Abstract: A communication aid for helping people with severe communication problems to express their needs or thoughts to others. The communication aid includes a case on which a touch pad contains series of mode selection switches and a plurality of activation switches. An overlay sheet is mounted on the touch pad and includes at least one mode symbol illustrating a general category of need, and a plurality of message symbols, each illustrating a specific need falling within the category. The mode symbols corresponding in location to the mode selection switches and the message symbols corresponding in location to the activation switches. The communication aid also incorporates a memory device for storing a plurality of audio messages, each corresponding to one of the message symbols. When a mode selection switch and on of the activation switches are depressed, a sound message associated with the depressed activation switch is generated.

Abstract: A dual mode switch for use as a communication aid for the handicapped. The switch can be light activated or around activated, each have a momentary mode and a latching mode. In the momentary mode, the light switch is activated by a given change of impinging light from a first condition to a second condition, and the switch stays on as long as the light remains in the second condition, but turns off when the light returns to the first condition. In the latching mode, the switch stays on even after the light returns to the first condition, and turns off when the impinging light changes again to the second condition. The light switch is activated by moving a hand or other object over a photosensor to block or reduce impinging light, and the switch stays on as long as the hand is over the photosensor, but turns off when the hand is removed. In the latching mode, one pass of the hand turns the switch on, and another pass of the hand turns it off.

Abstract: A communication aid for a handicapped patient having only eye movement. The aid comprises a rigid transparent panel having a central opening therein and a plurality of transparent overlays each having a central aperture are individually mounted flatwise on the panel with the aperture in the overlay aligned with the opening. Each overlay contains a plurality of illustrations depicting objects or needs of the patient and the illustrations are spaced around the central aperture. An observer looking through the aligned aperture and opening can observe the eye movement of the patient and determine the illustration at which the patient is looking. The overlays are provided with identification indicia, such as a colored margin, with the color on each overlay being different than the color on other overlays, so that each overlay can be readily identified by the patient.

Abstract: A communication aid comprising a housing and a series of visual display cards bearing illustrations of objects are mounted in side-by-side relation on the front face of the housing. A group of lights are also disposed on the front face, each light being associated with a card. A group of physical objects corresponding to the objects depicted on the cards can also be positioned on a horizontal shelf on the housing directly above the corresponding card and light. The lights are connected in electrical circuit that is arranged so that each light is illuminated in sequential progression. A membrane-type switch is connected in the circuit and is located remotely of the housing. Through manual operation of the switch, the light progression is stopped at the selected card and/or object that expresses the student's answer or need. When the light progression is stopped, the selected light will blink repeatedly. By reactuating the switch, the light progression is re-established.

Abstract: A communication or educational aid comprising a housing having a generally flat surface, and a pointer is mounted for rotation on the surface. A pair of spaced guides are located on the surface and a panel or overlay containing a plurality of symbols, such as letters, words, pictures, or the like, is mounted in the guides and is provided with a slot which registers with the shaft of the pointer. The pointer is rotated by depressing a push button operating through an electrical circuit to thereby bring the pointer into registry with one of the symols on the panel.

Abstract: A communication aid comprising an assembly of illustrations individually mounted on a ring to provide a basic means of communication for individuals who have difficulty expressing their needs, or who cannot be understood by others. Each illustration or picture represents a necessity of living and is contained within the pocket of a transparent plastic envelope. Each envelope is mounted for free sliding movement on a ring. By sliding the envelopes along the ring, the individual can point to the illustration indicating his need.