Abstract: A method and apparatus for interacting with a person receiving a sequence of inputs from a person, the sequence of inputs represent a sequence of symbols, multiple sections of an input unit are associated with the symbols, such that the person presses multiple sections to represent a predefined sequence. At least some of the sensors are associated with sections of the input unit. Processing the information sensed by the sensors and identifying the sequence of symbols from the sequence of inputs inputted. Comparing the identified sequence with a sequence stored in a repository. Outputting audio or visual signals in accordance with the identification of the sequence. The input unit having two or more regions divided into two or more different symbol types, one of the symbol types is letters, the sequence of inputs comprising letters and additional symbols, and multiple sections in each region.