Louna can neither speak, read nor write but manages to express herself thanks to this tablet.

Louna lives in Cuers, in a shared apartment, and every day she goes to the day school at the occupational center (1) of the Gensollen residence in Toulon, an establishment managed by the Umane group.

She takes part in creative workshops, practices judo, tennis and Nordic walking, attends the educational farm and is passionate about computers, with even more interest in this last hobby, as it allows her to overcome a serious handicap: Louna cannot speak, she cannot read or write.

She uses a "click2speak" tablet—literally, "click to speak"—to communicate with those around her. This alternative communication tool allows her to express her needs, desires, and emotions through pre-recorded pictograms selected according to each user's needs.

"A young person from the boarding school had purchased it and his mother had asked us to help him with his learning," recall Aurélie Danneville, head of department at the Gensollen residence, and Laurie, the residence's psychologist.

"We started working with a small group of residents and proposed this tool to the Umane group's innovation committee, which annually funds innovative projects."

It was Louna, very comfortable with digital tools, who presented this project to the committee, winning a budget for 5 tablets and exceptional funding for a 6th tool and to train the establishment's professionals.

Making everyday life and life choices easier

A few sessions are generally enough to help the user gain autonomy: 100% customizable, including with regard to the images used, the software allows you to work on social skills, recognition of emotions or daily habits: dressing, cooking, hygiene, etc.

The tablet also facilitates users' lifestyle choices. Some time ago, Louna expressed a desire to no longer live with her parents. After a temporary stay in a shelter, the team supporting her suggested she try shared accommodation, a lifestyle she embraced.

"Better communication allows us to support the life project based on the desires expressed by the person, not just on an interpretation of signs. They position themselves for these important choices."

A gain in autonomy

Louna, for her part, happily takes advantage of the autonomy gained with her "click and speak" tablet.

She takes the bus alone to reach the Gensollen home from her home in Cuers. "She already communicated very well with sounds and emoticons on her phone, but the tablet allows her to go out and make herself understood outside," says the psychologist.

"To go shopping or go dancing in a nightclub with friends," adds Louna, deftly clicking on her communication assistant.

"We worked on her interests and needs," Laurie continues. "She loves going to restaurants. In just a few clicks, she can ask: 'Can I have the menu?', choose what she wants to drink, ask where the restrooms are, ask for the bill... We tested it in real life, until we saw that she was independent."

Demonstration in support, Louna proves that her tablet offers her, as a bonus, the possibility of better expressing her mischievous personality.

When she introduces herself and is asked her age, the answer, programmed into the software, appears in two clicks... and at the same time as a great burst of laughter: "You don't ask a girl her age!" says the robotic voice of the tablet.

1. The occupational center offers adults with disabilities who have a certain degree of autonomy various activities adapted to their abilities.