AVRIL
BILTEN

I wanted to tell everyone about Dynavox products. These speech devices are technically referred to as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I received a new Dynavox last year, an SC Mini, but there are several different types of devices, addons and settings. I will cover some information, but I encourage people to visit the website to learn about everything.

 

The communication bill of rights states that everyone has the right to learn to communicate, to be spoken with and not about, to know and ask what’s happening to them and to make their preferences known. Everyone has the right to a communication system all the time and deserves to have a voice. For people with conditions that impact communication, AAC is the means of achieving this basic human right.

The Dynavox website has a paragraph that I really love. It says:

​

The communication bill of rights states that everyone has the right to learn to communicate, to be spoken with and not about, to know and ask what’s happening to them and to make their preferences known. Everyone has the right to a communication system all the time and deserves to have a voice. For people with conditions that impact communication, AAC is the means of achieving this basic human right.

​

Here is the link to ASHA- American Speech-Language-Hearing association Communication Bill of Rights

https://www.asha.org/njc/communication-bill-of-rights/

 

To participate fully in communication interactions, each person has these fundamental communication rights.

ASHA lists these rights as:

• The right to interact socially, maintain social closeness, and build relationships

• The right to request desired objects, actions, events, and people

• The right to refuse or reject undesired objects, actions, events, or choices

• The right to express personal preferences and feelings

• The right to make choices from meaningful alternatives

• The right to make comments and share opinions

• The right to ask for and give information, including information about changes in routine and environment

• The right to be informed about people and events in one’s life

• The right to access interventions and supports that improve communication

• The right to have communication acts acknowledged and responded to even when the desired outcome cannot be realized

• The right to have access to functioning AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) and other AT (assistive technology) services and devices at all times

• The right to access environmental contexts, interactions, and opportunities that promote participation as full communication partners with other people, including peers

• The right to be treated with dignity and addressed with respect and courtesy

• The right to be addressed directly and not be spoken for or talked about in the third person while present

• The right to have clear, meaningful, and culturally and linguistically appropriate communications

 

To someone who can’t communicate, AAC’s are more than just a device. They’re freedom and the chance to be heard. They empower people to speak up and share their needs and feelings, and enable them to make choices for themselves.

 

The Dynavox software is very easy to use. Besides the great communication boards, it also offers a calendar, clock, timer, games, whiteboard and many other options if you unlock Wi-Fi. I was able to use Alexa for the first time. It has a bunch of preset commands for Alexa and plenty of room to set your own. It’s able to control smart home devices. I especially like that you can use Echo drop in and broadcast so a disabled person can easily contact everyone in the house through video or voice, and text anyone they need to.

 

These devices have so many different capabilities. For instance, instead of a synthetic voice, they can use yours or someone else’s. They offer several different options, including an eye tracker. The eye tracker enables people with physical disabilities to control a Windows device with their eyes. This lets you replace a traditional keyboard and mouse with your eyes – surf the web, connect on social media, play games, create documents, control smart home devices and more. They also offer their software to purchase for your own device if you feel more comfortable using that.

 

They also have many different accessories to fit your unique needs – wheelchair and desk mounts, floor and table stands, carrying bags, shoulder straps, keyguards, handles, headmouse (like the eyetracker, but for head movements), PCEye with carrying case (a small eyetracker device that works with Windows computers and devices), the HoneyBee switch (allows certain devices to become motion activated), and more. One of my favorites is called AccessIT 3. It’s a small USB device that lets you use their TD Snap software, with your settings, on any Windows computer.

 

They have representatives across the United States, Canada and some other countries who help you both during and afterwards the purchase and set up process. They are extremely nice, very helpful, and are very good at securing funding too! (Note that most insurances require you to work with a speech therapist who can assess you, attest to your need for it, help set up the device and train you to use it easily) 

 

Setting it up is an extremely important process because you can alter everything to fit your particular needs. It’s very beneficial to work with the consultant and speech therapist for this, as it’s very detailed and they are well versed in navigating the settings effortlessly. You can choose the voice, layout, speed, age range (to determine age-appropriate words and pictures), grid size (I think I have 10 x 8=80 boxes per page, while a child or someone with limited capacity might have 10 total), etc. 

​

They also offer so many different avenues of training or assistance. Their devices come with training cards, they have live events, support articles, a video library, zoom calls, and their consultants and phone or online support are available for you from 9am to 9pm EST.

​

Do note that insurance won’t cover unlocking the internet on your device, but you can have that done for a one-time $25 fee. Just let your consultant know if you need help doing that. 

Just like wheelchairs and a lot of medical equipment, most insurances will only cover a new device every 5 years so make sure you are really careful.

​

This is my second product from Dynavox, and I have been so pleased with the device, the company, and the people associated with them. I would definitely recommend them!

​

Here is the link to find a local representative: 

https://us.tobiidynavox.com/pages/find-a-solutions-consultant