Talking Photo Albums
What is it?
Talking photo albums are devices that let you insert printed photos or pictures into plastic sleeves, with each page linked to a recorded voice message. When a user touches or presses a button on a page, the device plays the pre-recorded message associated with that picture. In AAC, talking photo albums are often used to help individuals tell personal stories, share information, sequence activities, communicate choices, or describe important people, places, or events.
How to use it?
A talking photo album is used by placing photos, pictures, or symbols into the album's plastic sleeves and recording a short message for each page. To communicate, the user turns to a page and presses the button to play the recorded message, allowing them to share information, tell a story, make choices, or participate in conversations.
Why use it?
Talking photo albums are valuable tools because they make communication more personal, meaningful, and accessible, especially for individuals with complex communication needs. They combine pictures and voice recordings, allowing users to share stories, express preferences, and participate in conversations even if they have limited verbal speech. Talking photo albums also support memory, social interaction, and language development, providing a simple, portable way to build communication skills across home, school, and community settings. In the inclusive classroom, talking photo albums can help bridge the gap between school and home.
