Instructions For Use LITTLE Step-by-Step

Issue Date: February 26, 2024

Revision: 1.0

Model: 10000044

UDID: 00850011150092

Intended Purpose

LITTLE Step-by-Step is an easy-to-use communication aid with voice output and intended for people who cannot or cannot yet use more complex static or dynamic systems.

Clinical Benefits of the Device

This device serves as a beginning tool to assist a patient with verbal communication. Its benefit is to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of communication for individuals who are unable to communicate via verbal speech.

Performance Characteristics and Information for Health Care Professional

Characteristic	Details
Messages/Levels	As many as you can record in 4-min / 3
Recording Time	4-min
Switch Input	1
Toy/Appliance Output/ECU	1
Activation Surface	2.5-in/6.4-cm
Activation Force	2- to 3-oz/57- to 85-g
Weight with Battery	8.5-oz/241-g
Battery Type	9-volt. Standard alkaline 9V batteries are highly recommended. Alternative batteries may cause inconsistencies.
Mounting Connection	Quick Ready Mounting Plate for Assistive Technology
HCPC Code	E2500
Material	Housing - ABS Plastic
Mounting	Threaded inserts (Qty: 2, Thread: 6-32, Center Distance: 2.05-in (5.2-cm))
Suggested Operating Environment	Ambient Temperature Range: 32°F - 95°F (0°C - 35°C), Humidity: 10% - 95% (no condensation)
Suggested Transportation and Storage	Ambient Temperature Range: -25°F - 158°F (-31°C - 70°C), Humidity: 10% - 95% (no condensation)

Risks, Warnings, and Contra-indications

LITTLE Step-by-Step is neither waterproof nor completely water resistant. Do not immerse the device in water or any other liquid. Ensure no liquids are spilled on the device.

LITTLE Step-by-Step is not recommended for use as access to a call system.

Device Overview

The LITTLE Step-by-Step device features several components for its operation and mounting.

Top and Side View Components:

1. Switch Top: The main activation surface for the device.
2. Levels Switch: Used to select different recording levels.

Bottom View Components:

3. Battery Compartment: Houses the 9V battery.
4. D-ring: A mounting or attachment point.
5. Threaded Inserts For Mounting: Two threaded inserts (6-32 thread, 2.05-in center distance) for attaching mounting plates.

Rear View Ports and Controls:

6. 1/8-in/3.5-mm toy/appliance input jack: Connects to switch-adapted toys or appliances.
7. 1/8-in/3.5-mm switch input jack: Connects to an external switch.
8. On/Off and volume control: Powers the device and adjusts sound volume.
9. Record button: Initiates and stops the recording process.
10. Recording Indicator light: Illuminates when the device is in record mode.
11. Microphone: Captures spoken messages.
12. Sound output speaker: Plays recorded messages.

Switch Caps:

13. Clear Switch Cap: A protective cap for the switch top, allowing for custom overlays.
14. Red Switch Cap: An alternative colored cap for the switch top.
15. Yellow Switch Top: An alternative colored cap for the switch top.
16. Green Switch Top: An alternative colored cap for the switch top.
17. Blue Switch Top: An alternative colored cap for the switch top.

Use Instructions

First Time Use

Turn on LITTLE Step-by-Step.
Select a desired level using the Levels Switch.
Press and hold the record button until the recording indicator light turns on.
Press and hold the colored switch top. Speak into the microphone after hearing the beep.
When done recording, release the colored switch top.
Repeat steps 3-5 for additional messages.
Press the record button to exit record mode.
Adjust the volume as needed.

Using Levels

The Little Step-by-Step provides three recording levels for increased flexibility.

Use the Levels Switch on the side to select a level.
Hold the record button until the recording indicator light illuminates to enter record mode, then record messages.
Use the Levels Switch to choose a different level.
Repeat this process for the third level.
Press the record button to exit record mode when finished recording.
Move the Levels Switch to the desired level and activate the Switch Top to play the recorded messages for that level.

Using Overlays

A clear snap switch cap is included. Place a picture or symbol on the switch top and secure it by snapping the Switch Cap over it.

Using Alternate Switch Caps

Begin by removing the Clear Cap.
Firmly rotate the colored Switch Top counter-clockwise to remove it.
Attach a new Switch Top by rotating it clockwise until it stops.
Replace the Clear Cap.

Using External Switch

The Little Step-by-Step can be controlled with an external switch. Attach a switch with a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mono phone plug into the Switch Input jack on the back of the device.

Controlling Toys or Appliances

The LITTLE Step-by-Step's Toy/Appliance jack allows activation of switch-adapted toys or appliances.

Plug any switch-adapted toy or appliance into the Toy/Appliance jack.
While recording a message, press the Record Button once to assign a toy or appliance to that message. When the message is played, the attached toy or appliance will activate for the duration of the recorded message.

Preparatory Treatment

Cleaning and disinfecting AbleNet assistive technology devices between uses is essential for user health and safety. Follow these steps to help prevent the spread of germs.

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as protective gloves and safety glasses.

Cleaning Your Device

Before disinfecting, remove any dirt or debris from the device.
Turn the device off and remove the batteries.
Remove any large chunks, visible heavy dirt, or debris attached to the device.
Wipe down the device with cleaning wipes.
Use a cotton swab soaked with cleaner for tight areas not accessible with wipes.
Allow the device to dry completely.

Disinfect Your Device

After cleaning, disinfect the device. Protective gloves may be required to prevent transferring dirt or debris.

Ensure the device is off and batteries are removed.
Use a clean towel or wipes with a Virucidal, Bactericidal, Pseudomonacidal, Tuberculocidal, or Fungicidal disinfectant. These chemicals require the surface to remain wet for at least 4 minutes for disinfection.
Use a cotton swab soaked with disinfectant for tight areas. Ensure the chemical stays wet for at least 4 minutes.
Allow the device to air-dry entirely before use.

Troubleshooting

Does not play message(s)

If the LITTLE Step-by-Step does not play a message, check the following:

Verify you have fresh alkaline batteries. Other battery chemistries are not recommended.
Verify that LITTLE Step-by-Step is turned on and the volume level is turned up.

LITTLE Step-by-Step has low volume

When activated, the LITTLE Step-by-Step is too quiet.

Ensure the volume is turned up all the way.
Rerecord the message. A louder recording will result in louder playback.

Will not operate toy or appliance that is plugged into it

Ensure LITTLE Step-by-Step is turned on. The toy or appliance will activate for the duration of the message playback. It will not operate without playing a message.

LITTLE Step-by-Step only plays one message

Press and release the record button once to release the message hold function.

Preventative and Regular Maintenance

Clean the LITTLE Step-by-Step as necessary. No scheduled maintenance is required.

Reusable

LITTLE Step-by-Step should be returned to the manufacturer for cleaning, testing, and refurbishment before reuse with another patient.

Devices Used Together With

LITTLE Step-by-Step can control other switch-adapted devices. Its messages can also be accessed with any ability switch that has a male 1/4 in (3.2mm) mono phone plug. Examples include the AbleNet Jellybean Switch, AbleNet Spec switch, and AbleNet Big Red switch.

Proper Disposal

LITTLE Step-by-Step contains electronic components and should not be disposed of in regular household or business waste. Dispose of it through a licensed electronics recycler that accepts lithium-ion batteries.

When to Contact a Healthcare Professional

Contact a healthcare professional if you experience difficulty accessing the switches or require assistance with product placement, or if there is a change in your condition.

Notice of Serious Incident

If a serious incident occurs while using this device, seek medical attention and report the incident to AbleNet, Inc. and your competent authority in the member state.

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