Abstract: A communications device suitable for use by severely handicapped persons having speech impairments and capable of only spastic movements comprises a housing in which speech reproduction apparatus is located for storing and reproducing pre-recorded audio message segments. The exterior of the housing has a nearly horizontal front portion on a console on which three relatively large (approximately 5".times.5") pressure-operated paddle switch actuator members are located. A vertical display panel is located immediately behind the paddle actuators and has on it visual aid cards which have a symbol identical to the recorded message which is to be reproduced by actuation of the appropriate paddle. Pressure on the selected paddle closes a switch which turns on a light associated with the selected visual aid card and also actuates the reproduction of an audio message corresponding to the visual aid card.