Recordable buttons are a type of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. They can help people communicate when talking is difficult. They can be used to support learning cause and effect, and to show the power of communication! Recordable buttons might also be used to record verbal reminders or step-by-step instructions for someone.

Someone can record their voice on the device. This voice recording will speak when the button is activated. It can be activated by pressing down on the surface or by using a connected switch.

What kinds of recordable buttons are there?

Recordable buttons come in many different styles. Some only play back a message; others can also be used as an activation switch for a connected toy.

Single Message

Examples of a single button with one recordable message include:

• BIGmack, LITTLEmack, and TalkingBrix from AbleNet
• Mini-Coms and Put-Em-Arounds from Enabling Devices

Multiple Buttons

Some devices have multiple, connected buttons that each say a single message. Examples include:

• iTalk2 and iTalk 4 from AbleNet
• Talkables and the Reading Time Communicator from Enabling Devices

Step Levels

There are also devices where several messages can be recorded and played back in a certain order. These are called step levels. Examples include:

• BIG Step-by-Step and LITTLE Step-by-Step from AbleNet
• Mini-Com Sequencer and Small Talk Sequencer (with Levels) from Enabling Devices