Speaking for Yourself: AAC Devices Get Faster, Easier, More Flexible
By Wood, Tara; Quest, Vol. 11, No. 3Publication Date: May/June 2004
Article discusses advances in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, which are designed to address a wide spectrum of needs for consumers, including added independence. While many AAC devices are designed to accommodate children by incorporating symbols and pictures for creating speech, manufacturers find that a growing number of consumers are literate adults who have typing or computer experience. Four examples of these type-and-talk devices are listed: (1) Link Plus, from Assistive Technology, Incorporated, (2) the DynaWrite, from DynaVox, (3) the Handheld, from Enkidu Research, and (4) the LightWRITER, from Toby Churchill. The DynaWrite was inspired by considering the needs of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and can store thousands of pages of text and enable a user to prepare speeches, routine conversations, or lengthy statements in advance. The device also allows a user who is working on a long entry to switch to chat mode, have a conversation, and then return to the longer piece. The DynaWrite may have been inspired by the LightWRITER, which comes in a new version that includes a scanning mode. The device still features a forward-facing display so that other people can read what the user types. Another recent development in AAC technology is head-operated devices, which can provide speech generation for people with limited movement. Prentke Romich produces a Vanguard II machine with a built-in head mouse camera system, specifically, Tracker technology by Madentec. Users who cannot type or push buttons but have some head movement simply wear a small, reflective dot on their foreheads. The dot is recognized by a special tracking camera built in to the device. The user directs the mouse arrow via small head movements, and dwells momentarily to make a mouse selection. Prentke Romich also produces the SpringBoard, Vantage, and Pathfinder, all of which include a built-in Tracker as an option. Another trend enables users to interact with or operate their personal computers via AAC devices. For example, several Words Plus machines offer wireless capability, allowing users to access the Internet from up to 400 feet away. DynaVox’s Series 4 gives users access to Windows-based computers with their devices. Handheld devices built on personal digital assistant platforms, such as Say-It! SAM by Words Plus, the Palmtop from Enkidu, and the ChatPC from Saltillo feature the ability to operate household appliances, such as lights or television sets. These devices also have features such as word and phrase prediction. Many of the hand-held devices are extremely rugged. For example, the Freedom 2000 Toughbook and the TuffTalker Convertible from Words Plus can still function after being dropped from three feet onto a solid surface. The author includes advice on how consumers can choose the proper device to fit their individual needs.
Assistive Products Discussed: SPRINGBOARD
CHATPC
TRACKER 2000
TUFFTALKER PLUS
DYNAWRITE
TUFFTALKER
LIGHTWRITER (MODEL SL35/C)
VANTAGE
PALMTOP PORTABLE IMPACT
LINK PLUS
PATHFINDER PLUS
LIGHTWRITER SL87
VANGUARD PLUS
SAY-IT! SAM COMMUNICATOR
FREEDOM TOUGHBOOK
Published by: Muscular Dystrophy Association (Website:http://www.mdausa.org)
Link to text: http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q113access.html
