switchies and devices

[sian jackson]

what can u do with ur aac
well

open device

if its a tablet based aac u can do anything but it has to be able to do it
in the usa this is called having an open device.

with an open device you can go from the aac software to the computer desktop.
and run programs like u would on a regular windows computer.

closed device

means that you device can only use the aac software and the device needs unlocking to access windows ( in the usa but not uk)

windows

current version of windows is supplied on the tobii i 12 + and i 15+
older windows device will come with xp or windows 7 etc

dynavox t 10 , t7 , t15
all have android operating system . for example the t10 has android 4.04 operating system
and can not use any windows software

t10 can be a lock or unlocked device
and u can even password lock it.

it is non upgradable , by this i mean u cant up grade from android 4.04 os to the current.
you might be able to but this isnt easy .

pointing / accessing your device

this can be done by

touch - using ur finger or stylus
mouse - using a computer mouse ( not android devices)
head mouse - aqhu giro scopic mouse ( windows and android) works with hand , foot head , if u can move it left , right up and down
then this will work

head pointer stick - u wear it on ur head and the pointer is usually at chin hight

chin switch - it basically a switch you press with ur chin

presure sensertive hand switch - can be altered to suit ur hand puresure

big mac , spec switch etc a button thats medeum to big that u press

progamsble message button - record a message and press to hear it one message per button

puff blow switch - relise on puffing and blowing via a strew

eyegaze

avalible on most windows systems and a few others too
very easy to use when u cant use a mouse or switch

hope this helps

[Hotwheelz]

Hi Sian, thanks for sharing your knowledge of assistive aids with everyone. It appears to me that in the current climate of technology, many high-street consumer aids and mobile phones with cheap apps out-perform expensive specialist assistive aids. The main reason for this is due to the length of time it takes to develop then get a device through the specialist assistive aid approval process can take years and the manufacturer has to try and cover the cost of research and development of their specialist assistive aid. 

Example - The iPhone, it can be switch controlled, you get apps for environmental control, AAC software from 50p to £150.00 and many other automated living aids.

Andy