The Wearable Advantage: How the SoundPOD ® Creates Communication Freedom Beyond the Device

In the evolving landscape of assistive communication technology, Forbes AAC continues to push boundaries with innovations that enhance not just functionality, but the human connection that lies at the heart of communication. Our SoundPOD® speaker represents a liberating communication experience for AAC users and is included with every Forbes AAC device.  

Amplified Presence in Noisy Environments 

Anyone who has attempted conversation in a crowded restaurant, family gathering, or classroom knows the frustration of competing with background noise. For AAC users, this challenge is amplified. 

The SoundPOD addresses this directly with enhanced volume capabilities that ensure the user's voice cuts through ambient noise with clarity and presence. By providing amplified sound projection greater than the tablet speakers themselves, the SoundPOD enables users to communicate confidently in environments that would typically overwhelm standard device speakers. 

Restoring Natural Face-to-Face Communication 

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the SoundPOD is how it shifts attention from the device to the person. When worn around the neck, the SoundPOD becomes an extension of the communicator rather than a separate tool. This subtle but powerful change encourages eye contact and more natural conversational dynamics. 

We designed the SoundPOD with the understanding that communication is fundamentally about human connection. By making the SoundPOD wearable, we help restore the natural flow of conversation that typically involves looking at the person speaking, not at their device. 

Wireless Freedom That Extends Communication Range 

The SoundPOD's wireless connectivity, with an impressive 75-foot range, introduces unprecedented spatial freedom for AAC users. This extended range means that communication is no longer limited to the immediate vicinity of the device. 

Consider the practical implications: A user can send a message from their bedroom to a caregiver in the kitchen without requiring the caregiver to be within visual range. Whether it's requesting assistance ("Can you bring me some water?") or sharing excitement ("Come check this out!"), the SoundPOD transforms these everyday interactions by removing physical barriers to communication. 

For parents, teachers, and caregivers, this means greater independence for AAC users and more natural household or classroom dynamics. It allows AAC users to participate in family life from different rooms, call for assistance when needed, or share thoughts without requiring everyone to be in the same space at all times. 

The Impact of Communication Freedom 

Beyond the technical specifications, the SoundPOD represents something more profound: dignity and agency in communication. By creating a more natural communication experience that centers on the person rather than the technology, Forbes AAC has addressed not just the functional aspects of assisted communication but its emotional and social dimensions as well. 

Users report feeling more "heard" and less defined by their devices when using the SoundPOD. The benefit of being able to project one's voice confidently in social settings cannot be overstated. For many, it transforms the experience from "using an AAC device" to simply "speaking." 

For those who rely on AAC technology, the freedom to communicate naturally and effectively isn't just a convenience—it's essential to full participation in human connection. With innovations like the SoundPOD, that freedom becomes increasingly accessible, one conversation at a time. 

Check out our full device lineup, paired with the SoundPOD, to begin your journey toward more natural and flexible communication.

Learn more about the SoundPOD

To schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated representatives, contact Forbes AAC today—we can't wait to hear from you! 

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