BIG Step-by-Step
by AbleNet
Last verified June 20, 2026 · classified April 26, 2026
What it is
Summary
AI-generated from vendor-published content · April 26, 2026
The BIG Step-by-Step records a sequence of messages that play back one at a time with each press of the large button — so someone can work through a morning routine, tell a story, or follow step-by-step instructions without needing to navigate menus or a screen. It's designed for people who communicate with a single switch and need to cycle through a series of phrases in order, whether that's a student participating in circle time or an adult directing their care routine. The device comes ready to use with a 9V battery included, four color-swappable tops, and a clear cap to hold a picture symbol, making it a complete standalone tool rather than part of a larger system. The four minutes of total recording time is shared across all three levels, so users with lengthy or complex message sequences may find themselves managing that budget carefully.
Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
- AT Act lending
- Medicaid waiver
- Out of pocket
- School district
- Vocational rehab
What Setup Looks Like
- Out of the box
- Install the included 9V battery and press the button to confirm it powers on.
- Press and hold the record button, speak your first message, then release — repeat for each message in the sequence.
- Press the activation surface to cycle through messages in order.
- With a guide
- Plan the message sequence in writing before recording — determine which messages go on which of the three levels.
- Record all messages for Level 1, then switch to Level 2 and repeat, labeling each level with a picture symbol under the clear cap.
- Test the full sequence with the intended user and re-record any unclear messages. Allow 20–30 minutes total for a fully loaded device. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.
- With professional help
- An SLP or AAC specialist can help determine which vocabulary and message sequences best support the user's communication goals.
- One or two sessions with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) are recommended to integrate the device into an overall AAC or routine-based communication plan.
Getting it
Try Before You Buy
Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.
Where to Get It
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How to Fund This
Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.
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Sources & fine print
Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from AbleNet — view on vendor site; last verified June 20, 2026.
Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on April 26, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.