Augmentative and Alternative Communications
[Page to Alternative KeyboardAlternative Keyboard]
[Augmentative and Alternative Communications]
[Other Computer Related Accessories]
[Software]
[Switches]
[Switch Activated Toys ⁄ Devices]
BigMack Communication Aid
The BigMack Communication Aid is a portable single message communication aid for children. Ideal for those needing a larger target area because of motor, visual or cognitive impairments. It’s easy to set-up and use. Large, colorful surface, durable construction, 20 seconds of memory, external speaker jack.
LightWriter
LightWRITERs are small portable text-to-speech communication aids specially designed to meet the particular needs of people with speech loss and for progressive conditions.
- Dual Displays - LightWRITERs are unique in having dual displays, one facing the user so he or she can see what is being typed, and a second outfacing display to allow communication in a natural face-to-face position. People who are unable to speak should not be denied eye contact, facial expression and body language, all of which are important communication elements.
- Custom Designed — LightWRITERs are specially designed with saliva-resistant keyboards (optional raincoats are available), high legibility displays, rugged design, and long life rechargeable batteries for use all day.
- Adaptable - LightWRITERs are designed to accommodate the wide range of other disabilities which may accompany loss of speech, such as poor motor control, tremor, muscle weakness, slow reactions, impaired vision and deafness.
- High Legibility Displays — High legibility displays are used for the widest range of lighting conditions and to cater to vision impairment.
- Meets All Communication Needs — LightWRITERs can have a range of internal speech synthesizers available in English and other European languages. Any word typed will be spoken aloud to give a natural form of communication, and allows conversation over the telephone. LightWRITERs have built in buzzers to summon attention, and may be connected to printers and computers to provide written output.
- Tremor Control — All LightWRITERs have adjustable tremor control to suppress inadvertent key presses.
- Easy to Use — LightWRITERs are extremely easy to use. You simply turn them on and type. No special training is required in their operation. Users do not feel intimidated of the technology.
- Acceleration Techniques
- Memories — All LightWRITERs store memories so that frequently used words or phrases can be retrieved with 2-key selections.
- Abbreviation ⁄ Expansion - Allows frequently used words or phrases to be stored and retrieved quickly using letter codes.
- Word Prompting — All LightWRITERs that support scanning have word prompting included as standard, which gives a significant reduction in keystrokes and increases one's communication speed.
LightWRITERs are widely used by people with progressive conditions due to their small, compact design and the features provided.
The LightWRITER keyboard has proven itself for easy access over many years of use in the field.
The specially-designed LightTouch keyboard requires a very low operating force and can continue to be used even as finger muscles weaken. The LightWRITER may be adapted to scanning with a switch when the keyboard can no longer be used.
- Alternative keyboard layouts — The keyboard can be changed quickly in the field between QWERTY (English typewriter layout), ABCDE (alphabetical layout), AZERTY (French typewriter layout), & QWERTZ (German typewriter layout).
- Built-in Alarms — LightWRITERs have two built-in alarms for summoning attention..
Link
The LINK is a keyboard based on the AlphaSmart® Pro, but it also talks! It has all the same features as the AlphaSmart Pro keyboard for written output, plus DECtalk™ speech for voice output!
Easy to use, lightweight, and portable!
Some of the LINK's features include:
- DECtalk speech with 8 different voices.
- Ability to change speech volume, rate, and pitch.
- Read back by letters, words, sentences, or paragraphs.
- Read back of words, sentences, paragraphs or documents on demand.
- Instant phrases accessed with minimal keystrokes for output to the speech synthesizer.
- Abbreviation expansion for storage of text under short, user defined keystrokes which can be sent to the LCD or read on demand from the speech synthesizer.
- Use the eight separate storage files to save longer strings of text or conversations to be read aloud.
- Includes pronunciation exceptions dictionary.
LINK Package includes:
- LINK keyboard
- AC power adapter
- One cable (Specify Mac or PC)
- Headphones
- 4 rechargeable batteries and charger
- User's guide and quick reference chart
- Limited 1- year warranty
The LINK does not have the new features of the AlphaSmart® 3000 keyboard for written output. Optional Telephone Adapter allows you to plug the LINK directly into the phone. Optional Telephone Headset Kit includes the Telephone Adapter and everything needed to have a hands-free conversation.
Message Mate
MessageMates™ are extremely rugged hand-held communication devices that allow the user to speak a variety of recorded messages simply by pressing a key.
Step-by-Step Communicator
A communication aid that lets you record a series of messages, instructions or parts of story up to 75 seconds. To play the message, simply hit the switch. Use the simple message lock feature to keep the user from advancing to the next message (use like a BIGmack!) AbleLink Connectables base (add-on and build your own system as your user's needs change). Add the mounting base or travel strap, depending on the users’ needs!
ChatBox
The ChatBox is a lightweight, portable voice output communication device. It combines the use of meaningful pictorial images with recorded speech. It can be programmed with up to 10 minutes of recorded speech. It can contain up to 4 customizable vocabulary overlays. The ChatBox can be accessed by direct contact to the membrane keyboard or single switch scanning.
Speak Easy
The SpeakEasy is a lightweight, portable voice output communication device. It can stores up to 12 messages with a total recording time of 4 minutes and 20 seconds. The SpeakEasy can be accessed by direct contact to the keypad or external switches.
MightyMo and MiniMo
The MightyMo and MiniMo combine color, dynamic display screens with powerful communication and programming tools. The MightyMo and MiniMo are appropriate for individuals who need digitized (recorded) speech-output solutions. The Mighty Mo and MiniMo also have a scanning function for individuals who may need alternative access.
Augmented communicators of all physical and cognitive abilities who prefer or require digitized speech can create messages of any length or complexity. The ability to record more than 100 minutes of speech and sound recordings – in addition to those provided with your MightyMo or MiniMo at time of purchase – ensures ample room for needed vocabulary.
DV4 and MT4
The DV4 and MT4 are Dynamic Display devices which use synthesized (computerized) voice. Word, character and recency prediction, abbreviation expansion and flexible abbreviation expansion increase the speed of communication for augmentative communicators at every level. The DV4 and MT4 also have scanning functions for individuals who may need alternative access.
Every DV4 and MT4 contains 17 communication page sets programmed into the device before it is shipped to the customer. Developed by a team of speech-language pathologists with decades of AAC experience, the page sets meet the needs of adults, teens and children with varying cognitive and physical abilities.
Palmtop Impact
Palmtop Impact is the smallest and most affordable of Enkidu`s communication devices, yet it offers all of the features supported by its larger cousins. Weighing just over a pound, the Palmtop offers unparalleled convenience and portability. The Palmtop is ideally suited for mobile users, but it can also serve as an unobtrusive mounted device for users with limited mobility. The Palmtop features a rugged, rubberised sleeve with integrated rechargeable speaker (nylon carrying case not included).
Pathfinder
Pathfinder by Prentke Romich Company is a powerful communications tool that features both a static keyboard plus a color dynamic display for a new generation of augmentative communication solutions. And it comes already set up with vocabulary, pictures, computer keyboard emulation and infrared controls.
The Pathfinder is lightweight (4.5lbs), compact and reliable. Its rugged construction allows it to be used every day in a variety of environments. Its battery life will provide over 10 hours of continuous use, more than enough for the most demanding operators. Pathfinder can be accessed directly via the keyboard and touch screen display, through infrared head pointing or with switch-activated scanning (single and double switch and joystick options). Parameters can also be adjusted to create the most effective access to the device. Auditory prompts aid individuals with visual impairments. Pathfinder is also compatible with many other input products.
Vantage™
Portable, Powerful and Practical
Vantage is designed for maximum portability and independent communication. Compact and lightweight, it is easily transported; but it achieves that portability without sacrificing screen size. Vantage uses the Minspeak language system employing a limited number of icons to represent a very extensive vocabulary, turning Vantage into a powerful communication tool. It also has the option of using PCS symbols.
Weight: 1.52kg
Dimensions: 22.7cm width × 17.5cm height × 5cm depth
Display size: 16.7cm × 13cm active area, (21.4cm diagonal measurement)
Synthesized speech: DECtalk©
Digitized speech memory: Over 15 minutes
Battery life: 8-10 hours (normal operation)
Vanguard™
Rugged, Flexible and Highly Motivating
Vanguard II is a full size dynamic display communication aid featuring synthesized and digitized speech, computer emulation and infrared environmental controls. It is an excellent choice both for children beginning with AAC and adults with acquired disabilities. The Minspeak language software, which employs a limited number of icons to represent potentially a very extensive vocabulary, turns Vanguard II into a powerful communication tool. PCS symbols are available as an option.
Weight: 2.72kg
Dimensions: 32cm width × 25.8cm height × 8cm depth
Display size: 30cm (diagonal measurement)
Synthesized speech: DECtalk©
Digitized speech memory: 59 minutes
Battery life: 8-10 hours (normal operation)
SpringBoard™
Compact, Versatile and Lightweight.
SpringBoard is the latest digitised speech, dynamic display product from Prentke Romich. An excellent starting point for a child or adult just beginning with augmentative communication, SpringBoard is also an ideal 'next step' for someone who has demonstrated success with manual communication boards or static display devices with limited message capacity. SpringBoard is flexible, easy to customize and easy to support.
Weight: 1.36kg
Dimensions: 22.9cm width × 17.8cm height × 5.08cm depth
Display size: 19.1cm (diagonal measurement)
Digitised speech memory: 50 minutes (but up to 6 hours by varying configuration)
Battery life: 8-10 hours (normal operation)