The Series 5 Speaking Software with InterAACt and AT&T Natural Voices is a complete software solution for individuals with communication disabilities. It provides dynamic page content and the ability to easily create new pages from scratch or by using the included templates. The software offers multiple access methods, all of which can be customised to meet the needs of the individual user.

Along with Series 5 Speaking Software – the package includes InterAACt, which is a complete language system suitable for all ages and cognitive levels. DynaVox has created a language strategy built on real people, real situations and real words! It is also quite easy to program new page sets, or adapt current page sets as the user may desire.

The software can work with Microsoft Windows XP or Vista, making it the most robust communication software available for tablet, laptop or desktop computers. It also features computer access and email (ability to sign up for a @MyDvox.com email account). A wide range of voice options are included with the device including AT&T Natural Voices.

Quick Navigation options:

• Wide Array of Out-of-the-box Content
  
• InterAACt
  
• Composing Messages
  
• Rate Enhancement
  
• Speech Output
  
• Navigation
  
• Customising Pages
  
• Connectivity with the World
  
• Life Tools
  
• Access Methods

Wide Array of Out-of-the-box Content

The DynaVox Series 5 Speaking Software provides a wide array of out-of-the-box content. It is pre-programmed to help get the user ready to communicate as soon as possible.

• User Setup Wizard
  When the Series 5 software is first launched, the User Setup Wizard will go through the process of creating a “user” – a personalised communication environment for the individual who will use the software. The software asks for personal information (name, address, family names, hobbies, etc.) that will be integrated into the supplied InterAACt pages, and can be automatically inserted into new pages. It also goes through a short series of questions about the user’s communication needs and capabilities. The answers to these questions will help the User Setup Wizard to suggest a set of InterAACt pages (although the device user can use any of the supplied InterAACt pages).
  
• Supports Multiple Users
  The Series 5 software is able to support multiple user environments (saved as .user files) on the same device. The software stores all of the information about an individual’s communication environment (custom pages, software preferences and settings, custom files in use, etc) in a .user file. Only one .user file is active at any time. This ensures that the personal settings and files for only one individual will be active and accessible.
  
• DynaVox InterAACt
  The Series 5 Speaking Software includes the DynaVox InterAACt page sets. These page sets were developed by Speech-Language Pathologists to provide appropriate communication tools for most individuals, based on communication skill and age levels. Individual page sets are available for emergent, context-dependent and independent skill levels within each age group. The InterAACt page sets are also designed to maintain a consistent structure. This makes it easier for individuals to progress efficiently from one page set to another as their communication skills and day-to-day conversational needs evolve. Each page set will also include specific components and themes.

  Facilitator Master Pages
  All of the InterAACt page sets contain a facilitator master page. If the selections in the User Setup Wizard indicate that the device user will need assistance with page navigation, then the facilitator master page will be set as the “Home Page.” This page will also be used if the user is an emergent communicator. The facilitator master page has buttons for each topic in the page set. It allows a communication partner to quickly and easily find appropriate pages for the person who is using the device.

  Visual Scenes
  One of the main features of the InterAACt page sets is the use of visual scenes. Visual scenes use background images and active areas (invisible buttons) to set the context for communication. They enable the user to select a picture of the item that they want to communicate about, rather than selecting a button. Once the context is known, users can select specific messages from a grid of buttons that are attached to the item, or communication partners can ask questions based on the scene. Visual scenes are effective when the user is communicating about or interacting with an environment (bedroom, living room, office, etc.).

  Dynamic Pages
  Some of the InterAACt page sets include pages that provide dynamic vocabulary options. These pages are designed to encourage real-time communication by minimizing the required navigation for gathering the desired vocabulary. These pages include “quickfire” phrases that can be instantly adapted to casual, normal or formal situations, as well as groups of phrases that can shift from past to present or future tense with the touch of a single button.
  

• Games
  The Series 5 software includes a several classic games (Tic-tac-toe, Match the Picture, Word Puzzles, etc.) that are designed to entertain as well as educate the user.

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Composing Messages

• Save and Load Rich Text Files
  The Series 5 software allows the user to save a message from the Message Window as a text file. The message can be stored on the hard drive, and then loaded back into the Message Window for later use. The message will retain all font and symbol information. This feature enables users to prepare longer messages ahead of time, and speak them on numerous occasions.

  Users can set the Message Window to display text in the font of their choice, in a size and colour that best suits their needs. The Message Window can also be set to automatically display symbols for the words in the message.

  Users can load other text files (letters from friends, transcripts from the Internet, etc.) into the Message Window and speak them through the device. The Series 5 software can also analyse these text files and add new words and phrases into the device dictionary.

• Symbolate
  The Series 5 software can automatically assign symbols to text in the Message Window. For example, you can load stories from the internet and automatically apply symbols to the words to aid a user who is at the beginning stages of literacy.

• Keyboard Shortcuts
  The Series 5 Speaking Software supports an extensive set of keyboard shortcuts to provide very efficient composition of messages for those who use the Series 5 software with a keyboard.

• Word Morphology
  The Series 5 software provides powerful word morphology capabilities that help to streamline the process of creating a message. It can automatically conjugate verbs into the proper form (past, present, third person, past participle, present participle), change nouns from singular to plural, change adjectives from comparative to superlative, etc. This feature will help the user develop stronger linguistic and grammatical skills.

• Spell Checking
  The Series 5 software includes a built-in spell checker, so users can check the spelling of the messages they create in the Message Window.

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Rate Enhancement

The Series 5 software offers a variety of rate enhancement features that can help the user to communicate more quickly and efficiently. These features all work to reduce the number of selections that are needed to perform a task or create a message.

• Dictionary
  The Series 5 software contains a concept-based dictionary with over 35,000 words, names and phrases. The user can easily add custom vocabulary, names and common phrases to the dictionary.

• Prediction
  There are three types of prediction available in the Series 5 software: word prediction, character prediction, and phrase prediction. As the keyboard is used to create a message, word prediction will attempt to anticipate what word the user is typing, presenting its guesses for quick selection. Words can be predicted with or without symbols and there a number of options to customise prediction.

  Character prediction attempts to predict the most likely next character when a user is spelling out a word. The can make input for scanning users in particular more efficient.

  With phrase prediction, the software attempts to predict entire phrases. Predicted phrases come from the users “My Phrases” collection and may be restricted by concept. That is, you could have predictors dedicated to Greeting Phrases, Request Phrases, and so on.

• Abbreviation Expansion
  This allows the user to define specific abbreviations for longer words and phrases. For example, “PP” may be defined as an abbreviation for “Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.” If the abbreviation expansion feature is active, “Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania” will be placed in the Message Window when the user enters “PP” followed by a space on a keyboard page. With the abbreviation expansion feature, the user can send message that are said often (greetings, introductions and questions, for example) to the Message Window with just a few selections.

• My Phrases
  The My Phrases menu allows the user to define specific phrases for use in a variety of situations (greetings, quick questions, changing the subject, etc.). Phrases can be sent to the Message Window as part of a longer message, or they can be spoken directly as stand-alone messages. Phrases also save time since they can be accessed from the title bar at any time; the user does not need to navigate to a particular page or popup to use a phrase.

  Phrases are sorted by concept, which makes them easier to find. Phrases can also be used with or without symbols.

• Slots
  A slot is a variable placeholder that can be included in button text messages, button labels and phrases. Slots are designed to provide a variety of vocabulary options while conserving space on the page. Slots provide the user with easy access to all of the words that are associated with a particular concept. When the user selects a slot, he or she can choose to replace the word that is currently filling the slot with another word from the same concept.

  Rather than build a message one word at a time, users can create sentences that contain slots in key locations. When the phrase is sent to the Message Window, they can then select the slots (displayed as blue underlined words) and replace the current words with different options. This provides a way to have access to a lot of vocabulary without having to navigate to find it. Refer to the example below:

  In this example, the message in the Message Window is the label text for a button. The first slot is associated with the “breakfast” concept and the second slot is associated with the “fruit” concept. The slots allow users to quickly create dynamic messages by making only a few selections.

  By selecting the slots and changing the filler text, the example phrase can quickly and easily be changed to read as follows:

  Slots can be used with or without symbols.

• Macros
  The Series 5 software enables the device user to create macros. Macros assign a name to a list of behaviours. These behaviours can then be used in multiple places by using the name.

  Macros can incorporate any of the behaviours in the Series 5 software. For example, a user could create a macro involving the environmental control capabilities. Macros can be created for frequent activities, like turning on the TV for favourite programs. A single macro could be programmed to turn on the living room light, turn on the television, change the channel and speak the message “My show is on.” Then, the user would be able to perform all of those functions by selecting one button.

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Speech Output

The Series 5 software includes AT&T Natural Voices (UK English Charles and Audrey plus US English Crystal and Mike), providing high-quality text-to-speech (TTS). DECtalk and Microsoft voices are also included. Australian English voices are optional. The software can be programmed to speak each word upon selection, or to wait until longer messages are created and speak an entire message at once (or both).

Click here to hear AT&T Natural Voice demos

Note: Please be aware that if you are using this on a laptop or tablet computer, we strongly suggest that you trial before purchasing as speaker, battery and portability issues may impact on the effectiveness of this option as a communication tool. Please contact us for a free three-month trial of this software before purchasing.

Additionally, users have the option to play sound files in both .wav and .mp3 format. The Series 5 software provides a library of pre-recorded sound files and effects that can easily be integrated into the user’s every-day conversations.

Song Editor The Song Editor menu is a unique feature in the Series 5 software. It enables the device user to compose and sing original songs using DECtalk. These songs can be archived on the device hard drive, and shared with other users.

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Navigation

The Series 5 software provides several tools to aid in navigation of the page sets.

• Title Bar Buttons
  The Series 5 software enables users to navigate from page to page, as their communication needs change from moment to moment. The title bar, always available when using the software, provides three navigation buttons: Page Back, Page Forward and Home Page. The Page Back and Page Forward buttons allow users to step backward or forward through the page history. The Home Page button will automatically open the page that is designated as the home page (starting point). The Home Page button gives the user the freedom to explore the page set without fear of getting lost; they can always select the Home Page button to return to familiar territory.

• Go To Buttons
  Users can program buttons on their pages to open other pages or pop-ups. For example, a button labelled “Restaurant” could open a popup that lists the foods that are available when eating out.

• Page Navigator Menu
  The Page Navigator menu displays all of the available pages sets (and the individual pages within each page set). It also shows a small “preview picture” of the selected page, which can be helpful if the user remembers the look of the page, but doesn’t know its actual name.

• Bookmarks
  The Series 5 software enables users to designate a page as a bookmarked page. Buttons on any other page or popup can be programmed to link to the bookmark page. If the user changes which page has the bookmark designation, all of the links are automatically updated to point to the newly bookmarked page.

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Customising Pages

The Series 5 software provides many simple ways to customise their pages. The software also makes it easy to create original pages from scratch. The methods range from the extremely easy to those that require more work but give the person full control over their page layout and content.

• Modify button
  The Modify button in the title bar enables the user to customise any screen element right on the spot. With it you can change button labels, symbols, or colours. You can also change the background colour or image on a page, the colour of the Message Window, or many other properties of the objects on your pages. It displays a menu of tools that are specific to the element that is being edited.

• Drag and Drop
  The software allows users to take advantage of the popular Windows technique of “dragging and dropping” to incorporate text files, sounds, pictures and videos into their Series 5 pages. For example, users can instantly change the background of a page by dragging a digital picture onto the background of the open page from your hard disk or from the results of an internet search. They can program a button to play a sound file or video file by dragging the file onto the button. Users can even create a custom symbol set by dragging a folder of pictures into the Symbol Browser menu in the Series 5 software.

• Software Tools for Page Editing
  The Series 5 software includes several different methods for creating and editing pages. The Quick Page feature lets users create an original page by using DynaVox InterAACt templates, so the new page will blend into the current page set and match a keyguard if one is used.

  The Page Wizard allows users to build a page from scratch, creating a page by answering a series of questions about the layout and content of the page.

  The Page Editor features a complete graphical layout and editing environment providing full control over every aspect of the layout and content of your pages.

• Behaviours
  Everything that happens in the Series 5 software is controlled by behaviours. When editing pages and pop-ups, the user can choose from over 350 behaviours in the following categories:
  • Speech Output
  • Page Linking and Navigation
  • Message Composition and Navigation
  • Email and Text Messaging
  • Environmental Control
  • Computer Access
  • Calculator
  • Multimedia
  • Setting Software and Device Properties
  • Opening System Tools
  • Modifying Properties of Objects on the Screen
  • Programming Language Constructs

• Dynamically fill from searches
  If the user creates a number of empty buttons on a page, they can be filled with the results from a custom search of the Series 5 dictionary. The dictionary offers concept-based access, so users can search on a variety of topics. For example, they could run a search on “fruits” and “vegetables,” and choose which matching words should be included on the page. Searches can specify only certain parts of speech or words containing certain letters. Users can also specify to search only for words that have associated symbols.

• Vocabulary Clipboard
  

  The new Vocabulary Clipboard allows users to quickly populate buttons on a page with words or phrases from a variety of sources. Users can drag and drop text from a word processing document or a web page into the Series 5 software, and the Vocabulary Clipboard will automatically pull out interesting words and phrases (and display any matching symbols) that can be added to pages. The Vocabulary Clipboard can also search for words and phrases within the Series 5 software dictionary.

  For example, often a user will want to talk about a sporting event or some item from the news, the needed vocabulary won’t be programmed into the device. A quick internet search can find a relevant story and that story can be dragged directly into the Series 5 software which will pick out proper names and other important words and phrases for quick inclusion onto your pages.

• Symbols
  The Series 5 software provides both the DynaSyms and the PCS symbol sets for use in communication pages. Users can copy any of these symbols into a custom symbol set and modify them to suit their needs. They can also drag and drop a folder of pictures into the Symbol Editor and add all of the pictures to a custom symbol set.

• Pictures
  Custom digital pictures can be used as the background for a page or a popup, or as a button symbol. Users can drag a single picture from a Windows application and drop it in place in the Series 5 software. The picture will automatically be copied to the Series 5 software, and displayed as a background image or button symbol.

• Sounds and Videos
  Users can program buttons to play sound files or launch video files. Simply drag the sound or video onto a button, and the software will immediately copy the file and automatically program the button.

• Tab Controls
  Users can add tab controls to their pages or pop-ups. Tab controls can contain up to six panes, and they are designed to provide immediate access to more vocabulary than could otherwise fit on a page. Tab controls let users place buttons for several different topics on the same page, which limits the amount of page navigation that is required to find the desired vocabulary.

• Hiding Buttons
  This new feature for Series 5 enables users to hide buttons, making them invisible and inaccessible. Hiding buttons allows communication partners to design pages that the user can “grow into,” by hiding the more advanced buttons initially and exposing them later, when the user has reached certain educational goals or milestones. The page will not need to be redesigned.

• Powerful Advanced Programming Language
  The Series 5 software includes a new advanced programming environment. It provides programmatic access to most of the features of the Series 5 software, enabling the user to create pages with enhanced features and capabilities. The advanced programming language enables users to design dynamic communication environments that tailor themselves in response to user input, the communication context, or even the time of day or the day of the week. Many of the InterAACt pages take advantage of this programming environment, including the Concentration game and Dynamic Page example shown earlier in this document.

• Importing Content
  The Series 5 software allows users to import pages and environments from both the DynaVox DV4/MT4 and DynaVox 3100 platforms. Users can also incorporate content from the Boardmaker Software Family (including Speaking Dynamically Pro) and the IntelliTools Classroom Suite into the Series 5 software.

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Connectivity with the World

• Integrated Email
  The Series 5 software enables users to compose, send and receive email. Users can send simple text files or more complex email messages with embedded picture symbols. They can also attach pictures, sounds, video files or packages that contain Series 5 pages to outgoing messages.

  The Series 5 software provides a series of menus for composing and managing email messages. It also includes a group of behaviours that let the user efficiently access these capabilities from a communication page. Users can use standard pages to create a message, and then use the email behaviours to instantly change the text into an outgoing email message.

• Free email account
  DynaVox will supply a free email account with the Series 5 software. This software simplifies the process of setting up the DynaVox email account. Users also have the option to use an existing email account from a commercial provider.

• Computer Access
  Many DynaVox users have educational, personal and professional reasons to use a computer. With the Series 5 computer access features, users can send commands from within the Series 5 software to commercial software programs, surf the Internet, generate text documents, send information to a printer and more.

• Onscreen keyboards and mouse controls
  DynaVox onscreen keyboards are special pages that enable users to control other Windows applications with the same selection method that is used to control the Series 5 software. Onscreen keyboards “float” (like pop-ups) on the Windows desktop. Selecting buttons on the onscreen keyboard will send words, phrases, symbols and commands into the active Windows application. Onscreen keyboards can even be used to control mouse (cursor) movements. You can use one of the onscreen keyboards supplied, customise them, or build your own from scratch.

  The Series 5 software also provides behaviours that will launch Windows applications, open specific files within those applications and send text to those applications.

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Life Tools

• Calculator
  The Series 5 software includes behaviours that perform the mathematical functions of a calculator. Some of the DynaVox InterAACt page sets contain pages that are laid out like calculators, with the appropriate behaviours already programmed into the buttons.

• Reminders
  The software can be programmed to automatically remind users of important events in their daily schedule. Each reminder can be presented with a text message and sound. Reminders can also be programmed to launch macros. For example, at 7:55, a reminder could speak the message, “My favourite TV show is on at 8:00.” The reminder could then activate a macro that has been programmed to turn the TV on, change it to the appropriate channel and turn the volume up. Reminders can be set for one-time, daily or weekly occurrence.

• Address Book
  The Series 5 software includes an address book that users can use to store contact information for important people in their life, including family, friends, physicians, clinicians, etc. The address book is integrated with the Series 5 email and text messaging features. This enables users to quickly send an outgoing message to a recipient that is listed in the address book.

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Access Methods

Touch enter and exit (on touch screen tablets or devices), visual and auditory scanning, joystick, audio touch, mouse pause (compatible with Tracker Pro, Headmouse and Head Tracker), Morse Code and switch joystick. When applicable, each access method offers an option for both auditory and visual feedback, as well as adjustable timing sliders for hold, release, pause and dwell support, which is new to Series 5.

Because people who use AAC devices often have other physical limitations, the Series 5 software offers the widest variety of access methods in the AAC industry. Each of these unique selection methods can be customised to suit the specific needs and goals of an individual. Also, unlike most communication systems, all of the system tools as well as ways to modify and create pages are available to users of any input method.

• Touch Enter – Directly selecting an item on a touch screen. Selection is made upon contact.
• Touch Exit – Directly selecting an item on a touch screen. Selection is made upon release. Enables a user to drag a finger or stylus across the screen while moving from selection to selection.
• Touch Autozoom – Enlarging the portion of the screen that was selected, for better visual recognition.
• Scanning – Available for users whose motor skills may prevent the use of direct selection. The software highlights objects on the page in a specific pattern. The user can use a switch (or other device) to make a selection when the desired object is highlighted. Choices of 1-switch autoscan, 1-switch and 2-switch directed scan, 1-switch directed scan with dwell, and inverse scanning are offered, each with a large variety of options for customizing the method for an individual user’s needs.
• Auditory Scanning – Each of the scanning methods offers the option of giving audio feedback with either synthesised or digitised audio.
• Zoom Scanning – Each of scanning methods also offers the option of zooming scan items as they are encountered for those with visual issues or those for who a stronger means of showing the focus is necessary.
• Joystick – Connect an external joystick to the V and move a pointer around the touch screen. Selection is made by selecting a button on the joystick. You may also receive audio feedback while you navigate with the joystick.
• Audio Touch – Combines the speed of direct selection with the auditory cues that are typically associated with scanning. This selection method is very effective for individuals who have the motor skills to use a touch panel or a computer mouse, but who also have limited vision and need to rely on auditory cues to make selections.
• Mouse Pause/Headtrackers – Enables a user to use a computer mouse or track ball to move the cursor on the touch screen. Selection is made using by pausing on an object for a specified amount of time or by using an external switch. This selection method is designed for individuals who have the physical ability to manoeuvre a mouse to direct a cursor, but cannot press down on the mouse button to make selections.
• Morse Code – This selection method supports Morse code using either one or two switches, with visual and audio feedback. In addition to supporting the standard codes for letters and numbers, every item on the display is tagged so that the person can quickly access objects on the communication page. Morse code is often a more efficient choice for switch users than scanning.

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