Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) term refers to alternate forms of speech rather then the voice.  AAC devices can be as simple as hand gestures or sign, picture charts, or the most sophisticated computer technology available.  There are a variety of reasons people would use an AAC device including stroke, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities etc.  The goal of an AAC device is to help people with communication disorders use the abilities they have to successfully communicate.  It is wise for a person to work with a speech language pathologist and occupational therapist to determine the best possible AAC device for that person.  AAC devices range from tens of thousands of dollars.  I will briefly describe five different AAC devices.
 
Dyna Vox 3100
Price: $6500
Features:  Synthesized speech on a touch screen, 12 inch color, 7lbs. Able to be fully customized.  Built in remote for external activity such as TV, DVD player.  The user types what is to be said on the screen, thus the person running the device must be literate.  It also has buttons for different categories to save important information etc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alpha Talker II
Price: $3500
Features:  Digitized speech output meaning someone programs what the buttons are to say.  The buttons are customizable and can be changed.  The user simply pushes the button to say what they want or need.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Van guard
Price:  15,000
Features:  It can use pictures symbols or words, has the capability of being fully customized.  Can have many different categories to quickly access words or phrases needed.  For example, you could have a section for lunch symbols, friends symbols, science symbols etc.  It has the system 'Mini Speak' which requires no literacy tools, however it can be utilized to people who can read and write.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Big Mac Switch
Price: $99
Features:  Can have one recorded message up to twenty seconds.  This is designed for people with more significant disabilities.  The button is big so that fine motor skills are not necessary.  I have used something similiar to this so students can interact with peers by making a simple introduction such as, "Hi my name is Erica, I love singing in choir.  
Super Talker Progressive Communicator
Price:  $339
Features:  This is designed to grow with the student as you can see from the picture, you can go from a one button device up to an eight button device.  As the student learns to use the device, you can give them more options.  All of the buttons are recordable so you can customize what the button says.  The buttons are compatible with the Boardmaker program.  The Boardmaker program allows you to make picture representations of words and phrases.  It is very common in the special ed world and the Boardmaker program can be used for a variety of uses, not solely for this product, it retails for about $250'
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I hope that you gathered from this Wiki page that there are many, many forms AAC technology.  The trick is getting the right device for the right person.  You must consider if they have literacy skills, what fine motor skills they have, when they will use this device, the amount of money you can spend etc. etc.
 
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Disclaimer

Any opinions expressed here, except as specifically noted, are those of the individual authors or commenters and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, or Utah State University.