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Volume 9; Issue 2; Winter 2006
Although we are continually adding new AAC devices to the Lending Library inventory, our last newsletter showing AAC devices was in 2003 and can be found in the archives on our website http://disabilities.temple.edu/atlend. This issue of AT Focus highlights some of our latest acquisitions. We encourage you to visit our website and the vendor websites to get more information. Also in this issue is an insert called "Understanding the Technology: AAC Basics" that we hope you will find useful.
The Tango is a brand-new device with phrases, words and a digitally enhanced voice that can be altered to express shouting, whispering, and whining. The Tango also has a built-in digital camera, so experiences that provide a topic for communicating can be captured in real time. It uses a set of newly developed icons, and the user can choose the pre-loaded images of the boy or the girl character or load his/her own images, symbols, and photos. The user selects a topic and then uses one of the six one-inch buttons on the touch screen to select phrases to say. A pop-up keyboard and key phrase bank is always available, so individuals can spell or say what they need, then head right back to where they were. The Tango is accessed through direct selection or scanning (one- and two-switch scanning, audio scanning). Other features include: word prediction, a card slot for extra memory, and the ability to connect to a computer.
Inventory code: AC-TANGO; Cost: $6,416; AbleNet, Inc., 800-322-0956, http://www.ablenetinc.com. An interactive demonstration can be accessed at: http://www.blinktwice.com
L*E*O is a recorded-speech communication device that uses a language-enhancing overlay system. The user can activate pre-recorded, digitized speech messages simply by touching pictures or symbols in a grid or visual scene display. A mode button is pressed to record messages and infrared signals, with up to seven overlays per grid. The total recording time is 32 minutes. The L*E*O comes with three grids (1-, 8-, and 32-cell), built-in legs for table top use, and a carrying strap.
Inventory code: AC-LEO; Cost: $1,128; AssistiveTechnology, Inc., 800-793-9227, www.assistivetech.com
The FL4SH scanning communicator features four message locations and a highly visible light source that literally frames each picture symbol in succession. It has three scan modes (automatic scan, step-scan and two-switch step scan) and can be activated by direct selection, with one or two switches, or by connecting one switch for each message location. It uses automatic overlay detection a barcode technology that allows FL4SH to recognize individual overlays and adjust its output accordingly, without the need to switch levels. It comes with twelve clear overlays with pockets for symbols and 16 minutes of recording time, which can be divided between the messages in any way.
Inventory code: AC-FL4SH; Cost: $1,016; AbleNet, Inc., 800-322-0956, http://www.ablenetinc.com
Go Talk 20+ is a lightweight AAC device with twenty keys and five recording levels. There are five core messages that stay the same regardless of the level, allowing for up to 105 messages. Go Talk is available in other sizes including the original Go Talk, Go Talk 4+ and 9+ and the Pocket Go Talk. (See page 4 for codes.
Inventory code: AC-GOTALK20+; Cost: $249; Attainment Co.Inc., 800-327-4269, http://www.attainmentcompany.com
The Lingraphica is a speech-generating device with a dynamic display. Using software designed primarily for people with aphasia, Lingraphica has a large vocabulary of images, speech and text that is easy to understand, enabling clear precise communication. Access choices are mouse, track pad, trackball or touch screen.
Inventory code: AC-LING; Cost: $7,830; Lingraphicare America, Inc., 888-274-2742, http://www.aphasia.com
The Bluebird has over four hours of digitized recording time in any of the ten available communication levels. Overlays for each level contain 24 buttons which can be configured to fewer buttons to make buttons larger. Selection is made by flipping the overlays, pressing the number overlay button to the left of the overlay, and then pressing the desired vocabulary on the overlay itself.
Inventory code: AC-BIRD; Cost: $1,095; Saltillo Corporation, 800-382-8622, http://www.saltillo.com
Cardinal is an inexpensive communication device for someone who is very young or who has limited communication needs. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to operate. Using 1, 2, 4 or 8 location overlays, it offers three levels of messages and eight minutes of digitized recording time.
Inventory code: AC-CARD; Cost: $269; Saltillo Corporation, 800-382-8622, http://www.saltillo.com
The Scanning SA-1 (the Hummingbird) overlays have twelve locations and three levels. The Hummingbird can be accessed using visual and auditory scanning with switches. Voice output is digitally recorded, with a total of eight minutes of recording time.
Inventory code: AC-SCAN; Cost: $334; Saltillo Corporation, 800-382-8622, http://www.saltillo.com
The Tech/128 is digital voice output device with a static 128-location display. Without the grid, Tech/128 can be used for visual scene displays, which brings an added level of versatility to the device. The device has three levels and allows for 2.25 seconds of recording time per message.
Inventory code: AC-TPICT; Cost: $1,359; AMDI, 888-353-2634, http://www.amdi.net
The Tellus 3+ is a speech-generating device with synthesized speech and dynamic display. The communication software, Mind Express™, has an extensive range of symbols and icons, a grammar checker, and a built-in word processor, which allows letters or articles to be saved, printed or read aloud. Also included is Eurovocs Suite, which features text-to-speech software, word prediction software, and an on-screen keyboard.
Inventory code: AC-TELLUS; Cost: $7,506; Technology and Integration, Inc., 877-759-1016,http://www.tniinc.com
This device is a hand-held, portable communication device with dynamic display, and synthesized speech. Its picture-based software is accessed by scrolling, using the thumb pad or direct on-screen selection. Other features include a built-in camera and Bluetooth technology.
Inventory code: AC-CYRANO; Cost: $1,345; One Write Company, 800-268-6070,http://www.cyranocommunicator.com
This dynamic display device can be seen in any lighting condition, including outdoors. Tablet XL Impact includes the full Mayer-Johnson (PCS) symbol set and WordPower software, and can hold up to 199 minutes of digitized speech.
Inventory code: AC-IMP-TP-XL; Cost: $5,557; DynaVox Systems LLC, 800-344-1778; http://www.dynavoxsys.com
The Talara 3+ is a simple, lightweight digital recording communication aid. The number and size of keys can be readily changed to suit people with varying visual, physical and cognitive abilities. The key patterns can be changed according to the needs of the user; however, all levels must have the same key pattern. The 45 minutes of available recording time can be used flexibly; there is no restriction of recording time per key, as there often is with other devices in this category. The Talara also has four volume levels, and various scanning schemes. The hinged overlay system makes overlay exchange easy.
Inventory code: AC-TALARA; Cost: $1,135; Zygo Industries, Inc., 800-234-6006, http://www.zygo-usa.com
http://www.aacpartners.com
AAC TechConnect (formerly AAC Partners), contains free information on AAC devices in order to be a source for helping site visitors research device choices and options. In addition, there are fee-for-service products which will be available soon, to assist persons who are doing AAC device research and/or AAC evaluations.
http://depts.washington.edu/enables
The goal of this website is to demonstrate how "Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life." Some of the features of this website include profiles of AAC users, activities for teachers and teams, and an AAC Video Museum.
http://aac.unl.edu/yaack
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young Kids (YAACK) is a website that covers issues related to AAC and young children. Its purpose is to provide information and guidance to families, teachers, speech/language pathologists and anyone else who is involved with a child with special communication needs.
We are pleased to announce that changes have been made to the AT Lending Library's website, http://disabilities.temple.edu/atlend. Visitors to the site can now search the inventory and view device descriptions and pictures. Device information such as inventory code, replacement value, manufacturer, and accessories (if applicable) are also listed. When viewing device information, a list of similar devices is also displayed. Other upgrades to the website are in the works, so please check back often!
Hint: If you go to our website and don't see the new features, press the Refresh button on your browser window.
Call toll-free: 877-PA AT LEND (voice/TTY)
E-mail: atlend@temple.edu
http://disabilities.temple.edu/atlend
Editor: Sandra McNally ATinfo@temple.edu 215-204-3370
This publication is available in alternate formats, by request.
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