AJ Patnode and Family - Latest News

Springboard Communication Device

June 2008

For a little over two years now, we have been supporting AJ with a switch activated communication device. The one we have is called a Springboard.

AJ listens to eight different prompts on each pre-set page through his personal headphones. As the Springboard scans each prompt it is highlighted (note the red highlighted prompt in picture). At that time, AJ can select that prompt with his switch (note the green button by his elbow) and the Springboard speaks out loud what AJ is wanting. An example would be: AJ hears "Hello" through his earphones then pushes his switch and we all hear "HELLO".

We believe in AJ and that he understands the purpose of his Springboard. The main focus we have is to get him interested in the different pages (currently there are 63 pages) and to respond accordingly. I often hear "Mom, come sit by me" when I am attending to other things or we'll be talking about a recent event and AJ will say "What's that?", so we tell him a little more about the event.

With school we incorporate his Springboard as well and get varied results. This keeps us working to fine tune positioning or activity and again trying to spark an interest. It is an exciting adventure into AJ's thoughts and as we gain his interest we look forward to continued intent, problem solving for AJ. "The possibilities are endless".

~Mike & Loree

Back to Latest News