ABOUT AAC
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Technology
AAC Technologies
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) equipment can be simple and cheap home-made aids that have no electronics. AAC equipment can also be very clever electronic aids.
Devices with no electronics include alphabet, symbol or picture boards where the user points to the letters, words, symbols or pictures which help to show what he wants to say. People can point with their finger, a stick or look specifically at word or picture with their eyes.
 Electronic aids are usually computers with extra bits that will speak for the user. These aids have several fancy names – speech generating devices (SGD), Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) or voice output devices. There are many different types of electronic aids. Some take letters and words typed in by the user and speak them out like normal speech. Others show pictures, symbols or words on the display and the user chooses one, or some, of these to be spoken out. Others have pages where all the words for a specific activity are displayed together. These pages can be for many different activities like ordering drinks or food in a pub, or for a geography lesson in school.
Most electronic aids can be worked in more than one way – touch screen, joystick, switches - to allow people with physical disabilities to use them.
All electronic aids can breakdown; batteries die, cables become disconnected and sometimes they just will not work. It is a good idea for all users of electronic aids to carry some non-electronic system as a back up.
Manufacturers
- Ablenet Inc., Tash International Inc.
With over 20 years of experience, AbleNet develops user-friendly, durable augmentative communication devices for individuals of all ages. Our popular products include BIGmack, Step-by-Step, SuperTalker, FL4SH and many more, which used around the world to help others communicate more easily. AbleNet also offers other assistive technology solutions such as switches, mounting systems, basic electronic aids to daily living, and computer access.
- Attainment Company, Inc.
Manufacturers and distributors of easy-to-use, inexpensive voice output communication aids. Ideal for introducing AAC with small investment. Also, basic life skills videos, software, and print materials for people with severe cognitive impairment.
- DagligData AS
A small Norwegian company focusing on development of computer programmes (for PCs and PDAs) where personalized use of gestures and manual signs (e.g. based on signed Norwegian and/or Norwegian sign language) is a significant element of the users everyday communication. DagliData also publish and resellbooks, videos, computer programmes and other dedicated equipment within the AAC area.
- Dynavox Technologies
The world's leading manufacturer of augmentative communication solutions. Individuals with speech, language, learning and physical disabilities from around the world use Dynavox Systems products, including DynaVox and DynaMyte products, DynaSyms, and DigiVox 2.
- Falck Igel As
Located in a small city on the south coast of Norway, Falck Produkter is a company that sells, produces and developes technical aids for the handicapped.
- Fondation Suisse Pour Les Teletheses (FST)
"The Swiss Foundation for Rehabilitation Technology (FST) is a non-profit organization specializing in the harnessing of technology in the service of handicapped persons. One specific and precise mission is to facilitate the daily life of disabled persons and the work of those around them. By the end of 2003 there were already more than 8'000 users of electronic devices in Switzerland (about 8'000 in the rest of the world) supplied by FST in the fields of environmental control, alternative and augmentative communication and ergonomic computer interfaces. Currently 22 people are employed by FST. This organization not only promotes its own developments and products but also has a range of about 300 other different products (about 70% of these are imported from France, Sweden, USA, Germany and Holland)."
- Handicom
Developer and supplier of symbol communication software and other products.
- Hearing Products International Ltd
Design of quality equipment for the speech and hearing impaired. World-wide export. Full control over manufacturing reliability. Authorised distributors in USA, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, UK, Slovenia, Holland, Belgium and Portugal.
- Mayer-Johnson Company
The originator of the Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), a set of 3200 picture symbols used for communication by nonverbal individuals. The company catalog features educational materials, books, and software that use the PCS to help meet augmentative communication needs.
- Prentke Romich Company
A leader in the development and manufacture of augmentative communication devices, computer access products, and other assistive technology for people with severe disabilities.
- Tash International(See AbleNet, Inc.)
Tash International is the leading manufacturer of switches, mounting,
alternate computer access and environmental controls for individuals with
physical limitations. Our products are distributed world wide through our
dealer network. Preview all our products or gather information on our new
training CD’s on our website at: www.tashinc.com
- Technologie & Integratie
Develops and produces technological hardware and software solutions to support people with a communication disability. Such devices will help them improve and maintain their independence and their integration in society. Technologie & Integratie has more than 10 years of experience in developing and producing Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices.
- Toby Churchill Ltd.
Europe's leading designer and manufacturer of Communication Aids for people who cannot speak.
- Widgit Software Ltd.
Widgit Software designs products to develop literacy using pictures, symbols and words. Widgit has pioneered the worldwide use of symbols in software with flagship title, Writing With Symbols. Widgit Software offers a wide range of products that support inclusion and accessibility including: Communicate: In Print; Communicate: Webwide and the Symbols Inclusion Project.
- Words+ Inc.
Words+, Inc., has been an industry pioneer and technology leader in introducing and improving AAC and computer access software and devices for disabled persons for the last 25 years. Helping people communicate with loved ones, friends and co-workers is deeply rewarding and continues to drive everything we do. Whether it's grade school children participating in classroom activities, or a husband being able to tell his wife "I love you" for the first time in years, people everywhere have given us the privilege of partnering with them in this most basic of human needs. We provide the highest quality hardware and software communication solutions available, using the latest advances in technology to continually improve what we offer in our expanding product lines, including Freedom, TuffTalker, E Z Keys and Say-it! SAM.
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