Introduction
The multisensory educational system "VoiceToys" (VT) is an interactive multifunctional platform for sensory stimulation in work with children, in the field of assistive technology. The devices are used in work on vocalization and initial voice onset, early verbal imitations, voice pitch control, auditory and visual attention, memory, motor skills, and other psychomotor skills and abilities.
Since speech development disorders are often accompanied by slower psychomotor development, poor attention, and specific learning difficulties, the scope of application is continuously expanding. Today, VoiceToys is used by speech-language pathologists, special educators, audiologists, educators working with typically developing children, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.
VT devices represent a powerful stimulation tool that, through its design philosophy and functions, attracts children's attention. The combination of play and technology motivates children to actively participate in treatment, and makes it easier for the therapist to guide and adapt the activities. During treatment, the therapist provides instructions, guides, controls the flow, and monitors outcomes, maintaining a clear perspective and documenting progress. The child, as an active participant in the therapeutic process, repeats activities and establishes control over their performance.
The VoiceToys system is based on real-time feedback: the child's voice, sound or movement immediately receives a visible, audible or tactile response from the device. Such feedback makes voice features that a child otherwise finds hard to follow (loudness, pitch, duration, rhythm) perceivable, helps the child notice the link between their behaviour and its effect, and supports repetition and self-control. Visual feedback on the voice is an established part of voice and speech therapy practice, and multisensory stimulation is used in sensory integration (A. Jean Ayres) and Snoezelen approaches. The devices are a tool in the hands of a professional; the choice of goals and activities and the assessment of progress remain the therapist's professional decision.
Through practice, we are familiar with how long the process of acquiring knowledge and skills takes, especially in children with developmental difficulties. Since children learn best when motivated, VT devices allow them to enjoy learning unconsciously of the goal being set, making the entire process more engaging and accessible.
Why combine the devices?
Children differ in which channel attracts them and which is accessible to them: one child responds to light, another to vibration, another to sound in space. Combining the devices allows the same goal, for example control of voice loudness or auditory attention, to be set through different channels and forms of play, keeps motivation up and lets the task become gradually more complex.
VT devices that emit sound signals help children recognize and imitate sounds, words, and phrases, while additional visual support makes it easier for them to follow the content.
By combining VT devices with cards containing pictures, words, and texts, we stimulate children to acquire new information by recognizing the displayed content. Games in which the child actively participates, moves, and manipulates objects, involve work on basic motor skills and their use in daily activities.
When we sum up all these possibilities, the VoiceToys system allows the child to discover and acquire new content in various ways that are characteristic of them. The devices arouse children's interest and they become motivated and open to new experiences and impressions.
During assessment, the devices can help establish contact and motivation and offer an opportunity for informal observation of the child: coming to an assessment is a new experience for a child, and with the devices the child reacts and communicates more spontaneously. The devices are not a test, do not provide standardised results and do not replace standardised assessment instruments.
Intended purpose: VoiceToys is not a medical device within the meaning of medical device regulations and is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, alleviation or monitoring of disease, injury or disability. VoiceToys is an electronic multisensory stimulation system, intended for professionals as a supporting tool in speech and language therapy, special education, rehabilitation and educational practice. Assessment, choice of procedure and interpretation of progress are carried out exclusively by the professional. The manufacturer makes no claims and gives no guarantees regarding therapeutic outcomes.
This manual describes the functions and provides game suggestions for each of the 4 devices that make up the interactive multifunctional VoiceToys platform - VibeY, SpaceY, SpreadY, and JumpY. It is designed so that therapists get initial ideas for using VT devices, which they can later develop and adapt to their therapeutic process needs. The proposed games are simple and inspired by everyday practice.
Before using any of these devices, a qualified professional (speech-language pathologist, special educator, psychologist or other specialist working with child development) must assess possible risks to the child. Pay special attention to whether the child is hypersensitive to light, sound or vibration, and adapt the device's functions and way of working accordingly.
VoiceToys devices emit light effects, including changing and flashing lights. In people with photosensitive epilepsy or a tendency to seizures, light effects can trigger a seizure. Before working, check with the parent or guardian and in the child's records whether there is epilepsy or an earlier reaction to flashing light. A detailed warning is in the User Guide.