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DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES" OF SYSTEM OPERATIONS ON DYNAVOX 2/2C AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Kim Henry, BS, BSEE
Rehabilitation Technology Specialist
Sentient Systems Technology, Inc.
2100 Wharton Street
Suite 630
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-381-4883

Web Posted on: December 2, 1997


ABSTRACT

As the use of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device grows, an individual's ability and need to independently perform tasks related to the operational characteristics of a specific device also grow. This paper is an introduction to the tools and strategies available to address this aspect of AAC for individuals using a DynaVox 2 communication system.


DYNAVOX 2 COMMAND BUTTONS

Within the DynaVox 2, there are five "types" of buttons that may be placed on communication pages and popups (mini communication pages). One type of DynaVox 2 button is the Command button. There are over 60 different DynaVox 2 Command buttons each of which performs a predefined operation. For example, the Clear Command button erases the entire contents of the Message Window.

The operations carried out via Command buttons cover a wide range of DynaVox 2 device capabilities. This discussion focuses on those Command buttons that allow a DynaVox 2 user to apply or configure the properties of system operations. Some of these system operations have stronger, more direct impact on the user's communication strategies.

The next three sections describe groups of Command buttons that perform various system operations. Within each group, Command buttons are listed in a "suggested" order of usefulness. Each person's communication style and "developmental stage" of operational competence will effect the choice of Command button(s) that are needed.


SINGLE FUNCTION COMMAND BUTTONS

There are several DynaVox 2 Command buttons that, when selected, carry out a single operation through either a one step or two step process. They include:

  • Backspace
  • Clear
  • Close Popup
  • Shut Down
  • Speak All
  • Like This
  • Save
  • Expand
  • Save Abbreviation
  • Save Expansion
  • Alternate Auditory Scan

MULTI-FUNCTION COMMAND BUTTONS

The DynaVox 2 Command buttons included in this group all provide access to menus containing options for specific communication related operations. These Command buttons differ from those in the first group because they: (1) open a menu or present multiple choices, and (2) represent multiple steps processes.

These DynaVox 2 Command buttons may be used to make real-time adjustments to device features or provide access to tools which effect the user's communication activities. These Command buttons are:

  • Basic Voice Changes
  • Screen Controls
  • Word Morphology
  • Draw
  • Font
  • Keyboard
  • Modify
  • Page History
  • Vocabulary Search
  • Alternative Output
  • Transfer ASCII
  • Transfer File

SYSTEM MENU COMMAND BUTTONS

This set of DynaVox 2 Command buttons provides direct access to specific system menus. Some of these menus contain options which determine the primary characteristics of certain device operations while others provide access to the vocabulary, message, and page sets belonging to the user. Command buttons included in this group are:

  • Abbreviation Expansion
  • Concept Browser
  • Devices
  • Digital Sound
  • Edit Page
  • Exceptions
  • File Browser
  • Infrared Learning
  • Miscellaneous Settings
  • Page Browser
  • Print Reports
  • Print Screen
  • Select Printer
  • Selection Method
  • Set Clock
  • Setup
  • Speech Controls
  • System Maintenance
  • Tools
  • User Browser
  • User Setups
  • Vocabulary Editor
  • Word Prediction

GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION OF SYSTEM OPERATIONS THROUGH THE "DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES"

There are many factors which influence the incorporation of system operations into a person's available communication environment. Three key guidelines are presented below.

1. Be thoughtful and judicious when providing access to system operations. Have a clear understanding of the benefits to the user's communication and device utilization.

2. Before introducing a new system operation, do your homework! Know what the system operation does, how it is implemented, what choices are presented to the user (if any), and what the outcome(s) are for those choices.

3. Introduce new system operations one at a time. Provide opportunities for the person to practice using the new system operation. Take this time to allow the user to develop competence in the application of this new operation.


SUMMARY

This paper offers: (1) an approach to grouping DynaVox 2 system operations that are represented by Command buttons, (2) a strategy for incorporating system operations that is based upon "development" stages of DynaVox 2 use, and (3) guidelines for success.

During this presentation, comments from children and adults using DynaVox 2 systems that incorporate Command buttons into their communication environment will be presented and discussed. In addition, examples of DynaVox 2 communication pages will be demonstrated and provided as handout materials. A complete set of handout materials is available upon request.