Introduction

The video below offers an introduction and overview of how to use the LITTLE Step-by-Step speech device. It will guide you through the initial setup, including adding a battery, selecting a level, and recording messages.

How to record messages on your BIG Step-by-Step

1. Ensure you’ve properly installed a new, 9V Alkaline battery into your device.
2. Turn the device on.
3. Select the level you’d like to record on by moving the Level switch to 1, 2, or 3.
4. Press and hold the RECORD button on the back of the device until the LED lights up solid Red, then release the switch.
5. Press and hold down the main switch top of your device. The LED will flash Red when recording.
6. Speak your message into the communication device, then release the switch top to complete the recording.
7. Repeat steps 3-5 for additional messages/levels. 
8. When finished, press the RECORD button one time to exit record mode.

Advanced Features

In the video below, we explore the advanced functionalities of the BIG Step-by-Step. Here are the topics we cover, along with their video timestamps:

0:00 – Intro
0:23 – Using Levels with the BIG Step-by-Step
1:34 – Using Overlays with the BIG Step-by-Step
1:53 – Using Alternate Switch Caps with the BIG Step-by-Step
2:20 – Using an External Switch with the BIG Step-by-Step
2:47 – Controlling Toys or Appliances with the BIG Step-by-Step

Additional Resource Links

• BIG Step-by-Step Quick Start Guide
• BIG Step-by-Step Instructions for Use
• Blank Overlays

Tips and Troubleshooting

LED Light Indicator 

The LED above the record switch indicates the status of the LITTLE Step-by-Step. Here are the LED colors and light patterns for each status:

• Red LED
  • Flashing, followed by a pause, followed by flashing – the battery is low
  • Steady for 1 second – the device is powered on
  • Steady – the device is in record mode
  • Continuous flashing – a message is being recorded
  • Single flash – a message is being played
  • Flashing, followed by audible warbled beep – the device’s memory has been cleared
• Yellow LED
  • Steady for 1 second – the device has no recorded message
  • Flashing (while in Record mode) – the device’s memory/ storage is full

Battery

We recommend always using regular, alkaline batteries to avoid any issues with recording or playing messages. If your device is not working correctly, it may be due to one of two battery issues:

1. Low or Depleted Batteries: The batteries in your device may need to be replaced.
2. Battery Type Issues: If you’re using rechargeable batteries or batteries labeled “Heavy Duty,” “Industrial Grade,” or “ProCell,” these types may cause the device to behave as if the batteries are low or dead. These battery types handle power differently than regular alkaline batteries, so we do not recommend using them with this product.

How to resolve:

• Replace the batteries with new, regular alkaline batteries.
• Make sure the replacement batteries are fresh and recently purchased. Used batteries or those that have been sitting unused for a long time may not deliver enough power to operate your device effectively.

The video below demonstrates how to install a 9V battery into the device. 

Additional Support

Please visit the BIG Step-by-Step Support Hub for additional support resources. If you have any additional questions, please contact the ableCARE Product Success Team for further assistance.

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