Information About AT Equipment

Computer Access
an AT Equipment Informative Module

Software for Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Adaptive AAC software options for users with communicative disabilities include:

alternative and augmentative communication software programs that provide AAC assistance through a computer as opposed to individual AAC devices

communication board software programs that provide instructional units for "low-tech" communication boards

symbol and screen creating software programs that provide icons, communicative symbols, and dynamic screens for AAC devices

AAC Software Program

Software, Vendor, Price, Link	Description	Image
Aurora Suite 2005 Professional Edition Aurora Systems, Inc. $549 http://www.aurora-systems.com/	Suite Includes the following Aurora software products. Aurora Prediction: word prediction, phrase prediction, abbreviation expansion, grammar assist, punctuation assist, and spelling assistance. Aurora Talk: converstation speech output Aurora Echo: Text to Speech software Synthesized Speech
The Grid 2 Zygo Industries $925 http://www.zygo-usa.com/	The Grid 2 is an all-in-one package for communication and access. The Grid 2 allows people with limited or unclear speech to use a computer as a voice ouput communication aid, using symbols or text to build sentences. You can also access your Windows desktop and other programs, with the built in Computer Control features. In addition to this, you can send and receive email and sms messages, browse the web, listen to music... and more too! The Grid 2 is accessible to everybody, accepting input from switches, headpointer, touchscreen, mouse, and other options too. Symbol Chat Text Chat Computer Control Access Speech Editing Grid Sets

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Communication Board Software

Software, Vendor, Price, Link	Description	Image
Boardmaker Assistive Technology, Inc. http://www.assistivetech.com	Boardmaker® is a Mayer-Johnson communication and learning tool that contains over 3000 Picture Communication Symbols™ (PCS™). It is designed to enhance the language and learning process for individuals of all levels. This graphic database allows you to create professional-looking communication displays, find and paste PCS into your display or another program, print displays in black and white or color, import digital photos, and more. Boardmaker includes over 100 templates for creating schedules, worksheets, custom-made games and activities, and much more.
Communicator 3 Pro Assistive Technology, Inc. http://www.assistivetech.com/	Viking Software's Communicator 3 Pro offers Mercury and MiniMerc device owners another communication option. This software gives freedom and independence to users through a variety of features. This software allows users to create dynamic display boards, includes a complete set of symbols, and provides cellular telephone and e-mail interfaces as well as environmental control. * Communication Software from Viking Software ready-to-use communication boards for speech and writing * templates for creating your own boards * a simple user interface * built-in telecommunication technology: users can send and receive cell phone text messages and e-mail (with symbol support) directly from within a communication board * access by mouse, touch screen, switches, or any other popular alternative input device * a variety of onscreen keyboards, with custom keyboards for the Web, Word, Wordpad, and more. * switch access to the Windows Taskbar * switch-controlled games, with the ability to program your own

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Symbol and Dynamic Screen Creation Software

Software, Vendor, Price, Link	Description	Image
Boardmaker Assistive Technology, Inc. http://www.assistivetech.com/	Boardmaker® is a Mayer-Johnson communication and learning tool that contains over 3000 Picture Communication Symbols™ (PCS™). It is designed to enhance the language and learning process for individuals of all levels. This graphic database allows you to create professional-looking communication displays, find and paste PCS into your display or another program, print displays in black and white or color, import digital photos, and more. Boardmaker includes over 100 templates for creating schedules, worksheets, custom-made games and activities, and much more.
Communicator 3 Pro Assistive Technology, Inc. http://www.assistivetech.com/	Viking Software's Communicator 3 Pro offers Mercury and MiniMerc device owners another communication option. This software gives freedom and independence to users through a variety of features. This software allows users to create dynamic display boards, includes a complete set of symbols, and provides cellular telephone and e-mail interfaces as well as environmental control. * Communication Software from Viking Software ready-to-use communication boards for speech and writing * templates for creating your own boards * a simple user interface * built-in telecommunication technology: users can send and receive cell phone text messages and e-mail (with symbol support) directly from within a communication board * access by mouse, touch screen, switches, or any other popular alternative input device * a variety of onscreen keyboards, with custom keyboards for the Web, Word, Wordpad, and more. * switch access to the Windows Taskbar * switch-controlled games, with the ability to program your own
Functionally Speaking Assistive Technology, Inc. http://www.assistivetech.com/	Functionally Speaking, developed by ATI, gives device users a powerful and flexible communication solution. The three sets of boards cover a wide range of conversational topics for use at home, school, and in the community. Functionally Speaking contains: * over 40 customizable graphical boards for scene-based users * over 150 ready-to-use functional boards in 2 levels for younger AAC users * over 350 new graphics in Boardmaker libraries for easy customization of any board Functionally Speaking requires Speaking Dynamically Pro to run. The board sets are pre-installed on all Mercury and MiniMerc devices and provided to Gemini device owners at no charge upon request. Functionally Speaking can be purchased separately for use on other systems.
Speaking Dynamically Pro Assistive Technology, Inc. http://www.assistivetech.com/	Speaking Dynamically Pro® is a Mayer-Johnson dynamic screen communication program that turns your computer into a powerful speech-output device. You can also use it to create interactive educational activities. With Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro, you can create buttons that: * speak any text message (text-to speech) * play recorded (digitized) speech * open pop-up boards * link to other boards * generate random responses Communication Software and PCS Symbols from Mayer-Johnson LLC * use abbreviation expansion and word prediction * build sentences with symbols or text * launch other programs * control your TV and other media devices using Mercury/MiniMerc IR functions