Communication
Define: The exchange of information between at least two people that is accomplished through the process of transmitting and receiving messages in a socially and physically supportive environment. Individuals involved in this exchange must possess both the desire and the capability to send and/or receive a message (Sigel-Causey& Guess, 1989 as cited in Dell, Newton & Petroff, 2012; Stremel-Campbell & Matthews, 1988, as cited in Dell, Newton, & Petroff, 2012).
Low-Tech: 1) BIG Mack --> A low-tech, battery-operated, durable augmentative communication device from AbleNet. A single message of
up to 2 minutes in length can be recorded and will be played back when the large button switch is activated. The device comes with
4 different color switch tops that can be interchanged to customize the look of the device. Attaching a picture symbol that is related
to the message to the top of the switch top is often beneficial for students. The BIG Mack comes with a clear switch cap which can
be placed over the switch top being used protect any picture symbol that is attached. The large surface (5 inches) of the activation
switch is designed to allow students with visual and/or motor disabilities to use the device. This device is typically used with
students who have limited or no verbal language and who have visual, motor, or cognitive impairments. The BIG Mack costs
$119.00 from AbleNet.
up to 2 minutes in length can be recorded and will be played back when the large button switch is activated. The device comes with
4 different color switch tops that can be interchanged to customize the look of the device. Attaching a picture symbol that is related
to the message to the top of the switch top is often beneficial for students. The BIG Mack comes with a clear switch cap which can
be placed over the switch top being used protect any picture symbol that is attached. The large surface (5 inches) of the activation
switch is designed to allow students with visual and/or motor disabilities to use the device. This device is typically used with
students who have limited or no verbal language and who have visual, motor, or cognitive impairments. The BIG Mack costs
$119.00 from AbleNet.
2) Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) --> A communication system often used with children with autism. PECS was
created in order to teach children to communicate functionally in a social context. There is a specific protocol with a hierarchy
of phases for teaching a child PECS. Students learn to hand a picture of a desired item to their communication partner. In
return, the communication partner gives the student the desired item. As students move through the hierarchy of phases, they
learn to respond to questions, comment, and use attributes to describe specific requests. Based on efficacy studies that support this
system, PECS was found to be beneficial for children ages 3 through 12 years. Students can learn to use PECS to communicate at
school, at home, and in therapy. Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. provides consultation and training to educators and families
on how to correctly implement the PECS protocol. The cost of this system can vary depending on who receives training and which
PECS pictures/books/products are purchased; certification training costs $395 for professionals and $295 for parents.
created in order to teach children to communicate functionally in a social context. There is a specific protocol with a hierarchy
of phases for teaching a child PECS. Students learn to hand a picture of a desired item to their communication partner. In
return, the communication partner gives the student the desired item. As students move through the hierarchy of phases, they
learn to respond to questions, comment, and use attributes to describe specific requests. Based on efficacy studies that support this
system, PECS was found to be beneficial for children ages 3 through 12 years. Students can learn to use PECS to communicate at
school, at home, and in therapy. Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. provides consultation and training to educators and families
on how to correctly implement the PECS protocol. The cost of this system can vary depending on who receives training and which
PECS pictures/books/products are purchased; certification training costs $395 for professionals and $295 for parents.
3) Go Talk 9+ --> A durable, lightweight, battery-operate communication device from Attainment Company, Inc. This device has 9
message buttons and 5 interchangeable picture overlays to provide 5 levels of recording. Additionally, there are three “core”
messages/buttons which are displayed at the top of the device and remain the same for each level. This device allows students to
initiate and participate in conversations, participate in class activities, and communicate needs and wants. The Go Talk 9+ ranges
in price from $179.00 for the basic device to $249.00 for the device, overlay software, and a carry stand.
message buttons and 5 interchangeable picture overlays to provide 5 levels of recording. Additionally, there are three “core”
messages/buttons which are displayed at the top of the device and remain the same for each level. This device allows students to
initiate and participate in conversations, participate in class activities, and communicate needs and wants. The Go Talk 9+ ranges
in price from $179.00 for the basic device to $249.00 for the device, overlay software, and a carry stand.
Mid-Tech: In terms of assistive technology for communication (AAC devices), there is generally only low and high tech device (no mid tech devices). Some individuals may consider more complex low-tech devices or more basic high-tech devices to be mid-tech; for the purposes of this website, assistive technology for communication are classified only as low-tech or high-tech.
High-Tech: 1) VMax+ --> A customizable speech output device created by Dynavox for individuals with limited or no verbal language. The
VMax+ has a large, clear display that can be easily viewed both inside and outside, a battery life of approximately 10 hours, and
the ability to be mounted on a wheelchair. This device (along with all Dynavox devices) uses InterAACt language framework,
which allows individuals to communicate quickly and efficiently in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar social settings. Individuals
using this device can customize pages based on their needs or can choose from pre-programmed page templates. The VMax+
can be combined with Dynavox’s EyeMax, an eye-gaze device for individuals with limited or no motor control other than their
eyes. Although the cost of the VMax+ is not on the Dynavox website, the Missouri Assistive Technology website reports that the
VMax+ costs about $8,200 and the EyeMax costs an additional $7,000. While this is expensive, Dynavox notes that Medicare,
Medicaid, and private insurance companies typically cover most of the cost of these products.
For more information about Dynavox products and the features of it's website, see the following screencast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J25vO69KgE
High-Tech: 1) VMax+ --> A customizable speech output device created by Dynavox for individuals with limited or no verbal language. The
VMax+ has a large, clear display that can be easily viewed both inside and outside, a battery life of approximately 10 hours, and
the ability to be mounted on a wheelchair. This device (along with all Dynavox devices) uses InterAACt language framework,
which allows individuals to communicate quickly and efficiently in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar social settings. Individuals
using this device can customize pages based on their needs or can choose from pre-programmed page templates. The VMax+
can be combined with Dynavox’s EyeMax, an eye-gaze device for individuals with limited or no motor control other than their
eyes. Although the cost of the VMax+ is not on the Dynavox website, the Missouri Assistive Technology website reports that the
VMax+ costs about $8,200 and the EyeMax costs an additional $7,000. While this is expensive, Dynavox notes that Medicare,
Medicaid, and private insurance companies typically cover most of the cost of these products.
For more information about Dynavox products and the features of it's website, see the following screencast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J25vO69KgE
2) ECO2 --> A speech output communication device created by the Prentke Romich Company (PRC). This product, which has a
battery life of approximately 8 hours, is an AAC device and Windows 7-based computer combined. The device is, however,
available without the computer feature in order to meet funding requirements for Medicare and Medicaid. The ECO2 has a large
display and keys to make communication accessible to those with visual and/or motor disabilities. This device, as with all PRC
devices, is programmed with the language software Unity®. The ECO2 comes with Vocabulary Builder, a tool that limits the
amount of vocabulary within the Unity® system that an instructor can introduce so as to lighten the teaching and learning load.
Like the VMax+, this device can also be paired with an eye-gaze device (the ECO Point by PRC). The ECO2 costs $7,895 and the
ECO Point costs $7,250. As with Dynavox, requests for funding can be submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance
companies.
battery life of approximately 8 hours, is an AAC device and Windows 7-based computer combined. The device is, however,
available without the computer feature in order to meet funding requirements for Medicare and Medicaid. The ECO2 has a large
display and keys to make communication accessible to those with visual and/or motor disabilities. This device, as with all PRC
devices, is programmed with the language software Unity®. The ECO2 comes with Vocabulary Builder, a tool that limits the
amount of vocabulary within the Unity® system that an instructor can introduce so as to lighten the teaching and learning load.
Like the VMax+, this device can also be paired with an eye-gaze device (the ECO Point by PRC). The ECO2 costs $7,895 and the
ECO Point costs $7,250. As with Dynavox, requests for funding can be submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance
companies.
3) Proloquo2 --> A speech output application for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch created by AssistiveWare. This app contains
Basic Communication and Core Word, two research-based vocabulary sets. Proloquo2go also comes programmed with natural-
sounding speech output voices and over 14,000 pre-programmed symbols. Symbols and vocabulary can be easily and quickly
organized and the layout of the pages can be customized. Frequent and recently used vocabulary are also easily accessible.
Proloquo2go can only be purchased through iTunes. The price varies depending on the country, but in the US, this app costs
almost $190.00. As stated above, Proloquo2go requires the student also having access to an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. While
the cost of these products varies depending on the device and the model, the combined cost of the Apple product and the app is
still significantly less expensive than other high-tech devices.
Basic Communication and Core Word, two research-based vocabulary sets. Proloquo2go also comes programmed with natural-
sounding speech output voices and over 14,000 pre-programmed symbols. Symbols and vocabulary can be easily and quickly
organized and the layout of the pages can be customized. Frequent and recently used vocabulary are also easily accessible.
Proloquo2go can only be purchased through iTunes. The price varies depending on the country, but in the US, this app costs
almost $190.00. As stated above, Proloquo2go requires the student also having access to an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. While
the cost of these products varies depending on the device and the model, the combined cost of the Apple product and the app is
still significantly less expensive than other high-tech devices.
Resources: 1) More information about the BIG Mack and links to information on other AbleNet communication products: http://www.ablenetinc.com/Assistive-Technology/Communication/BIGmack%C2%AE-LITTLEmack%C2%AE
2) Information on the evidence supporting the efficacy of PECS: http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/content/picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs
3) Link to the Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. website. This site contains more information about PECS and information on certification training:
http://www.pecsusa.com/index.php
4) Full information on the Go Talk 9+ and access to information on other products from Attainment Company, Inc.: http://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-9
5) Full information on the VMax+ and access to information on other Dynavox products: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/vmaxplus/
6) Full information on the ECO2 and access to information on other PRC products: https://store.prentrom.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/53
7) Full information on Proloquo2go and access to information on other AssistiveWare products: http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go
8) More information about Communication: Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.
2) Information on the evidence supporting the efficacy of PECS: http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/content/picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs
3) Link to the Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. website. This site contains more information about PECS and information on certification training:
http://www.pecsusa.com/index.php
4) Full information on the Go Talk 9+ and access to information on other products from Attainment Company, Inc.: http://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-9
5) Full information on the VMax+ and access to information on other Dynavox products: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/vmaxplus/
6) Full information on the ECO2 and access to information on other PRC products: https://store.prentrom.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/53
7) Full information on Proloquo2go and access to information on other AssistiveWare products: http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go
8) More information about Communication: Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.