This project aims to develop a low-cost, open-source, customizable communication device designed to assist individuals with speech and communication challenges, such as individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, or other developmental disorders.

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The device is inspired by the BigMack communicator, a device which allows for the recording and playback of messages up to 2 minutes long by pressing a large, impact-resistant button. While this device is widely used, we see three primary limitations: the price of $155 is high relative to the material cost, the adaptability of the software is limited and cannot be modified by instructors through a simple UI, and no more than one message can be stored at a time in the system.

 

We hope to empower caretakers to customize different aspects of the device (playback speed, playback delay) to their students’ specific needs. With expanded memory and a toggle system, students will be able to record multiple messages which can be toggled between intuitively and securely by caretakers.