Breanna+McMillan

=Augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) devices =

DynaVox Vmax

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AAC devices ** Disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, or mental retardation, can result in speech and language impairments, and leave those affected without a means of communication. Augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) devices are assistive technology that give people their voices back and enable them to interact with others. There are many types of augmentative devices that range in various capability levels. Low-tech devices are simple and only require people to point at an arrangement of pictures to communicate their wants and needs. High-tech devices are more involved because they use computers, touch screens, speech synthesizers, and many more technologies to produce speech, and provide all the benefits of a regular computer for a more efficient means of communication at home, work, and school. AAC devices advance the language skills of those with speech and language impairments to levels never dreamed to be achieved, and open doors of opportunity for their future independence.

The DynaVox Vmax is a high-tech augmentative system, which is a complex device that uses a computer to function. This innovative hardware is an augmentative system combined with a personal computer to provide the most up-to-date technology available. The Vmax has a built in speech synthesizer that enables its user to type what they want to say, and it produces their “voice” in a clear, coherent manner. This system is filled with preconfigured words, phrases, and sentences, but can also be easily customized to include words and phrases the uses desires. By simply touching a button, users can say anything they want and hold a conversation. The Vmax is a flat, square computer screen that can be carried or mounted to a wheelchair for convenience. On the screen, users can touch the desired buttons they need to navigate through the device. However, the Vmax does not limit it users to just speaking. Users have wireless internet connection as well as computer games and text messaging. Users can upload Microsoft software to their DynaVox and even set up a webcam. Although those with speech and language impairments cannot use their voice to speak, they are no longer limited in speech because of advanced assistive technology.
 * DynaVox Vmax **

**Cost ** AAC devices are rather costly, and can range from $7,000 - $9,000. Most AAC devices such as the DynaVox Vmax are covered by the federal government under Medicare and Medicaid, or by private insurance companies to ensure that the needed device does not break the bank.

**Other AAC Devices** There are many other companies that manufacture AAC devices, as well as AAC software that download directly to the system. Mayer-Johnson is a company that works in collaboration with DynaVox and supplies software for AAC devices. Tobii, Assistive Technology Inc. manufactures AAC devices, and specializes in eye controlled communication.

**Links to DynaVox Technologies:** [|DynaVox Homepage] [|DynaVox Vmax] [|Article about DynaVox Vmax]

**Other Links:** [|Other AAC Vendor Links] [|Tobii, Assistive Technology Inc.]