Liberator’s commitment to supporting your communication needs. Liberator provides a wide range of products, training and support for communication, inclusion and independence. Our aim is to help you achieve the best communication possible for the people you support, whatever their age or ability. Our products include the most powerful and flexible communication aids, early learning software, adapted toys, switches, computer access devices and classroom resources. Communication aids range from simple message recording systems to powerful windows-based dynamic display devices that support Minspeak®, WordPower™, and text-based programs. All are highly flexible, easy to programme and backed by a strong warranty and support package. Our high tech communication aids include portable and wheelchair mounted products, from Prentke Romich Company (PRC) and Saltillo. Robust, reliable technology that gives you access to all forms of communication - spoken, written and text messaging.

Language

... for independent communication

Language - putting words together to convey meaning - is important for everyone!

Communication is the exchange of information between individuals and depends on language: language is a tool for independent communication. The three most common methods of representing language in a communication aid are:

Spelling or word-based systems

A spelling keyboard, usually with word prediction and sometimes whole-word selection.

For people with existing or developing literacy skills these programmes are easy to learn and use, but typically require more keystrokes (and can therefore be slower to use) than symbols-based programmes. Liberator offers several versions of popular programmes such as WordCore and WordPower.      

Example: WordCore 45

Semantic Compaction (or Minspeak)

Which uses multi-meaning symbols, linked together in short sequences to represent words and phrases.

Research shows that Minspeak provides fastest access to core vocabulary, but it also offers an increasingly large extended vocabulary. Whilst Minspeak does not require the user to be able to spell, it has been shown to support literacy development (see Emerging Literacy Teaching Programme for LLL45).  Minspeak is used by children as young as three, as well as adults.  Minspeak Application Programmes are available for people of all levels of ability, starting with individuals working at P level 2(2) upwards (via the lesson plans with the excellent Teach & Talk programme). Today's Minspeak programmes are mainly hybrid systems, combining the best of all three language approaches: Minspeak, single meaning pictures and spelling with word prediction. Language, Learning & Living (LLL), Unity and the phenomenal new Discovery are the most popular Minspeak programmes.

Example: LLL 144

Single-meaning picture ('page-based') systems

Where one picture represents one word

So, a 3,000 word vocabulary will require 3,000 easily distinguishable, representative pictures, usually arranged in multiple linked pages. This approach appears straight forward and works well with words that can easily be represented with a single picture, typically nouns. It works less well for pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and other parts of speech, which make up the vast majority of our everyday conversation - these words tend to be difficult to represent with a single picture and navigation between pages can become confusing as the system grows. Usually, some ability to spell is also required. Liberator offers popular programmes such as the Picture WordPower suite.

Example: Picture WordPower 144

You will find one or more of these approaches on every communication aid, but Liberator is the only company that offers you the power and flexibility of all three approaches on its 'high tech' communication aids.