Navigating your Way through the Device Selection Maze Debby McBride, MS., CCC-SLP Libby Rush, MS, CCC-SLP

Navigating your way ? ? ?

Navigating your ! ! !

How do you make the best choice for the best voice! Know where to start Search for devices Sort through options Resources to use

Resources to assist you Lite Tech Low Cost AAC Chart AAC TechConnect – free resources AAC Device Assistant

Two Bodies of Knowledge Information about the devices Information about the client

Information about the client

Information about the client Light tech is usually cheaper and less complicated than high tech, but comprehensive assessment is still a must

Information about the devices

What is feature matching? Needs and abilities of the consumer are assessed to identify the features of the assistive technology solution (Identify what features are needed by the consumer based on their abilities and then identify a device that meets these requirements)

Technology Discontinuation Approximately 1/3 of all assistive technologies are discontinued Most within the first three months of acquisition Can vary from as little as 8% to as high as 75% depending on the type of technology

Technology Discontinuation Lost revenues with each technology failure Lost time in supporting and developing or rehabilitating language Loss of opportunity in establishing effective communication system and resultant frustration for AAC users and their partners

Perceptions about Technology Historically much consideration given to feature matching and identifying high tech options Families of teenagers and young adults have often resisted lite tech, feeling that high tech is the best intervention choice (their child deserves the very best) Beukelman and Mirenda Lite tech has been viewed as so simple that little consideration given to the complexity of identifying and implementing its use

Why Review Lite Tech? So many lite tech devices and so many features who would have ever thought there would be such a quandary? Numerous devices with and without voice output Identifying and understanding the array of features available on lite tech devices Recognize AAC as multimodal and support those functions for the wide variety of users

Why Review Lite Tech? Recognizing the power of nonvoice output in establishing true communicative intent some high tech voice output AAC users prefer the interactive nature and shared message building of nonspeech systems for communication with familiar partners Lite tech AAC is often used for teaching concepts as well as supporting the development and use of communication

website

Gusinc.com Examples of scanning videos

Reviewing Devices Name Manufacturer Cost Durability Portability Batteries (kind)or charger? (how long?) Type of input? Keyboard? Switch? Other (describe) Type of Speech Output? Human Voice (recorded)? Synthesized Speech How many message spaces are available? What Size? How easily can it be programmed? Device Strengths: Device Limitations: What did you like about the device? What did you not like about the device?

Exploring Lite Tech Non Voice Output Single Message Sequencers Randomizers Dual Message Three Messages Four Messages Five to Seven Eight Nine to Fifteen Sixteen to 64 Progressive Communicators Dynamic Display Text to Speech Specialized Communicators for Visually Impaired

Types of devices to consider Simpler Digitized Digitized with more options Text – to-Speech Dynamic display Integrated systems

Digitized Devices (examples only – not all inclusive)

Digitized Routine communication phrases/ words Recorded voice Use of picture Not as generative Most of them have: Paper overlays that are changed Static display

Text-to-Speech (examples only – not all inclusive)

Text to Speech Mainly spelling (keyboard and some have scanning) Most have built-in keyboards Mostly synthesized speech, though some have digitized speech

Dynamic Display (examples only – not all inclusive)

Dynamic Display Multiple pages “Navigate between pages” Variety of symbols available Both types of speech (digitized & synthesized)

Integrated Systems (examples only – not all inclusive)

Integrated System Multiple pages “Navigate between pages” Variety of symbols available Both types of speech (digitized & synthesized) Includes computer components

Rate enhancement Premade vocabulary Semantic compaction Prediction (word, grammatical, phrase, character) Abbreviation Expansion

Tools / Resources Blank device comparison charts CD with device flyers from most major manufacturers Lite Tech Low Cost AAC Chart Free trial of Device Assistant

Resources on AAC TechConnect FREE Manufacturer info 100+ Product flyers What’s new FEE FOR SERVICE Lite Tech Low Cost Chart Device Assistant

New products

Manufacturer’s info Manufacturer’s Info Email from One website

What’s new ??

Demo equipment <$999

Educated choices – made easy Chart + Device Assistant = Best Choice for the Best voice

Lite Tech Low Cost Chart Nonvoice tools Voice output Less than $1500 Developed by Libby Rush & Mary Joan McClure

Uses

Device Assistant Research most AAC devices in one place Feature match Objective information Manufacturer – contribute time / information Clinicians/AT teams /consumer

Save time Save money Improve results

Part of your clinical toolkit Clinical knowledge Clinical discernment “Just the facts” . . . mam

Features continued Types of scanning Types of symbols Speech output Voices & languages Environmental controls Printer Telephone

Features continued Rate enhancement Activity log Accessories Keyguards sizes Battery information Screen information Back up storage Speaker/mic/earphone

Features continued Input/output options Volume control Media available Computer access/operating system Computer specs Internet Access software Warranty information Funding Assistance ‘Product support

Compare specs Specs researched Objective information Manufacturers’ support – but not pay Clinician/ consumer fee for service Flyers - downloadable

Order products AAC TechConnect.com Low-cost Lite-tech AAC Chart Check under products Low-cost Lite-tech AAC Chart $14.95 until 11.20.07 (Introductory special) Prepared by Libby Rush & Mary Joan McClure Device Assistant See next page

Cost - Device Assistant Free trial until 11.01.07 Mention that you attended session for introductory pricing $14.95 – 30 days (for one person) Introductory pricing – 14 days free trial $99/year – 1 year (individual) Introductory pricing - $59/year $149/year – up to 5 persons (ideal of AT teams) Introductory pricing - $ 99 Additional options available University training programs - contact us for special pricing Contact us for your special situations Loan bank? Let us help you modify your loan bank

Contact us: Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP AAC TechConnect debby@aacTechConnect.com 866.482.2279 Elizabeth (Libby) Rush, MA, CCC-SLP Independent AAC/AT Consultant 424 Bywood Drive Durham, NC 27712 libbyrush@aol.com 919-471-2819