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Canon Communicator


Description

The Canon Communicator CC-7S is a communication board with a built-in paper printout unit and voice input/output capabilities. When the keys are pressed, messages can be printed out on the tape in regular (lower or upper case) or enlarged print (double width). There are also 780 color picture stickers for use as reminders of each key's memory contents. Message memory contents can be transferred and duplicated to other Canon Communicator units. CALCULATOR FUNCTION: Single or combined additions, subtractions, divisions and multiplications using constants are possible. KEYS/KEYBOARD: Choice of alphabetical or QWERTY keyboard layout. Single Key Operation Mode allows individuals with difficulty striking specific keys to designate the row and column intersecting over a key using the indicator lamps on the keyboard's right and bottom edge. All functions can be used in this mode. Special Character Keys can be assigned special characters and symbols for English, Nordic, German, French, Spanish, or Japanese. Keytop stickers for each language are provided.

Technical Specifications

MEMORY: The CC-7S differs from the CC-7P in that it has SOUND MEMORY. Up to 240 seconds can be recorded under the 26 alphabet keys for a total recording time. A microphone is provided for recording and playback is done through a built-in speaker. The CC-7S can store up to 7,000 characters under the 26 alphabet keys, allowing rapid printouts of frequently used phrases. The Memory Recall Mode is convenient for users that have difficulty typing out messages.

INPUT: Keys are entered with minimum pressure on soft-touch keyboard, using the Single Key Operation Mode, or by using any momentary switch with 1/8-inch plug to row and column scan.

POWER: Battery pack and charger (both included) give approximately 6 to 7 hours of continuous use. SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES: Battery pack, Canon Charger, keyboard cover, saliva guard, soft case, neck strap, 20 rolls of thermal tape, keytop stickers, memory mates.

Life-Enhancing Benefits

This device can also be used for life-enriching enhancement and there are countless areas where the device can assist in the quality of life for those that are challenged by disabilities and disease that affect their ability to effectively communicate. A few of those areas are explored below with regards the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC) devices.

Autisim

When looking into Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC) needs for patient suffering from this ailment, a study showed that the Canon Communicator was a notable device introduced into use in the 1970’s. It was considered notable because it was the only one at the time to come from a major company. It was also convenient due to its small size and strip printer functionality. A key point for determining whether to use AAC devices for autism patients is to ensure a quality assessment and evaluation is completed, especially for children with autism.

Reducing the Effects of Aging

The effects of using this type of AAC device were revealed in studies that reflected the families of patients wanting to see an increased ability in the areas of independence, competent communications, communication partners and improved communications opportunities. It should also be noted that the real effective use of AAC devices are much more effective if the device is easy to use and complemented with effective teaming and use with the whole circle of family and friends. In one study, it was related that only after years of ineffectual efforts to improve communication abilities affected by the aging process, the use of AAC devices such as the Canon Communicator actually provided a means of functional communications.

References

Canon Communicator CC-7S. Retrieved from http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=113583&top=0&productid=86356

Canon communicator use by adults: a retrospective study. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6457932

Vanderheiden, G. C. (2002). A journey through early augmentative communication and computer access. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 39(6), 39-54. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.bellevue.edu:80/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/215289817?accountid=28125

Balandin, S., & Morgan, J. (2001). Preparing for the future: Aging and alternative and augmentative communication.Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 17(2), 99. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.bellevue.edu:80/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/220495344?accountid=28125

Bailey, R. L., Parette,Howard P.,,Jr, Stoner, J. B., Angell, M. E., & Carroll, K. (2006). Family members' perceptions of augmentative and alternative communication device use. Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools, 37(1), 50-60. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.bellevue.edu:80/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/232590536?accountid=28125

Karen, Y. L. (2006). Meaningful exchanges for people with autism: An introduction to augmentative and alternative communication (topics in autism). Physical Therapy, 86(11), 1568. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.bellevue.edu:80/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/223108756?accountid=28125

AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS. Retrieved from http://nwoet.org/oatdlp2/augcom/documents/chap3/chap3_sec1.pdf

Syntactic Pre-Processing in Single-Word Prediction for Disabled People. Retrieved from http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/publications/Papers/1000145.pdf