Did you know that October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month? AAC refers to a wide range of communication channels for people who have difficulty using natural speech. There is a whole category of assistive technology (AT) dedicated to Speech Communication!
Seven-year-old Tinlee trialed three AAC devices through the Oklahoma ABLE Tech Device Loan Program. Tinlee has cerebral palsy and difficulty using her natural speech, so she needed an effective way to communicate. Tinlee trialed a TD Pilot, Tobii Dynavox I-16, and an Accent ™ 1400 with Look eye-tracking.
The TD Pilot is an eye-controlled iPad-based speech-generating device (SGD). The device comes with two speech-generating apps, TD Talk and TD Snap. The TD Pilot allows users to access content available on the iPad via eye control. The device also offers a rear-facing partner window.
The Tobii Dynavox I-16 is an SGD that enables effective communication – from voice output, environmental control, and computer access to long-distance communication. The device has both touch and eye-tracking support.
The Accent™ 1400 is a communication device with eye-gaze capabilities when used with the Look eye-tracking module. The 14-inch screen allows for larger icon options. The device offers multiple vocabulary options featuring Unity® with LAMP/Words for Life™, CoreScanner™, and WordCore. Other available vocabulary options include Essence™ for literate adults and WordPower™.
Tinlee borrowed these devices to help her family determine which device might work best for her! They hope her use of AAC will also increase her expressive language skills.
If you or someone you know could benefit from assistive technology, check out our device loan program at the link in our bio.
Tinlee’s Success Story with AAC
