Communication Matters

High

 

Tech

AAC

Eye Gaze systems

These use eye gaze as the access method.

VOCAs (Voice Output Communication Aids)

These have spoken output. They range from simple to sophisticated devices:

Single Message VOCAs are the simplest high-tech device that speak a message when the switch is pressed.

Message Sequencer VOCAs store several messages, spoken in sequence each time the switch is pressed.

Overlay VOCAs have paper-based overlays with pictures, symbols or words placed over the keys to show which one will say which message.

Dynamic screen VOCAs  use electronic displays rather than paper overlays so the user can change the page.

Factors to consider when choosing a VOCA include:

What will the device be used for – talking in class, to friends, at the pub, on the phone?

Where will the device be used?

Who will take responsibility for programming/updating/designing the personalized vocabulary?

What does the AAC speaker need – sentences/ phrases/ words and photos/ symbols/ words?

Who will take responsibility for co-coordinating the use of the device?

Does the VOCA have to be light and easy to carry or will it be attached to a wheelchair?

Is auditory scanning needed?

Access method – touch screen keyboard, optical head-pointer, switches, joystick?

Is speech required, and if so what sort of speech works best for the AAC speaker: digitized or synthesized speech?

Where is training and support going to be available from?

Cost

Reliability

See also:

• Graphic Symbol Systems
• Tangible Symbols
• Objects of Reference
• Low-tech Ways to use Symbol Systems