Turn it on
Press and hold the on/off button 3–5 seconds. Open TouchChat. That is the start of the block — not a bag on a hook.
Lesson · AbleNet
QuickTalker Freestyle
This is a dedicated communication device, not a classroom iPad. TouchChat is already on it. This lesson is daily care, volume, charging, strap, kickstand, and who to call — with the official AbleNet steps written in.
The how-to is written in this lesson so you can train here. Official page: QuickTalker Freestyle — all resources
During the school day
Keep it in reach
On, unzipped, where Trevor can hit it. Charging happens when he is not in instruction.
Volume
With the handle toward the ceiling, volume is on the left side of the top edge, under the handle. Press the left button. Mini: volume is on the bottom of the left edge, button closest to the handle.
Charge overnight
USB-C. AbleNet recommends a 20W USB-C power adapter and a 1 m USB-C cable. Charge when he is not using it. Do not park it on a charger during a lesson.
If something is wrong
Volume, sleep, and a dark screen are classroom snags. A missing speech app is an ableCARE call. Do not factory-reset. Do not install another speech app. If you can leave TouchChat during the day, stop and call ableCARE — Guided Access is already supposed to be on.
ableCARE
Product support for the device and the speech app. Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Central. Phone (800) 322-0956 or (651) 294-3101. Do not factory-reset. Do not install another speech app.
Charge
Official: Replacement charger options
- Standard and Mini Freestyle: 20W USB-C power adapter + USB-C charge cable (1 m).
- Replacement charger: AbleNet accessory request — do not borrow a random high-watt brick without ableCARE.
- Newer replacement devices charge USB-C and may have no Home button (edge-to-edge screen). The speech app is still TouchChat.
- Charge overnight. A dead device at dismissal is a missed voice going home.
If it is too quiet
Official: Bluetooth speaker · Amplified sound
- 1
If classmates cannot hear the device, check volume first (handle toward ceiling, left top-edge button).
- 2
Inspect the headphone jack for debris — debris can mute the built-in speakers.
- 3
For more volume, pair a Bluetooth speaker AbleNet has approved. Accessory requests can go through the five-year warranty.
- 4
Settings → Bluetooth → tap the speaker name under Other Devices.
- 5
Test: change volume and hit a button. Sound should come from the speaker.
- 6
When the Bluetooth speaker is on, sound goes there automatically. Turn the speaker off to use the QuickTalker speakers again.
- 7
If AbleNet sent a clip-on speaker, attach it to the metal D-ring with a split keyring — not the cloth handle.
Shoulder strap
Official: Attaching a shoulder strap
- 1
Parts: shoulder strap, quick-release buckles, nylon rope loops, metal D-rings on the case. Use the extension strap if you need length.
- 2
Press the quick-release buckles and take the strap ends off.
- 3
Find the metal D-rings (not the cloth handle).
- 4
Slip the nylon rope through one D-ring. Pull the buckle end through the nylon loop to lock it.
- 5
Repeat on the other side.
- 6
If you use extensions: connect the strap to the extensions, then slide the adjusters. Away lengthens, closer shortens. Keep both sides even so it sits centered.
- 7
If the carrying handle is broken, that is a warranty item — ableCARE, not a classroom repair.
Kickstand
Official: Remove and reattach the kickstand. Only if AbleNet or OT asked you to change the mount.
- 1
These steps are only for a QuickTalker Freestyle whose kickstand is the round MagConnect attachment — no QR codes, no threaded holes.
- 2
Place the device screen-down so you can see the back of the case.
- 3
Use a 3 mm hex key to remove the four screws in the corners of the kickstand. They have Loctite — they take real force.
- 4
Lift the kickstand off. Store the kickstand and four screws together so you can put it back.
- 5
You can now place the device in the Quick Ready Table Holder if that is the approved mount.
- 6
To reattach: reverse the steps. If the kickstand has four threaded inserts or QR codes, stop — that is a different mount. Call ableCARE.
Serial number (warranty)
Official: Find the serial number. Five-year AbleNet warranty. Call ableCARE before peeling the case.
- 1
Needed for warranty. Do not peel the case unless the device will not turn on.
- 2
If it is on: Settings (in the utilities folder) → General → About → Serial Number.
- 3
If it will not turn on: start at the charge-port side. Peel the rubber corner away from the screen, then the other corner, then peel the rubber back like a banana.
- 4
Look for a barcode sticker, or small print near the charge port on the line labeled Serial.
- 5
Put the case back on. Call ableCARE with the number. Do not leave the electronics bare in class.
Not his device, not his app
QuickTalker FT 7, 12, and 23
Those are overlay / button devices — paper symbols on a static board. Trevor’s device is the QuickTalker Freestyle (TouchChat on a dedicated iPadOS SGD). Do not swap him onto an FT because it ‘looks simpler.’
Symbol Overlay Maker
AbleNet app for printing paper overlays (Mac, Windows, or iPad). Useful for a low-tech core board that mirrors HIS homepage. Not a reason to rebuild his WordPower file, and not an app to install on the Freestyle.
Request to add a speech app
AbleNet has a form for adding apps to a Freestyle. Campus staff do not fill that form to put Discover or another SGD on Trevor’s device.
Trevor AAC Training for Trevor Rivard · Lessons include official AbleTeams, PRC-Saltillo, and Language Lab how-tos · Training only — no student records