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Physical Features in AAC

Introduction
There are many physical features to take into consideration. We will address three at this time:

1) size & portability of the device or strategy
2) clarity of symbols on the display
3) Laptop computer vs. dedicated device

1. Size and Portability of the Device:

a. Small and light devices/books/boards: There are numerous small and light devices that are easy to carry, for example:

     Cheap Talk 8: Toys for Special Children/Enabling Devices:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

     Attainment 15 from Attainment Company, Inc.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

Small voice output devices appear (and disappear) on the market each year. As you will see elsewhere on this website, these devices function more like "supplemental tools" for narrow contexts rather than as communication devices due to the extremely limited vocabulary.

b. Mid-size devices/books: There are some devices and books that are heavier but can be carried by some individuals, depending upon that person's size, weight and strength. For example:

     DynaMyte from DynaVox Systems, Inc.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

     AlphaTalker from Prentke Romich Co.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

     Communication Book - Vocabulary by Topic:

c. Large devices: There are some devices that are so large that they are generally considered non-portable although they can usually be mounted to a wheelchair, for example:

     Vanguard from Prentke Romich Co.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

     DynaVox 3100 from DynaVox Systems, Inc.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

2. Clarity of Symbols on the Display:

a. Color versus black & white: For some users, color symbols are much more salient and easy to learn. Compare, for example:

     DynaVox 3100 from DynaVox Systems, Inc.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

     Original DynaVox from DynaVox Systems, Inc.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

b. Quality of Screen: On some devices, the symbols are not easily visible under certain conditions (for example, with glare, out of doors, low lighting, etc.). Newer or more expensive devices often have screens on which the symbols are brighter and clearer. For some AAC users, you may want to avoid devices with older screens, for example the old DynaVox pictured here, if the individual would be unable to see the symbols under adverse lighting conditions.

     Old Model DynaVox from DynaVox Systems, Inc.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

3. Laptop computer versus dedicated device:

a. Laptop Computer: Some manufacturers have developed AAC software that will function on laptop computers. For example:

     DynaVox Software from DynaVox Systems, Inc.:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge)

     Speaking Dynamically Pro from Mayer Johnson, Inc:

                  
          (Click picture to enlarge.)

b. Dedicated AAC device: Most of the equipment that you will see on this website is designed specially for AAC users, for communication purposes. No additional photographs are necessary here.

Back to Understanding AAC Features

University of Washington, Dept. of Speech & Hearing Sciences, Tele-Collaboration Project. © 1999-2002, UW-SPHSC, including all photographs and images unless otherwise noted. Comments: tcollab@u.washington.edu. URL: http://depts.washington.edu/augcomm