Voice recording machines allow people to record messages, meetings or other audio input, which can be played back at a later date. Voice recording machines can be especially helpful for people with memory or concentration difficulties, visual impairment or upper limb impairments.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Note taking is an integral part of many job roles, however, for some individuals with disability, it can be very difficult. Using a voice recording machine can assist with this task as it allows the individual to record meetings or training sessions and listen to them at a later date for reference or for transcription.
Cassette style voice recorders require the user to physically transcribe the recorded contents, whereas digital voice recorders enable the user to connect the recorder to a computer via a USB port and download the material. This can then be read using screen reading software and other adaptive technology. Digital recorders also often have a higher speech quality and have directional microphones allowing the area of sound capturing to be adjusted.
Small voice recorders are also available for recording short messages such as workplace shopping lists or memos. These recorders allow individuals to make short notes and replay them at a later date.
For other assistive note taking solutions see the links below:
References
Philips 2008, Digital Dictation, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Eindhoven, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.dictation.philips.com/index.php?id=51&CC=AU.
Philips 2008, Analogue Dictation, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Eindhoven, viewed 13 May 2011,
http://www.dictation.philips.com/index.php?id=50&CC=AU.
Spectronics 2011, Go Talk Button, Spectronics, Rochedale, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/gotalk-button.
Work and Study Tech 2010, DM-450 Conference Recorder, Work and Study Tech Ltd, Christchurch, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.wst.co.nz/home/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=342.
Vision Australia 2008, Television and sound equipment: 12 minute voice recorder, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 13 May 2011, https://secure.visionaustralia.org/visionaustralia/onlineshop/ProductDetail.aspx?ID=515.