More Details

Software
* The Lightwriter SL40 has its own onboard software for controlling the features of the device

Speech Quality
* It converts typed words into synthesised speech
* The text to speech function has two voice types, British and American English, installed as default
* Other languages are available on request including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish are available
* The Lightwriter uses the high quality Acapela speech engine
* Messages can be stored and retrieved by key word search or by scrolling through the list.

Programming
* Rate enhancement features include abbreviation expansions where a stored word or phrase abbreviation is automatically expanded, for example when "HH" is typed the Lightwriter automatically expands this entry to 'hello how are you?'
* The Lightwriter has word prediction where it will try to predict the word being typed and the next word of a sentence. It will even learn new words
* Phrases can be stored in memory and quickly accessed for rapid communication
* The Lightwriter has unique memory handling features that assist with finding your saved phrase

Access
* Direct touch access via the keyboard
* The Light touch keyboard can be set to QWERTY, ABC with left or right handed layout.
* The keyboard is fully adjustable to assist with accessing and activating the keys with tremor control and key delay features.
* There are also key activation feedback options is to give feedback to the user
* The device also comes with three keyguard options: standard, raised keys and deep.

* Scanning access (available with LightWRITER SL40 CONNECT Scanning)
* Options of connecting one or two switches. This model is supplied with 2 x click switches.
* Transluscent keyboard keys are backlit when scanning
* Scanning: row/column pattern (row-by-row)available
* Scanning options include automatic scanning (single switch) and step scanning (two switches)
* Switches may be activated by hand, foot or head, chin or other body part
* Auditory feedback can be turned on/off depending on user preference
* Almost any switch can be used
* Keyboard is active while scanning occurs

Display
* Dual back-lit daylight readable displays are built in. One screen faces the user, the user screen, and the other screen faces in the opposite direction, the listener screen, so it can be seen by the conversation partner. This helps with face-to-face communication

Environmental Control
* The Lightwriter SL40 has a trainable infra-red transmitter in-built which can be trained to operate different infra-red remote control devices around the home. Although this feature is offered, it is not a strength of the Lightwriter with limited functionality being compatible with a restricted range of appliances. If environmental control is also required, consider stand-alone systems as well

Special Features
* inbuilt mobile phone for SMS and voice calls (available with LightWriter SL40 Connect).
* 1 USB port available. Allows documents written on the SL40 to be transferred to a Windows computer using a USB stick and opened as a .txt file for editing, printing and transferring back to the LightWriter if required

Portability
* The Lightwriter SL40 is designed for highly portable use and is easily carried
* The device is supplied with a carry case with shoulder strap. A belt strap, shoulder strap and carry handle are also supplied.
* A user-accessible carry case is an optional extra if required
* There is a mounting adapter available if there is a need to attach the device to mobility aids
* A rechargeable internal battery gives all day battery life with an AC adapter included for recharging when required

Accessories
The Lightwriter SL40 is supplied with
* An instruction manual and quick reference guide/s ( Quickstart and user guides)
* A carry bag with strap
* A strap kit (shoulder and waist strap and short carry handle and connections)
* A screw-driver, key-ring and tool for changing keyguard
* A charger
* Three keyguards for configuration of the keyboard (standard, raised keys and deep)
* Optional in-car chargers, mounting plates and wheelchair mounts are available
* A two year warranty covering damage incurred which is repaired at the manufacturer's cost

Optional Accessories include
* Mounting options for wheelchairs
* User accessible carry case

Considerations

Output
* Be aware of the speaker position on the device and take steps not to block the sound. (The SL40 speaker is next to the forward facing display so this should not be a problem.)

Input
* Synthesised speech should be setup to meet the need. Ensure that the speech sythesiser is setup up accordingly and also look at speech rate, pitch and volume so it can be clearly understood
* Regularly and appropriately clean the screen and keyboard
* Always remove any attached accessories before removing the device from a wheelchair mounted support system

Access
* Ensure the input settings best suited are applied so that access to the device is not a barrier
* Write down the settings of the device and keep them in a safe place. They may be needed in the future if they are accidentally changed or the device is reset to factory defaults
* Ensure type of switch selected is suitable if using scanning access

Portability
* Consider suitability for people who are independently mobile and the accessories available to assist
* Consider wheelchair mounting options at the same time as the device. Effective access to the device is linked to appropriate positioning

Programming
* As with all speech generating devices, as the communication needs of the person using the speech generating device changes, any pre-stored messages may also require changing. This may or may not be an ongoing process
* Consider whether the included language system for synthesised speech devices is the most appropriate for the communication need
* Consider whether the included language system can be supported in all environments until proficiency is reached

Special Features
* Although environmental control are built in, the effectiveness of this system is not as high as other dedicated stand alone options available
* Consider cost of SIM card plans (prepaid or postpaid)
* Devices with LCD screens can be harder to see outdoors and be aware of reflected glare

Batteries and Charging
* Internal batteries requiring charging regularly and also need proper care. They should always be charged with the AC adapter that came with the device
* The internal battery may require replacement after some years of use. This will be an additional cost. It is included under the 'no quibble' warranty during the warranty period.

Mounting and Installation
* Some wheelchair mounting options are available. A proper assessment of the access need should be a part of the entire prescription process

Accessories
* Consider which keyguards needs installing to assist with access needs and ask the vendor to install it prior to delivery
* Consider if the carry case allows the device to be used without removing the device
* Consider splash guards or waterproof covers to protect the device from moisture
* Are there any future consumables that will be required over the lifetime fo the device e.g. battery replacement after 2 years

Manuals and Support
* Detailed information to support programming and use of this device is available
* This device should be trialled to ensure suitability for an individual
* Training video's are available through the supplier to assist

Training Needs
* Consider your needs when selecting the device you want

Insurance
* As this a high expense device, consider taking insurance cover for this device against damage and theft

Prescription Guidelines
Assessment and advice from an interdisciplinary team, with an experienced speech pathologist and occupational therapist, in regard to mounting, programming and set up of this device is recommended.

Refer to the EnableNSW Prescription Guidelines for Speech Generating Devices for further information. This can be accessed at the EnableNSW website.

Place Of Manufacture

United Kingdom

Price Guide

Call supplier for pricing

Models

There are two models available

* LightWRITER SL40 Connect (a SIM card is not included. Tested with Telstra SIM cards)
* LightWRITER SL40 Connect Scanning (this model is supplied with 2 x click switches.)

Options

Optional Accessories include
* Mounting options for wheelchairs
* User accessible carry case

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.