BigKeys keyboard. The Tail-light vibrating switch/VOCA which works like a Big Mack but is specially good for people with visual problems. Sunny Sunshine is a combined sensory toy and switch. There are also 'kooshey and gooshey' switches, dinosaur switches, bumpy switches pancake switches, microphone switches, a wedge-plate switch, floor pad sleeve and a colour change switch.

Videos

We have 30 videos for viewing at home or using for training days, induction courses etc. These videos provide invaluable insights into communicating with people with special needs, introducing alternative and augmentative communication, talking to people with communication needs and empowering children and adults to express their feelings and choices. Some also cover educational issues and classroom techniques.

Books
We have a wide range of books covering communication needs. Some focus on how to introduce communication aids or symbols, some can be used directly with people with communication needs. Interesting topics covered include using symbols and pictures in the classroom, introducing a communication aid to a child, and how to make a Personal Communication Passport.

We also have many Department of Education and Skills publications concerning Special Educational Needs- what the law says, the Code of Practice for schools and, should this be necessary, how to appeal to the SENDIST Tribunal.

Makaton Resources
We have several parent packs comprising manuals, videos, books of signs and symbols for parents who wish to learn or revise Makaton signs. Ideally you should go on a course (see Training Courses) but if you can’t do this or are waiting for a course, the packs are very useful. The blue packs cover the same signs as the Foundation Course. The red packs go a bit further.
We also have books of games and craft activities incorporating Makaton signing.

Symbol Resources
Our computers have the Widgit Writing With Symbols, Wdigit Communicate in Print, Communicate by Choice Webwide and Boardmaker 5 software installed. If you want to come to the centre, we will be delighted to assist parents/carers to make up overlays time table etc. Professionals can consult us for a reasonable fee.You may also be interested in trying out the software with a view to buying your own. We also run courses in some of the software programmes. More about symbols