Dedicated Devices vs Tablets/Apps

Funding (hand-out)

Medicaid Private Insurance School

Current AAC Devices

Prentke Romich http://www.prentrom.com/

800-1200 series (based on Screen size) $5000-15000

Features an add-on eye tracking system Uses Unity language

Unity is a unique language system used to represent language in an AAC device. It uses a small set of easy-to-recognize pictures combined in short sequences to produce words, phrases, and sentences.

A beginning communicator might start with a Unity vocabulary where one picture represents one word.

A more advanced communicator might use a Unity vocabulary that uses short sequences of pictures to represent words or phrases.

Unity focuses on frequently used words. Research has shown that approximately 400 frequently used words make up more than 75% of our speech, regardless of age, gender, or background.

Eighty percent of the words we use come from a small set of 400 to 500 CORE words. CORE words are used across many situations by people of all ages. The rest of the words we use are called FRINGE words, and consist mostly of infrequently used nouns that are activity specific.

“I want that.” All the words in this sentence are CORE words.

“I want that cookie.” Cookie is a FRINGE word. All the other words are CORE words.

The Unity language system contains many CORE and FRINGE vocabulary words. The most frequently used CORE words are always available on the first screen. The location for a CORE word is always in the same place.

Dynavox/Mayer Johnson/Tobii https://www.mydynavox.com/

M series (almost handheld size) to T series (android devices) $4500 -18000 Integrated Tobii eye tracking (some Models) Uses PCS symbols (Boardmaker) Discuss Symbolstix https://www.n2y.com/products/symbolstix

AAC for Tablets

Apps are low cost and easily acquired “Normalization” has taken the mystique out of AAC AAC is likely to reach out to many more users, for example someone who has temporarily lost her ability

to speak AAC may appeal to families of very young children, individuals with autism and others who may not

traditionally have thought about AAC helping to make it more acceptable and common place They are multi-functional making their appeal enhanced because they offer ongoing access to

information, social interactions, entertainment, music and games

What are some of the Cons of less expensive AAC apps that should be considered? Loss of technical support Lack of quality control Less customization Support in choosing the correct system by matching the attributes of the program to the needs of the

client not being used (individuals or family members are sometimes making decisions based solely on what they have seen, heard or read)

Lacking the process and consideration of training, technical support and follow up There are challenges with mobile devices themselves, such as glare, ruggedness, sound, and system

back-up Possible costs in monthly service agreements Access remains unresolved for individuals with motor and sensory impairments who cannot use touch

screen interfaces They are NOT dedicated devices meaning they are not approved for funding by private medical

insurance, Medicaid or Medicare like dedicated devices

One of the main concerns is that of abandonment of all AAC if the apps do not live up to the expectations.There is a growing need to evaluate what exists and compare features across mobile devices and communication Apps. With that said, here is a partial listing of communication apps. Please note that the apps available are growing at such a rapid rate, it is hard to keep up. It makes one really start to wonder about quality at the rate they are being developed. Also, sometimes you really get what you pay for. In other words, you cannot assume that a $10 program is going to be the same quality as a $100 program. Some have "hidden" costs. What you think is free you might really have to pay a monthly charge for in order to customize and personalize it.

iPad vs Android

What makes a good App?

Free or Lite Version Support (How easy is it to use/program) Accessibility (switch/scanning) Customization (Can it be adapted to the user’s life) Publishing (Social Media, email, etc.)

Feature Matching

Rate Enhancement History Symbol Set/Custom Images Display Voice Output (Synthesized or digitized, age appropriate)

Top tips for successful AAC implementation on the iPad:

Lock your chosen AAC app to the bottom dock of your iPad, so it is always easy to find and access Investigate using Guided Access to make your iPad a dedicated communication device Consider limiting other distractions (entertainment apps, YouTube, music, videos) on the iPad Take screen captures of communication pages, email these photos and print them out as paper backups Personalise vocabulary with your own images and words Make communication fun, engaging and purposeful Model, model, model… no matter what AAC app you choose, make sure you provide many opportunities to

model using the device regularly and consistently in a variety of environments

Choosing the right AAC app

There are many considerations you need to take into account when selecting the right AAC app for the person you are supporting.

These may include:

what symbols are being used; what speech and voice options there are; what degree of customization is available and how easy is it to program; whether you are able to back up and share communication sets; how you access the app, either directly or indirectly through the use of a switch; and what pre-programmed vocabulary comes on the app. The individual you are supporting will also have their own set of unique needs in relation to the AAC system that

will suit them.

We call the process by which a person’s strengths, abilities and needs are matched to available tools and strategies FEATURE MATCHING (Shane and Costello, 1994).

Current AAC Apps (300+)

Proloquo2go GoTalk Now Proloquo4text AAC Ferret

Proloquo2Go

Proloquo2Go

Short Description: Proloquo2Go® enables people to talk using symbols or typed text in a natural-sounding text-to-speech. It is a fully customisable AAC solution for the iPhone/iPod Touch and/or iPad.

Top 5 Features:

1. Access to 14, 000 SymbolStix symbols and easily add your own photos.

2. Pre-programmed vocabulary sets (Research-based : core word and basic communication) which is fully customizable.

3. High quality text-to-speech voices, including 4 Australian voices. The unique feature of ExpressivePower, allows the use of sounds and expressions and personalisation for natural sounding intonation and personality to voices.

4. Switch accessible (use the iPad screen or switch interfaces such as Applicator, Blue2, Switchbox and Switch2Scan).

5. Share text in message window via email, Facebook, Twitter, and text message, or even copy and paste into other applications.

Website links:

Proloquo2Go webinar Proloquo2Go developer page Proloquo2Go developer support page for manual and tutorials Proloquo2Go latest blog post

Touch Chat

TouchChat HD – AAC

Short Description: TouchChat is a comprehensive symbol and text-based AAC tool available for both iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. For full information about the different versions of TouchChat in this link .

$9.99-299 (Wordpower)

Top 5 Features:

1. Access to SymbolStix library, and easily add your own photos.

2. A LITE version with no speech is available to try the app out.

3. Pre-programmed vocabulary sets are available, which are fully customizable.

4. High-quality text-to-speech voices (US and British).

5. Share text in message window via email, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and text message or even copy and paste into other applications.

Website links:

TouchChat developer page TouchChat developer support page giving access to manual and webinars Touch Chat on Youtube

Sonoflex

Sono Flex

Short Description: Sonoflex is a symbol and text based AAC system designed for both iPad and iPod touch. Also available on Android.

Free - $209

Top 5 Features:

1. Access to SymbolStix library, and easily add your own photos.

2. A LITE version is available to try the app out.

3. Core vocabulary set provided, with some context/topic based boards also included.

4. High-quality text-to-speech voices (US English).

5. Fully customisable buttons, grids and folders.

Website links:

Sonoflex developer page Sonoflex developer support page giving access to manual, FAQS and online support Sonoflex on Youtube

TapSpeak Sequence

TapSpeak Sequence Plus

Short Description: TapSpeak Sequence allows recording and playing back of a sequence of messages and is designed for both iPad and iPod touch. For the full range of TapSpeak options, check out this link .

$29.99-219

Top 5 Features:

1. Access to 4,500 Dynavox Mayer-Johnson PCS in the Plus version or as a In-App Purchase, and easily add your own photos.

2. Unlimited recording and sequence length.

3. Save an unlimited number of sequences within the app and share these with other TapSpeak users.

4. Switch Accessible (use the iPad screen or switch interfaces such as Applicator, Blue2, Switchbox and Switch2Scan).

5. Ability to edit and modify existing sequences.

Website links:

TapSpeak developer page TapSpeak developer support page to request support or help TapSpeak on Youtube Ideas for using Sequential messages

Scene & Heard

Scene&Heard

Short Description: Scene & Heard supports communication and learning through the use of Visual Scene Displays, and is designed for iPad and iPod touch.

Free - $49.99

Top 5 Features:

1. Make scenes using your own photos, and also access Widgit symbols.

2. A LITE version is available to try the app out.

3. Record your own voice messages for scenes.

4. Switch Accessible (use with switch interfaces such as Applicator, Switchbox and Switch2Scan).

5. Link hotspots on page to photos and videos.

Website links:

Scene & Heard developer page Scene & Heard developer support page for user guide and fact sheets (navigate to downloads section) Scene&Heard scene sharing (download or share scenes with others- navigate to scene sharing section): Scene & Heard videos (navigate to video section)

SoundingBoard

Sounding Board

Short Description: SoundingBoard is a FREE app which allows you to create communication boards on your iPad or iPod touch.

Top 5 Features:

1. Use your own photos, or access the AbleNet symbols.

2. Create your own boards -from single button pages, up to 20 buttons per page.

3. Record your own messages on each button (unlimited recording time).

4. Switch accessible (use with switch interfaces such as Applicator, Blue2, Switchbox and Switch2Scan).

5. Latest version now allows you to import and export communication boards.

Website links:

SoundingBoard developer page SoundingBoard developer support page for information and videos (click the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION tab to access these

resources) SoundingBoard on YouTube

AutisMate

AutisMate

Short Description: AutisMate is a comprehensive communication and behaviour tool, with Visual Scene Displays, choice boards and symbol-based grid AAC set. Other visual tools to support behaviour and social skills are also included. It is designed for the iPad.

Top 5 Features:

1. Access to SymbolStix library, and easily add your own photos and videos.

2. Video modelling, visual schedules, visual stories and other behavioural tools are included within the app.

3. Personalisation and customisation is quick and easy.

4. A LITE version is available to try the app out.

5. Share all content via email from within the app.

Website links:

AutisMate developer page AutisMate developer support page for tutorials, FAQs and help desk AutisMate video tutorials (also access video tutorial and help within the app) AutisMate webinar

Predictable

Predictable

Short Description: Predictable is a comprehensive text-based communication app available for both iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. It is also now available on Android.

Top 5 Features:

$159

1. Word prediction with integrated learning of words.

2. Switch Accessible (use with interfaces such as Applicator, Switchbox and Switch2Scan).

3. High-quality text-to-speech voices (US, British and 2 Australian voices).

4. Save commonly used sentences/phrases into the customisable phrase bank.

5. Share messages via email, Facebook, Twitter, and text messages.

Website links:

Predictable developer page Predictable developer support page with user guide and fact sheets (navigate to downloads section) Predictable videos (navigate to video section)

Verbally Premium

Verbally Premium

Short Description: Verbally Premium is a text-based communication app available for both iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. Please note: Verbally is a FREE version of this app, but does not include all voices and features of Verbally Premium.

$99

Top 5 Features:

1. Uses a Word grid of 50 commonly used words as well as a keyboard.

2. Word prediction with integrated learning of words.

3. High-quality text-to-speech voices.

4. Save commonly used sentences/phrases.

5. Share messages via email.

Website links:

Verbally developer page Verbally developer support page which includes some screenshots, help and contact email for developer Verbally on YouTube

ClaroCom Pro

ClaroCom Pro UK

Short Description: ClaroCom Pro is a comprehensive text-based communication app available for both iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. Please note: ClaroCom is a less expensive version of this app, but does not include all voices and features of ClaroCom Pro.

Free-$13.99

Top 5 Features:

1. Both Word and phrase prediction, as well as abbreviation expansion (or acronyms).

2. High-quality text-to-speech voices.

3. Save commonly used sentences/phrases, or access the large range of pre-programmed context-dependent phrases.

4. Share text in message window via email, Facebook, Twitter, and iMessage, or even copy and paste into other applications.

5. Rotate or Flip the device and app shows only the communication message in large text to show to your communication partner.

Website links:

ClaroCom Pro developer page ClaroCom Pro developer support page with help files and tech support contact ClaroCom Pro on YouTube

GoTalk Now!

GoTalk Now

Short Description: GoTalk NOW is a comprehensive AAC tool available for the iPad, with the ability to create both grid-based communication sets as well as Visual Scene Displays.

Free-$150

Top 5 Features:

1. Access to ImagineSymbol library, or purchase SymbolStix or Widgit Symbols as In-App purchases. Also easily add your own photos or videos.

2. A LITE version is available to try the app out.

3. Create your own layouts with 1,4, 9, 16, or 25 locations per page, with your own recorded speech or with one of the text-to-speech voices (voices as in-app purchase)

4. Fully customisable pages and buttons.

5. Link videos, photos, audio, URLs to buttons.

6. Switch accessible (use with switch interfaces such as Applicator, Switchbox and Switch2Scan).

Website links:

GoTalk Now developer page TouchChat developer support page (access to manual – click on the support tab on this page): GoTalk Now videos (click the videos tab on this page): GoTalk Now on YouTube

Accessories

Caseso Connect - http://webstore.ablenetinc.com/connect%2526trade%253b/p/70000109/

$350 Integrated switch access Amplified Stereo sound Mounting options Rugged?

o iAdapter - http://www.amdi.net/products/iadapter/iadapter-cases $198-265 Amplified sound Mounting options Rugged

Bluetooth Switcheso Blue2 - http://webstore.ablenetinc.com/new-blue2%E2%84%A2/p/10000017/

$179 Toggle onscreen keyboard on/off Rechargeable battery

o BSI - http://www.rjcooper.com/bluetooth-switch-interface/ $114 Rechargeable battery

o iPad Wireless Switch interface- https://enablingdevices.com/catalog/AdaptedElectronics/iPad_Accessories/ipad-wireless-switch-interface

$120 Rechargeable battery

o iPad Wireless Switch- https://enablingdevices.com/catalog/AdaptedElectronics/iPad_Accessories/ipad-wireless-switch

$170 Works as an interface, but also includes a 5” diameter switch

Prerequisites

Vocabulary? Dexterity

o Dexteria $2.99-3.99o iPad Trainer Button/Switch - https://enablingdevices.com/catalog/ipad_accessories/ipad_trainers/ipad-

trainer-buttonswitch ($53.95) This recessed button encourages isolated touch and is designed to help the user gain the motor

skills which are needed for mastering pointing which is necessary for iPad use. When paired with an appropriate activity, the use of this device will enable the user to make stronger, more precise movements with one isolated finger.

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Resources

AAC Ferret

$4.99