Michael Tromblee AT Project

Name:

DynaVoxV

Manufacturer:

DynaVox Technologies website: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/default.aspx

Description:

The DynaVoxV is a fully integrated augmented communication device that allows users to communicate verbally in all aspects of life though a touch screen. Users can access the device even if they do not have use of their hands. Many accessories allow for all classifications of users to be able to access the features. To see how the DynaVox works please click here for an interactive tour given by a user of the DynaVox system.

Platform:

This device is a “Dynamic Display Speech Output” which means that it is a device that uses prerecorded voices that allows a user who cannot speak to communicate through full phrases that the user chooses on the touch screen. Devices such as this are also called speech generating devices.

Price:

One downside of this device for some users may be the price. I called the DynaVox customer support/sales line and I was quoted a full set up with software would cost $7395.00.Funding help is offered by the company for individuals who cannot afford the expense of the device. Rental options are also available. Workshops are also offered, at a cost, to assist new users in the operations of the device. Another option may be to buy second hand systems which I found many of on the world-wide-web.



Who Needs this Technology and Why:

Any student who is non-verbal in their communication ability. This may include: students with cerebral palsy, students who have suffered strokes, paralyzed students, ALS, and any student who is non verbal in their communications. The products website states that persons suffering from autism, MS, and traumatic brain injury can communicate with this device. The device focuses on literacy development in its software. Students not only are able to communicate, but also able to improve their literacy, and therefore their success in the classroom. One limitation of this product may be the way the user interfaces with the keypad. In my research it seems that the device uses a key-pad, touch screen, joystick, combination accessories, or a pillow that can be placed in-between the lap. In a phone conversation with the customer support line I was informed that an individual could use this device if they could move their pupil, eyebrow, or use a head pointer if they had movement of their head to manipulate the keypad.



Research:

Many papers have been published regarding the DynaVoxV. These papers explore the use of the device by users with specific disabilities, vocabulary acquisition. In researching these papers one gains a better idea on how DynaVox supports literacy development of the user. What DynaVox does is they create a software program for each specific user. They then load in vocabulary that takes into consideration age, gender, cognitive development stage, and even social groups. For example a non-literate user would have software loaded that focus on functional communication rather than literacy development; whereas, a literate user would have software that creates a bridge, or scaffold as our educational vocabulary would have us use, between the users current grasp of language towards further development. In the case of the literate user DynaVox takes into consideration two questions: 1. Is the selected vocabulary functional given his/her literacy skills? and 2. Is the vocabulary likely to promote literacy learning?”
DynaVox does have professional educators on its staff to oversee the device’s software and usability in the classroom and in literacy development. If you are interested in the actual papers for further research here is the link to the DynaVoxV research and recommendations website: http://www.dynavoxsys.com/education/paperspresentations.aspx




Benefits:

In its design DynaVoxV has included the need to provide this assistive technology centered on the users desire to be able to communicate and develop literacy skills. To do this the software the device runs on takes into consideration the age, the communication ability, and the context of communication of the user. In short it is a device that provides an assistive technology while also assisting in literacy development. Many commonly used phrases or “quickfires” allows the user to communicate quickly. Voices used are not the typical monotone robot sounds that many previous devices use. The user can choose from four voices with different accents (click here to hear a sample voice- this voice is for a child’s version of the product). As I was browsing I found the voices warm and inviting. The device ensures students can participate in classroom discussion and any other basic function of communications throughout the day. The design of this device seems to be an attempt to speed up the process that a person with a speech disability might have. Many pauses in conversation that a user might have had before have seem to have been shortened. The device attempts to shorten the time it takes a user to input their voice commands to the actual speaking of the words the person wanted to say. Students can benefit in that the device should allow a student who would normally be in a separate setting to be in a mainstream classroom. In short this device could allow the regular education classroom to be the least restrictive environment for a student who is non-verbal.

I foresee the user’s confidence and overall enjoyment of learning growing. Many times sharing our thoughts and expressing our ideas on subjects gives motivation to learn about a topic. I can imagine the joy a child, who has not been able to communicate as easily, has when he or she is able to laugh with friends, answer questions in class, and exchange pleasantries in the hall with passer-bys. The device also would assist students in their studies due to the fact that it comes with the ability to access the world wide web all online applications. All the academic benefits of the Internet are now at the user’s disposal. It is understood that major aspect of our society, and education is about effective communication This device allows user to have greater, vocational, educational, and social opportunities. On the testimonial page it shows how a student who is able to participate in her college chorus. One particular user, Sara Pyszka, has even used her DynaVox to sing before crowds at baseball games and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Many accessories allow the person using the DynaVox to text message their friends, sing, and access the internet.

When implementing a student using this product into an inclusion classroom I would find it necessary to have the student, parent, inclusion teacher, and if applicable the special educator who will assist in the inclusion classroom attend one of the user workshops to familiarize all involved with the technological aspects on the working of the device. Classmates should be informed of the device and its purpose in order to make a smooth transition for both the student using the assistive technology and the classmates. I would assume that both parties would be quite nervous and familiarization session might put all at ease. Some students may even be tasked to work specifically in groups with the student using the DynaVoxV. What a great teachable moment for a habit of mind with reference to tolerance.


Recommendations:

I chose to explore these devices due to the fact that I thought what do I picture when I think of a severely physically disabled person. I wanted to choose a device that I would become more knowledgeable about in-order to assist me in my understanding of physical disabilities. I thought of my early experiences with disabled persons when I was a child. I remember a young boy who I was afraid to talk to because he communicated to a similar, though, not as advanced device. I have always used that memory to force me to not look at the disability of a person, but rather the abilities of the person. I would recommend this device to any student who has a disability that leaves them without speech capabilities. It is quite expensive and as stated in the presentation Sharing Assistive Technology Tools and Strategies for Educators by John Hopkins Center for Technology in Education, schools do not have to provide high tech. devices if low tech. devices meet the needs of the student; therefore, I don’t foresee many schools providing this option. If schools could provide this assistive technology device, non-verbal students could have many doors opened to them that they could have before, but now it would be easier for them to open. It is understood that major aspect of our society and education is about effective communication. I recommend you take a look at DynaVox’s testimonial page for moving and motivating stories of users of this device. Follow this link: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/dynavoxv/





Refrences:
Living With ALS Website- Reviews assistive technology devices and systems
http://living-with-als.org/speech.html

DynaVox Official Website:
http://www.dynavoxsys.com/

DynaVox Offical Customer Support Hotline- Nickii- Customer Support Representitive Phone Call Conversation 2/5/07
1-866-396-2869

Sara Pyszka- User of DynaVox
http://www.sara-sings.com/


Figure 1: DynaVox Setup

Figure 2: Sara Pyszka is able to sing the Star Spangled Banner and create her own CD thanks to the DynaVox. - From DynaVox offical website. To read more about Sara visit http://www.sara-sings.com/