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New or Updated Devices/Software - Closing the Gap 2005
Authors:
Matthew Press – Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
&
Anne Banton – Assistive Technology Educational Network of Florida
This list is organized by sections including AAC Devices, Computer Access, Switches, Hearing/Vision, Miscellaneous, Software – AAC & Symbols, Software – Computer Access, Software – Hearing/Vision, Software – Literacy, Software – Curriculum, Software – Miscellaneous. All items were placed in these categories for ease of organization by the authors. Some of the products may fit into more than one category. Products are not listed in any particular order.
This list should serve only as a guide to MOST of the products that were released or updated in the past six months. Although every attempt was made to ensure that every vendor represented at Closing the Gap was included, the author apologizes for any company who was inadvertently left out. In addition, any misrepresentation of a product is simply an interpretation mistake by the authors.
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Lex by Adaptivation www.adaptivation.com
A single message communication device with three levels. Activation surface is approximately 5” X 7”. TalkingMyWay object cards can be placed directly on the activation surface.
Voisec by Adaptivation www.adaptivation.com
A 1.5” single message communication device with 60 seconds of recorded speech.
Polyana-4 by Zygo www.zygo-usa.com
An update from the Polyana 3 with a larger screen. It uses the same software.
LightWRITER SL 87 by Zygo www.zygo-usa.com
The SL87 is a combination of the SL35 and the Plug-In Scan Module mounted on a plate. It has a large screen, word prediction and a carrying strap.
Bluebird II by Saltillo www.saltillo.com
This digitized speech device has 6 hours of recording time. There are 10 levels and each level has up to 24 buttons using a 6 X 4 layout. The messages can be recorded on the device itself, or when paired with the Picture Master Language Software and a card Reader/Programmer, the overlays can be created on a computer and downloaded onto the 256 MB memory card.
Chatbox 40 by Saltillo www.saltillo.com
While this device has not physically changed in appearance, its software has been updated to include icon sequencing as a method of communication.
Scanning SA1 by Saltillo www.saltillo.com
A new communication device that has 3 levels with 12 locations on each level. It can be accessed by direct selection or switch scanning (1 or 2) with auditory or visual prompts.
Cardinal by Saltillo www.saltillo.com
A new communication device with 3 levels and either 1, 2, 4 or 8 locations on each level. It holds 8 minutes of recorded speech.
TechTouch by AMDi www.amdi.net
The TechTouch, released at last year’s conference, has been updated. New features include a high quality speech synthesizer producing a male or female voice. It is preloaded with one voice although the user can change to the other option. There are also cell phone functions, utilizing a wireless air card (requires SIM card from Cingular or Tmobile). An external (USB) infrared communication capability provides environmental control. There is a new carrying case with shoulder harness, allowing hands free carrying.
Tech 128 by AMDi www.amdi.net
A new member of the “Tech” series. This device has 128 possible targets that are accessed by direct selection. The device uses recorded digitized speech.
Tech Talk with Environmental Controls by AMDi www.amdi.net
This device now has the added capability of transmitting Infrared signals.
Leo by Assistive Technology Inc. www.assistivetech.com
A new communication device with 1, 8, or 32 button options for direct access or 1 or 2 switch scanning. The 7 level device can be programmed directly, or using computer software, sent via USB to the device. The device recognizes overlays based on a bar code on the back, which can be printed by the owner. The computer-based software can import any pictures you desire, although it comes with a symbol set made by ATI. It also has Infrared Environmental Control Unit capability.
Link classic by Assistive Technology Inc. www.assistivetech.com
The original is back. Similar to the Link Plus, but without scanning and word prediction.
Ichat by Dynavox www.dynavoxtech.com
This is a symbol based communication system placed on a PDA. Its primary purpose is communication
Phone It by Dynavox www.dynavoxtech.com
A new analog interface compatible with the DV4, MT4, MiniMo, MightyMo, and Dynawrite.
MiniMo/MightyMo by DynaVox www.dynavoxtech.com
These devices now have improved voices.
New Low Tech Solutions by Augmentative Resources www.augresources.com
New low-tech supports for aided communication during literacy activities or for use in low-tech AAC systems. These include Portable Velcro Receptive Schedules, Waist Communicators, Velcro Receptive/ Clear Create-a-books, and a Magnetic page turner.
Devices by Prentke Romich www.prentrom.com
All PRC devices are now USB compatible, have MP3 capability, have the IntelliTools interface built in so the student can access all controls, and have wireless airwards for cell phone capability. There are new voices (real speak) on the Vantage, Vanguard, and eventually the Pathfinder. The Springboard now has three voices – male, female, and child and computer access. AAC keys is no longer necessary since USB allows plug and play. The user can toggle between computer and communicate mode.
PointSmart by Infogrip www.infogrip.com
This software enhances the mouse control panel to include the ability for very slow cursor movement, reprogramming the mouse buttons, screen wrap for the cursor, and reorientation of the external device.
Keys-U-See by The Key Connection by Infogrip. www.infogrip.com
A standard keyboard that has bright yellow keys with large black characters on them. It includes programmed hot keys for common functions.
Versa Point RF Keyboard by Infogrip www.infogrip.com
A wireless keyboard that utilizes radio frequency technology and a USB receiver. The keyboard has a small joystick in the top right corner and mouse buttons in the top left corner.
Wireless Switch Interface by Infogrip www.infogrip.com
A switch interface with the ability to interface 5 switches through 6 different preset options. The switches plug into a standard interface, which then transmits a radio frequency signal to a USB receiver.
USB Switch Interface by Origin www.orin.com
A switch interface that has dip switches that allow for mouse and joystick emulation.
BEAM by Origin www.orin.com
A wireless transmitter that can be paired with the USB switch interface. It can also be paired with the HeadMouse Extreme to be used as the clicking function
Easitrax by Traxsys www.traxsys.com
A USB joystick with variable speed control, changeable by clicking the mouse buttons in a specific sequence. The device was intended to look very mainstream.
ERICA System by Eye Response Technologies www.eyeresponse.com
An updated, more durable version of their previous product. This version includes a new camera with updated software for quicker calibration in 15 seconds. The standard version ships with your choice of a tablet PC or an iMac, with several ports for switches and external USB peripherals.
MyTobii Eye Control System by Tobii Technology www.tobii.com
A computer based eye control system that allows a user to simply look at a spot on the screen and the mouse moves there. Clicking is performed by either switch hits or dwell time.
Quick Glance 2 by Eye Tech www.eyetechds.com
Updates to a product already on the market include easier calibration (quick calibration in 3 seconds), pop-up menus launched based upon the program you launch, and the ability to customize those setups. In addition, it is now easy to have multiple users on the same system.
Intelliswitch by IntelliTools and Madentec www.intellitools.com or www.madentec.com
This wireless switch and receiver includes 5 switch ports and two built in switches (perform same function as switch ports 1 and 2). There are 26 preset function combinations set to the 5 ports. This hardware solution is controlled by a new IntelliKeys USB control panel, when it is being used as an interface for switch accessible programs, but is controlled by Discover Software when being used as the new look of the Discover Switch.
Smart-Nav 3 AT by Natural Point www.naturalpoint.com
The latest update to this alternative mouse includes more reliable cursor movement based on head movement.
Lazee Mouse by Lazeetek www.lazeetek.com
The Lazee mouse is a family of devices with proportional cursor control. Each device utilizes a different mechanism for clicking. All of the devices use USB cables with no software to install (if using dwell software, it is not provided).
Play Station Game Pad Adapter by Enabling Devices www.enablingdevices.com
A device allowing the game paddle for the Play Station to become switch accessible.
Barrier-free Controller for Home Videogames by Namco http://hustle-club.com
This redesigned game pad is compatible with the Sony PlayStation 2. It has oversized buttons and a joystick on it, but also has switch ports for the addition of external switches.
SCATIR Switch by TASH www.tashinc.com
This switch is activated by breaking a beam of light. It can be mounted or attached to a pair of glasses to be used as an eye blink switch. The unit runs on a rechargeable 9v battery or AC power.
Crystal Clear Access Switch by Saltillo www.saltillo.com
Small circular switches that have a screw off plastic lid. Comes in two sizes 2.5 inch or 0.4 inch diameter. The switches can be easily repaired by knowledgeable users. (bottom screws can be removed)
Jelly Beamer by Ablenet www.ablenetinc.com
A wireless switch and transmitter combination that transmits up to 30 feet.
Interpretype by Interpretype www.interpretype.com
This device is a keyboard based communication system designed for communicating with a person who is deaf/hard of hearing, or who speaks another language. It can come in pairs that are linked via a cable or Radio Frequency and become a portable instant messaging system. They can also come as single units and companion software is loaded on a computer to enable the computer to be one end of the communication system. When used as a single device interfacing with a computer, the computer-based model can be interfaced with JAWS and a refreshable Braille Display. The units can be connected via a hub to allow for up to 120 people to “converse.”
Clearnote by Optelec www.optelec.com
A CCTV camera attached to a laptop that can be used to magnify documents that are focused on a distant object and magnified.
EasyLink by Optelec www.optelec.com
A wireless Braille keyboard that uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with special software loaded to an Ipaq, or with a cell phone equipped with MobilSpeak.
SCI plus 300 Speech Calculator by Sight Enhancement www.sightenhancement.com
A calculator capable of performing basic algebraic and trigonometric calculations and speaking the results. It has a headset jack.
Wat-Cam by Sight Enhancement www.sightenhancement.com
A video camera that transmits its image to your monitor. Simple one cable setup makes it easy to use.
T1200 Boardspeaker by AffordaSpeech www.affordaspeech.com
This device has been updated since its previous release. New features include longer battery life and improved voice quality. It also has a drawer lock and a headphone jack now.
Zoom-Ex by AbISee Inc www.abisee.com
This electronic magnifier takes a snapshot of the item placed under it and the accompanying software is able to rotate the image to be oriented correctly. With simple key commands, the image can be magnified, graphics can be easily removed, and the text can be reorganized on the screen. The system is easily collapsible and portable
Transition Textures by Adaptivation www.adaptivation.com
A group of 30 small objects made from 10 different textures. The concept is that people with visual impairments might use them to build associations using textures as the medium.
Dana by AlphaSmart (now owned by Renaissance Learning Inc) www.alphasmart.com
The Dana operating system (v1.5) has been updated to enable the use of the widescreen on the applications menu.
Slim Armstrong by Ablenet www.ablenetinc.com
The slim Armstrong has been redesigned to increase its stability.
The Reading Pen Basic Edition by Wizcom www.wizcomtech.com
This version of the Reading Pen uses a children’s dictionary and thesaurus. The dictionary is targeted for 7th grade through high school students. The menu on the pen is easier to use. In addition, there is now a plastic scanning guide (a tip for the front of the pen) to assist with proper scanning angle.
New Tutorials by Lab Resources www.elabresources.com
Lab resources has produced several new tutorials. These include WYNN 4.0, Kurzweil 3000 v9, Dragon Naturally Speaking v8, Clicker 5, and Boardmaker Plus. Multiple copies licensing is available.
Golden Ideas for Golden Students by Golden Child Resources www.goldenchildresources.com
This teacher’s manual provides “practical advice and strategies for structuring the classroom for students with autism and other developmental disabilities.” It includes a CD with pdf formatted files created using Boardmaker, allowing you to print out hundreds of pages of resources for engineering the classroom.
High Striker by Enabling Devices www.enablingdevices.com
A new switch toy at the cause and effect level. It incorporates a squishy switch as its activation mechanism.
Hi Ho Cherry Oh Game modifications by Enabling Devices www.enablingdevices.com
This childhood board game is now available with modifications to make it accessible for more students. A switch accessible spinner is included.
Manipulative Kits by Aimee Solutions www.aimeesolutions.com
Kits of manipulatives prepackaged to go along with units sold by the company.
Ready to Go Units by Aimee Solutions www.aimeesolutions.com
These are the physical assembled versions of the units that Aimee Solutions already has created. Useful for those who don’t have time/desire to assemble the units on their own!
Ordering Buddy by CJT www.cjt-yes.com
This is an excel document that helps you order the right mounting parts based on basic question and answers. In addition to this service, CJT offers the ability to submit a picture of a client requiring a mount or a mount that is not working properly, and receive advice on other mounting options.
Princeton Review Oicket Prep for the New SAT by Franklin Learning Resources www.franklin.com
An interactive handheld tutor designed to improve skills required for the new SAT.
Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark by Franklin Learning Resources www.franklin.com
Digital bookmarks that help a student gauge their own reading progress.
Imagine Symbols by the Imagine Symbols Consortium www.Imaginesymbols.com
A new symbol set including 4000 symbols in six different file formats. The pictures are very realistic and easy to understand. The symbols are free for non-commercial use.
Picture Master Language Software by Saltillo www.Saltillo.com
This software allows you to create communication boards with over 3000 symbols. The symbols are available in black/white simple line drawings, color simple line drawings, black/white realistic drawings, color realistic drawings, photos, and animated gif files. When a board is created, the symbols are easily changeable from one format to another. Each picture has prerecorded digitized speech in both Spanish and English.
Mind Express by Technology and Integration www.tniinc.com
This software has been updated to allow the user to write emails, using symbol-based language. The symbols can be easily imported into your email, and the person receiving the email is able to see the images as well.
Speaking Software for DynaVox 4000 series emulation www.dynavoxtech.com
This program is a PC based version of the software that is used on the DV4 and MT4. It uses AT&T natural voices to speak. It can also be used for the creation of new page layouts.
Overboard by Gus communications www.gusinc.com
Recent improvements to this software make it easy to use. It includes templates for most AAC devices as well as easy access to Microsoft’s on-line clip art gallery. It utilizes the Neo Speech engine. All updates in the future are free and activities created by other users can easily be shared on-line.
Say it Sam Software for the PC by Words + www.words-plus.com
This software is identical to the software found on the tablet or handheld, but is designed for the PC.
Desktop Protector by RJ Cooper www.rjcooper.com
This software makes it easy for a teacher to lock down the computer to allow access to only specific items. By pressing a specific key combination, the computer is either locked down or unlocked.
Speak to Me by RJ Cooper www.rjcooper.com
This is voice recognition software that is used for controlling/navigating the computer. The user trains the software to recognize their voice. The software is only available for the Windows platform at this time.
Reach by Applied Human Factors www.ahf-net.com
Reach has been updated to Smart Lists – similar to Smart Keys, when a letter is selected, all possible next letter combinations show up in a list. (length is customizable) The list is in the same spot as the key representing the first letter of the word that is being typed. It also has the Enhanced Speech System.
MobilMagnifier by Optelec www.optelec.com
Magnification software designed for a cellular phone.
Supernova pen by Optelec www.optelec.com
Software that combines a screen reader and screen magnifier, all stored and run from a USB Pen drive. The software can be used on any computer the user has access to making it extremely portable.
MobilSpeak by Optelec www.optelec.com
Software loaded on a cell phone is designed to speak menus and words from the applications on the phone.
Kurzweil 1000 v10 for Windows www.kurzweiledu.com
Scans/reads online magazines, updated OCR software, Updated text to speech processor, ability to create daisy format files, and the ability to create tables and then modify them.
Window-Eyes 5.0 by GW micro www.gwmicro.com
Windows Eyes 5.0, an update from version 4.5. New features include an easier navigation through Microsoft Word and support for Mozilla FireFox
Word Sprint by Technology and Integration www.tniinc.com
This program has three possible visual presentations. One is to place a toolbar into Microsoft Word, which will read back text to the user. It includes a homophone check with picture and text definitions. It can also speak any word, which is clicked on. A second appearance is as a button that floats over other applications. With this function, a user simply highlights and copies any text to the clipboard and then clicks the play icon and the selection is spoken. The third appearance of the program is as a standalone word processor utilizing the same functions as the toolbar discussed above.
Read & Write Gold 7.1E by Texthelp www.texthelp.com
The major updates to this software are its improvements to voice quality and the upgrade of the OCR software.
WYNN 4.0 by Freedom scientific http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/index.asp
The new features in WYNN 4.0 are: