What are some examples of high-tech tools for communication?
High-tech AAC systems are electronic devices that allow for storing and retrieving communications. The majority of high-tech AAC tools feature speech output, better known as Speech Generating Devices, SGD, or Voice Output Communication Aids, VOCA (USSAAC.org).
Speech generating devices can be broken into sub-categories: simple, with levels, with icon sequencing, and with dynamic displays. Individuals can move from lower-tech, simpler AAC devices to more complex systems as they become comfortable with communication. An example of a simple SGD is Cheap Talk, which is available at http://enablingdevices.com/catalog.
Go Talk is an example of a speech generating device with levels. It is available at http://www.mayer-johnson.com/gotalk-9. This device is often considered a mid-tech tool, but it important to understand that low-tech to high-tech is a continuum and there are SGDs across the continuum.
Speech generating devices made by Prentke Romich Company (PRC) use icon sequencing. Icons have multiple meanings and so the sequencing of the icons determines the message. They call their language of symbols Unity. Learn more about Unity and devices by PRC here: http://www.prentrom.com/unity.
Speech generating devices can be broken into sub-categories: simple, with levels, with icon sequencing, and with dynamic displays. Individuals can move from lower-tech, simpler AAC devices to more complex systems as they become comfortable with communication. An example of a simple SGD is Cheap Talk, which is available at http://enablingdevices.com/catalog.
Go Talk is an example of a speech generating device with levels. It is available at http://www.mayer-johnson.com/gotalk-9. This device is often considered a mid-tech tool, but it important to understand that low-tech to high-tech is a continuum and there are SGDs across the continuum.
Speech generating devices made by Prentke Romich Company (PRC) use icon sequencing. Icons have multiple meanings and so the sequencing of the icons determines the message. They call their language of symbols Unity. Learn more about Unity and devices by PRC here: http://www.prentrom.com/unity.
For the final category, SGDs with dynamic displays, there are special devices for this as well as software that can be used without a specialized device. Dynavox has both types available for purchase at http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/
Sources, Resources, and Helpful Links
Cumley, J., Maro, J., & Stanek, M. (n.d.). Assistive technology for communication. Assessing students' needs for assistive technology. Retrieved June 21, 2013, from www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/Ch3-Communication.pdf
USSAAC (United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication). (n.d.). USSAAC (United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Retrieved June 21, 2013, from http://www.ussaac.org/aacdevices.htm
http://www.setbc.org/Download/LearningCentre/Communication/aac_2005.pdf
http://www.assistivetechnologycenter.org/tlc/ach/augcomhigh.php
http://enablingdevices.com/files/content/ComparisonChart.pdf
http://enablingdevices.com/catalog
http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/software/
http://www.prentrom.com/unity
USSAAC (United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication). (n.d.). USSAAC (United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Retrieved June 21, 2013, from http://www.ussaac.org/aacdevices.htm
http://www.setbc.org/Download/LearningCentre/Communication/aac_2005.pdf
http://www.assistivetechnologycenter.org/tlc/ach/augcomhigh.php
http://enablingdevices.com/files/content/ComparisonChart.pdf
http://enablingdevices.com/catalog
http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/software/
http://www.prentrom.com/unity