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How feedback helps in practice

VoiceToys devices give immediate feedback: a child’s voice, sound or movement instantly gets a visible, audible or tangible response. On this page we show how professionals use this in their work, with examples from the Manual and experience from practice.

Visual feedback on the voice is an established part of voice and speech therapy practice, and multisensory stimulation is used in sensory integration approaches (A. Jean Ayres) and in snoezelen. The devices are a tool in the hands of professionals; choosing goals and activities and judging progress remain the therapist’s decision.

What each device shows

  • VibeY — Responds to: pitch and loudness of the voice. Feedback: coloured light according to pitch and gentle vibration according to loudness.
  • SpreadY — Responds to: loudness of the voice, or the therapist switches on the light on a chosen stick directly from the app. Feedback: lights on five sticks that switch on in sequence and give the impression of the voice spreading.
  • JumpY — Responds to: sound level, a sharp sound (a clap) or movement in front of the sensor. Feedback: lights on the panel: level, colours and games with lines.
  • SpaceY — Responds to: the therapist chooses the sound in the app. Feedback: sound from a particular speaker; light and sound confirm a correct or incorrect answer.

How does a visual display of sound level help?

  1. Immediate feedback. The child sees at once how their voice sounds: how loud it is, how long it lasts and how it changes. Features of the voice that a child otherwise finds hard to follow become visible.
  2. Link between voice and effect. When the light responds to the voice, the child notices the link between what they do and what happens. It is a good start for play and for cooperation with the therapist.
  3. Loudness. The child sees when they speak too quietly or too loudly and, through play, practises keeping the voice at the agreed level.
  4. Duration and rhythm. The lights show how long the voice lasts and what its rhythm is, so sustained vocalization, pauses and rhythm are practised through play.
  5. Motivation. Children gladly repeat an activity that “answers” them with light straight away. This makes it easier for the therapist to keep attention and repetition going.

How does vibro-tactile feedback help?

  1. One more sensory channel. VibeY turns sound into gentle vibration, so the child can feel the voice, not only hear it. This is especially useful for children for whom the auditory channel is less accessible.
  2. Working with children with hearing loss. Vibration and light give information about the voice that does not rely on hearing alone.
  3. Multisensory learning. When hearing, sight and touch are involved at the same time, many children follow the task more easily and stay engaged longer.
  4. Motivation and cooperation. Feeling the vibration when the voice appears is interesting and rewarding for children, which encourages active participation.

Examples from practice

  • Color the Picture (VibeY): The child chooses an outline, which the therapist places on VibeY, and “colors” it with light by singing the name of the object at different pitches. Manual
  • Vowel Duration (SpreadY): The child sings a vowel for as long as possible; the sticks stay lit while the voice lasts and the seconds are counted. Manual
  • Close Far (JumpY): The child moves towards and away from the sensor, and the lights on the panel rise and fall: the concepts of near and far through movement. Manual
  • Guess Where (SpaceY): The speakers are placed around the child, who remembers and repeats sequences of sounds and the places they came from. Manual

From professionals’ practice

“Using the VoiceToys system, different rhythmic structures can be practised as preparation for saying words, and later sentences. It meant a lot to me in work with children who did not vocalize spontaneously. When a child produced effects on the VoiceToys system with their own voice, it felt like magic!”
— Katarina Radaković, MA special educator, teacher of the deaf, “Radivoj Popović” Primary School, Belgrade

“Using the VoiceToys system in practice is useful for several reasons: modern, fun and creative tasks that can be shaped to the needs of speech-language practice. I enjoyed using them!”
— Tanja Milovanović, aphasiologist, “Logoped za odrasle”, Belgrade

“In work with children, the key is imagination, emotion and expression — and that is exactly where VoiceToys is a powerful ally. When the lights come on and the sounds play, it is our secret ingredient for lessons that win children’s hearts!”
— Jelena Stošić Jović, PhD candidate, “Učiteljica koja ne želi da odraste”, Lebane

“Children accepted VoiceToys as something new in the field of assistive technology, and it lets teachers bring creativity and innovation to their lessons. It also makes learning easier, because we can develop certain skills and concepts in children in a fun way.”
— Aleksandra Bukovica, principal, “Miloje Pavlović” Primary School, Belgrade

Safety

Before starting, the professional assesses whether the child is sensitive to light, sound or vibration and adjusts the device functions accordingly. The devices emit changing and flashing lights; for children with epilepsy or a previous reaction to flashing light, read the warnings in the Guide.

VoiceToys devices are a tool in the hands of professionals. Choosing goals and activities and judging progress remain the therapist’s decision. The devices are not intended for independent use by children.

VoiceToys is not a medical device and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. It is intended for professionals as a supporting tool in their work.

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