Which type of device uses lights or vibrations to alert individuals?

The type of device that uses lights or vibrations to alert individuals is commonly referred to as alerting devices. These devices are specifically designed to notify individuals, often those who are deaf or hard of hearing, about important sounds in their environment. They can use various sensory methods, such as flashing lights, vibrating alerts, or other mechanisms that provide notifications for alarms, doorbells, or phone calls.

Alerting devices play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and independence for individuals with hearing impairments. By providing alternative ways to perceive sounds, they ensure that all individuals can respond promptly to important notifications or dangers in their surroundings. The use of lights or vibrations makes these devices effective, as they cater to sensory modalities that may be more accessible to some users.

The other options focus on different functionalities; for instance, assistive listening devices help amplify sound, voice output communication aids generate spoken language through a device, and communication boards facilitate communication without involving auditory alerts.