Multi-message device

Also called Step-by-step communicator, Sequential message device, Multi-button recorder, Step-by-Step

Step-by-step and multi-button recorders, for telling a story in order or choosing between a handful of messages.

What it is

A multi-message device holds more than one recorded message. There are two shapes. A step-by-step (or sequential) device is a single button that plays a different message on each press, in order: press one says "once upon a time", press two says "there was a dog". A multi-button device has several buttons, each with its own message, often with a paper overlay showing a symbol on each.

They are the bridge between a single-message button and a real vocabulary, and a lot of people's first experience of choosing between things to say.

Who it can help

A step-by-step suits someone with one reliable movement who wants to take part in something with a sequence: telling a joke, giving the register, reading a story aloud, saying the steps of a recipe. It lets a person with limited access lead an activity, which matters more than it sounds.

A multi-button device suits someone beginning to choose. Four buttons with "more", "stop", "different" and "help" is a tiny core vocabulary that speaks, and can be tried before any tablet is bought.

Neither is a long-term system. Recorded messages can't be combined into new sentences, and re-recording is the partner's job, so a person can only ever say what someone recorded. Plan the next step from the start.

How it works

Step-by-step: the partner records messages in order, the person presses to advance; most devices can loop, and some have levels so several sequences can be stored. Because the person can't skip, the messages need to be short and the sequence needs to be worth getting through.

Multi-button: each button has its own recording and symbol. Devices come with 2, 4, 8 or more locations, and a paper overlay that slides in to show what each button says. Many can be triggered by an external switch, which lets a person who can't press the buttons directly use them by scanning.

Getting started

Give the person a job. Record the class register on a step-by-step and let them call it; record the punchline of a knock-knock joke; record "go" for a game of musical statues. Use it every day for a week and see what changes.

For choosing, put four messages on a multi-button device and use it yourself first: model pressing "more" when you want more. Don't put four foods on it; put words that work everywhere.

Borrow before buying. Special schools, local AAC services and toy libraries usually lend them.

Where to get help

ACE Centre and CALL Scotland publish guidance on recorded-message devices. Liberator supplies the common models in the UK. A speech and language therapist or occupational therapist will help match the device to the person's movement and stage.