GoTalk: A Communication Device for Everyone

(Photo courtesy of Kris Hoet)

GoTalk is a very affordable, basic communication device. It consists of one to twenty buttons that you program with images and a voice recording. Depending on the version, the GoTalk has a certain number of 'levels' which, similar to hitting the shift key on a keyboard, allows one button to play back multiple recordings. The GoTalk is commonly used for non-verbal people with autism, but it can be a great tool for anyone who has trouble communicating.

The GoTalk has been very helpful in facilitating communication with non-verbal children and in developing their speech skills over time. Because you pre-program the GoTalk to display and say whatever you need, it is a versatile tool that you can use over and over as your child grows. Some peope use the GoTalk for basic phrases like yes, no, bathroom, and food. But it is also useful for teaching children the nuances of certain types of items such as a series of buttons with different colors or with various types of foods. 

The GoTalk's come in several versions (the number refers to the number of buttons):

GoTalk One

GoTalk 4+

GoTalk 9+

GoTalk 20+

The buttons get smaller on the larger GoTalks, so we recommend an evaluation to see whether they are an effective tool for the individual who will use them.