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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 1, No. 2 Sept/Oct 1993

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SST’s DynaVox: A “Customized” Augmentative Communication Tool

Beth Sinteff, MS CCC-SLP, Customer Support, Sentient Systems Technology, Inc.

The DynaVox is an augmentative communication tool that integrates dynamic screen technology with DECtalk speech synthesis, four access methods, and DynaSyms symbols in a single self-contained device. So! What does this mean?

A “dynamic screen” allows people to create and use many pages (think of communication books) and “link” these electronically. Pages can be created from a choice of 36 different layouts. As one would create communication boards or pages in a book, one can create displays on the DynaVox and interconnect these pages using “page link”. Pages can be customized and arranged by theme, category, semantic-syntactic order, alphabetically, etc.

The DynaVox provides other choices as well. Abbreviation-expansions can be programmed to have symbol or letter combinations expanded to words, phrases, and sentences. When more power is needed because a person’s language and/or augmentative communication skills have increased, “special keys” are available that allow a person more control. (For example: A “Save” key allows a person to save to a key, any novel message they create, so they can use that key to tell someone the same message at a later time.)

DECtalk speech technology allows a person to choose between 9 voices. There is also a limited capability for recording sound on the DynaVox. Speech rate can be adjusted and the DynaVox can sing when programmed to do so! When in auditory scanning, the scan announcement can be spoken in a different voice than the message.

Four “selection” methods are possible. These are direct selection, visual scanning, auditory scanning or joystick. Each selection method has special “controls” for customizing the touch or scan to meet individual needs. These controls may reduce the need for accessories (e.g. keyguard) or increase speed (e.g. skip blank keys during scanning). Once a selection method is determined, a person can vary how a key will “speak” based on individuals needs.

The DynaVox utilizes DynaSyms symbols by Faith Carlson, MS CCC-SLP. These symbols are stored on software and are electronically placed on the screen. (All programming is done from the screen--no attachments.) Each symbol is assigned a single meaning but can be re-labeled and re-assigned meanings if desired. The DynaSyms symbols “has a grammar and strategies for expanding the vocabulary as does any language” (Carlson, F., DynaSyms 2000 Handbook, 1992, Pg. 3). A separate handbook, with “learning tips” to assist the user and partner, is included with the purchase of a DynaVox and DynaSyms application card.

For more information about the DynaVox, please call Sentient Systems Technology, Inc. at 1-800-344-1778.

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