Mid-Tech AAC Activities: Single Message Output Device
Language Arts
Participating in reading with "Turn the page."
Using during story time to participate with repetitive lines.
Recording a word/phrase from a story so child can respond during reading time.
Helping conduct a spelling test for classmates.
Reciting lines in school plays or programs.
Giving a report in a group presentation.
Using in language class to participate in songs or stories.
Recording short stories or parts of stories for sharing during story time.
Using for interjections or exclamations during stories: “Wowee!” or “Cool.”
Telling about a show-and-tell item.
Recording parts for classroom plays or skits.
Math
Indicating a correct answer with "That's right."
Requesting help with "I need help."
Indicating completion with "I'm done."
Science
Using in science class to announce experiments or findings.
Asking about a topic with "Tell me about this."
Making an observation with "I see this."
Requesting to learn more with "Tell me more."
Confirming results with "That's correct."
Social Studies
Participating in political campaigns or school elections: “Vote for...” if you have multiple one hit message devices, one for each choice.
Indicating a preference with "I like this part."
Requesting to learn more with "More information."
Confirming a fact with "That's correct."
Making a choice with "I choose this" or “This one.”
Music
Using during music class to participate in songs or stories.
Using in music class for singing parts.
Programming for introducing songs or performances during school programs.
Making interjections or funny noises in a song.
Activating a smart device or switch adapted device to play music.
Using to lead the “If you’re happy and you know it” song.
Art
Using during art activities to give instructions: “Paint here,” “Cut this.”
Physical Education
Using in PE for activities: “Run,” “Jump”
Playing games such as chase, “You can’t catch me!” or “You’re it!"
Playing games like Red Light, Green Light
Cheering for peers
Life Skills
Exchanging greetings, such as “Hello” and “Goodbye.”
Requesting more robust AAC option with “I have something to say.”
Answering "Yes" or "No" questions.
Requesting a turn with "My turn, please."
Expressing a need with "I need help."
Indicating a choice with "I choose this one."
Sharing an opinion with "I like this."
Asking for a repeat with "Can you say that again?"
Programming for taking a break: “I need a break”
Having by the bathroom door to communicate leaving for the bathroom: “I will be right back” or “I need to use the bathroom”
Calling for assistance from the bathroom "I need help."
Asking for help in the classroom with "I need help."
Asking to go outside with "Can we go outside?
Programming to share menu options for lunch
Using for announcing activities in class or school wide announcements
Starting a conversation: “What did you do this weekend? What did you think of the game?”
Using at meals to request “more” or indicate “finished”
Recording the daily schedule so the user can announce what’s next
Recording the weather or date for circle time so the child can “answer” the question
Programming messages for special events or holidays
Recording and sharing the day’s schedule during morning announcements
Sending a student to another classroom or office with a message like “It’s time for my medicine”
Using for farewells: “See you later.” “Have a good day”
Recording personal information (name, address, phone number)
Using for directions to caregivers: “Show me how to do that”
Using for announcing upcoming events or activities in class
Programming small talk responses: “Really?” “Yeah?” “Oh!”
Programming for compliments: “Good job!” “Well done!”
Buying items in a school shop or pretend shop
Leisure
Playing games such as chase, “You can’t catch me!” or “You’re it!"
Playing games like Red Light, Green Light
Recording a message for ordering food
Using during recess to communicate with peers, “Can I play?”
Cheering for favorite players at pep rallies, sporting events, etc.
Sharing personal interests: “My favorite TV show is...”
Initiating conversations with friends: “How was your weekend?”
Recording funny noises or sound effects for stories
Using for teasing in a friendly manner during activities
Programming for participating in scavenger hunts: “Look here!”
Telling jokes to different staff members and peers
Pranking others (e.g., “I think you dropped something, GOTCHA!”, “Your shoelace is untied. APRIL FOOLS!”)
Using for singing parts in group songs or performances
Recording students’ verbalizations so they can hear themselves.
The following devices (plus many others) allow for one message voice output:
BIGMack (Ablenet)
LITTLEMack (Ablenet)
TalkingBrix 2 (Ablenet)
GoTalk One (Attainment Company)
Big Button (Attainment Company)
GoTalk Button (Attainment Company)
Key Chain Talker (Attainment Company)
When selecting voices for mid-tech AAC devices, consider recording peers whose voices are age and gender appropriate to ensure the AAC user's communication sounds natural and relatable. This approach enhances the user's social interactions and acceptance among their peers.
These resources are built on the foundational work of Toni Waylor-Bowen, Ph.D., and Jessie Moreau, M.Ed., NBCT, who compiled "101 Ways to Use a Sequential Message AAC Device" in March 2008. It also draws from Barbara Solomonson, SLP, MS CCC-SLP's "101+ Ideas for Using the BIGmack or Other Single Message Communication Devices," and the insights from L. Piche and P. Locke's "45 Ideas for Using a Beginning VOCA" presented at the 1997 CSUN conference.