The term "VOCA" stands for Voice Output Communication Aid and refers to a general category of communication devices that can record and play back voice messages. We, Pacific Supply, is the exclusive distributor in Japan of AbleNet, Inc. in the United States and have been handling AbleNet products for about 30 years. VOCA products from AbleNet are used as tools to assist communication for people with speech difficulties at special needs schools, child development support centers, and various other locations throughout Japan. This time, we had the opportunity to speak with a mother of VOCA users and staff members from the workshop about how the VOCA "Quick Talker 12" was used at the time of its introduction and how it is being used now. We would like to share their story with you.

User Profile

Name : Kana (pseudonym)
Diagnosis: Selective Mutism
History:
 - Graduated from the special needs class at Osaka Prefectural Moriguchi High School.
 - Since 2003, she has been receiving services under Japan's disability welfare system, including daily life care and Type B continuous employment support.　
 - Since 2007, she has been receiving services and participating in activities at a workshop providing daily life care and Type B continuous employment support. 
Device in use: Quick Talker 12
Usage Histroty: App. 10 years

To be honest, she hasn't been using her VOCA very much lately

When we visited to inquire about the use of the VOCA, the first thing her mother said was, "Actually, she (Kana) is not really using it these days." She then gently took out the QuickTalker 12, carefully stored in a large drawstring bag, and showed it to us. Kana, who has selective mutism, is now reportedly communicating verbally with staff and her peers at the workshop, without relying on the VOCA.

Kana usually spends five days a week at the workshop and weekends at home. She enjoys eating out and shopping, but due to her selective mutism, she previously did not speak at all outside of her home. Our recent visit, based on information from around ten years ago when her VOCA was first delivered, revealed changes that left us both surprised and genuinely happy to hear.

First, could you tell us about the situation when the VOCA was introduced and how it is now?

*Green : Situation when joining the workshop.
*Orange : Current situation

 ●She started by attending the workshop three days a week. Feeling confused in a new environment, she would sometimes stop in front of the workshop, unable to enter, and would return home without working.
  →At the workshop, she takes on the role of leading the morning and closing meetings. During the period of activity restrictions due to COVID-19, she also served as a model for proper handwashing.

 ●As she became more accustomed to the work, she began to try using the VOCA (Super Talker) to improve her interpersonal communication. The messages were recorded with the voices of the workshop staff.
　→She has used the QuickTalker 12. At home, she independently recorded messages for all 5 levels in preparation.

●She began interacting with others by playing VOCA messages for greetings such as 'Good morning' and at the end of work. Gradually, she started speaking herself in sync with the VOCA's output.
  →At the ophthalmology clinic where she had her first visit, she responded with her own voice to the nurse and was able to undergo a vision test. She also expressed her gratitude to the staff member who was transferring, speaking in front of everyone at the workshop without using the VOCA.

Compared to when she first joined, it is clear that she has become much more proactive. We understand that Kana recorded all the VOCA messages herself at home in preparation. Was there any specific trigger for this?

When Kana became more accustomed to using the VOCA and recorded her own voice, she realized that her voice was too soft to be easily heard, which made it difficult for others to understand. Although she still experiences selective mutism with certain staff members and men, her expressions have become brighter compared to before, and it seems that emotions such as wanting to express happiness are now reflected in her behavior.

Recently, she has started talking after coming home about things like whether she was able to communicate well or what she could have done differently in certain situations. These are the kinds of concerns that anyone in society might have.

As Kana continues to grow, what do you hope for her moving forward?

I hope that Kana will be able to use short-term residential care in the future. In the past, we had a difficult experience at another workshop — things didn’t go well, and she ended up pulling up the carpet and moving all the furniture out of the room. I believe that happened because we hadn't properly explained things to her in advance, and she used the short-term residential care without fully understanding what was going on, which made her feel anxious. For both of our futures — hers and mine — I really hope that she can become comfortable using short-term residential care someday.

Comments from Staff Members at the workshop：

We will continue to support Kana and her mother in a way that aligns with their wishes. Even though it’s called short-term resodemtial care, it doesn’t have to start with an overnight stay — day visits and tours are also possible. We hope to take a flexible approach that suits Kana’s feelings and condition.

Reflections After the Interview

It has been nearly 20 years since she graduated from high school, and about 10 years since she began using a VOCA. With a reliable means of communication now in place, it feels that her overall quality of life has significantly improved.

One of the most significant changes has been that Kana is now able to vocalize along with her VOCA messages and has come to understand how her voice is perceived by others. As a result, her intentions are now clearly conveyed, which is reflected in her facial expressions and her willingness to actively engage with those around her. What makes us especially happy is seeing this positive change in her attitude. Not only within the workshop, but even in places she visits for the first time, she has begun to speak out loud. Hearing about the many outcomes made possible through the use of VOCA has once again reaffirmed its effectiveness.

Quick Talker 12

This is a communication aid that allows messages to be recorded and played back using individual buttons. It has a total of 12 buttons: 9 buttons at the bottom support 5 levels, allowing users to switch between sets of messages (9 × 5 = 45 messages), and 3 core message buttons at the top, making it possible to use up to 48 messages in total. Users can place overlays with illustrations or text over the buttons to identify the recorded messages.

•    Core Message : 3
• 　Number of Message : 9 message × 5 Levels = 45 messages in total
• 　Total Recording Time:  12 minutes
  　For more details, please access here (Only in Japanese)

List of Messages that Kana recorded on Quick Talker 12

Core Messages（3 buttons at the top that can be played back regardless of the levels）

• Good Morning
• My task is done
• Good bye, everyone

Level １：9 Messages

Good Morning	My task is done	Good bye, everyone
I've worked on Company A.	I've worked on Company B.	I love sea turtles! What animal do you like?
I love Nintama Rantarō. What is your favorite anime?	What is your favorite TV program?	What is your favorite baseball team?
Please be quiet	Looking forward to lunch today!	I love anime!

Level 2：9 Messages

Good Morning	My task is done	Good bye, everyone
We will start the morning meeting now.	Please share your tommorow's schedule.	I've worked on Company C.
The end of day meeting will close.	Nice to meet you. I'm Kana.	I've worked on Company D.
I want to buy CDs.	What do you want to buy?	I spent my time relaxing.

Level 3 and onwards

She has been recording the names of staff members and colleagues at the workshop, and She prepared everything by personally recording all 48 messages and writing them down on the overlays.