Abstract: The present invention is a functional communication lexigram device and training method for operation thereof that animals autonomously operate to initiate communication to “voice” their choices to (a) the people around them using recorded spoken words or sounds (or other detectable cue) and/or to (b) wired, wireless or internet connected accessory devices receiving an output signal from the device. The invention includes the method for training the human and the animal how to operate the device using operant conditioning techniques. Using the training method, the animal is taught to press or touch button-like modalities that are identified by visual-tactile-auditory cues and by position in a fixed array and to associate pressing each of the particular button-like modalities with particular positive consequences.

Abstract: The present invention is a functional communication lexigram device and training method for operation thereof that animals autonomously operate to initiate communication to “voice” their choices to (a) the people around them using recorded spoken words or sounds (or other detectable cue) and/or to (b) wired, wireless or internet connected accessory devices receiving an output signal from the device. The invention includes the method for training the human and the animal how to operate the device using operant conditioning techniques. Using the training method, the animal is taught to press or touch button-like modalities that are identified by visual-tactile-auditory cues and by position in a fixed array and to associate pressing each of the particular button-like modalities with particular positive consequences.