The DynaVox T10: a new tablet device for AAC

It’s been a great month of trying out some new technologies. I’ve had the chance to explore the new DynaVox T10 for a few weeks and have had great fun putting it through it’s paces. It’s small and lightweight with a lithium ion battery that gives you 10 hours of continuous use. Accessories included in the box are a carry handle and strap and some USB adapters. There are also additional accessories for purchase, such as cases, table stands and key guards. There are a range of IVONA voices including an Australian female (Nicole) and adult (Russell). A front and rear facing camera can also provide quick photos for customisation of vocabulary, scripts or story telling.

One of the exciting advantages to using the T10 is that you can access the software across different platforms. Users can access and share their resources across multiple user platforms via the cloud. You can access communication pages on the T10, the Compass editing software or the complimentary Compass app for you to install on your personal iPad, iPad-Mini, or Windows-based tablet. 

ecosystem

Page Sets

There are 5 pre programmed pagesets that are included in the Compass software. Through the set up wizard you can choose the most appropriate Page Set and then set it up at a particular language level suited to the individual’s communication needs.  This software can be customised to meet the needs of individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury, Dyspraxia, Down Syndrome, Motor Neuron Disease and other neurological, developmental and communication challenges.

NavBar pageset

Use either large visual scenes or a more traditional grid of messages and just swipe through the list of topics to access any of the topic pages

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Master Page

Link to topics and communication tools all from the one master page using either large visual scenes or a more traditional grid of messages for each topic.

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 Text-based

Communication pages contain single words and whole messages arranged in Topics, QuickFires (formal and casual chat words) and Keyboards.

textbased

Stroke & Brain Injury Persona

Uses a layout similar to NavBar and is designed to support the language needs of individuals with Aphasia.

stroke

Wordpower

Uses core word strategy that allows you to combine single words into your own phrases and sentences. A range of Wordpower pagesets are available.

wordpower

Page Set Add Ons

There are also some add on Page Sets which are at an additional cost.

PODD by Gayle Porter

There will be a 15 Preschool, 15+ Preschool, 15 School, 15+ School and 60 Complex – coming soon!

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podd1

Gateway by Joan Bruno

12 Gateway Page Sets are available across a range of ages.

gatewayt10 DynaVox Ecosystem

I mentioned the Compass Editing software earlier. This is available as a download from the myDynaVox website. Once you’ve created your own account you will have access to uploading and sharing Pagesets with others, Resources which include videos and implementation plans and Community Support where you can ask questions and join forums and discussion groups that are tailored to your area of interest. Other Downloads include the Series 5 converter which means if you have an older DynaVox device with Series 5 software, you can convert those Page Sets to run on the T10. I know that this has been a handy tool for my speech pathology colleagues already!

My conclusion

It’s great to see another tablet AAC device on the market and with a great range of pre programmed Page Sets to suit a range of individuals with complex communication needs. It’s easy to program and personalise and backup to a USB storage device or even better – in the cloud through your myDynaVox account. Sharing page sets has never been easier. I have experienced the dramas of getting a page set to another clinician and having to post them the file on CD or USB. This way is faster and not complicated. Once you have your myDynavox account, the support for helping you implement AAC through activity sheets, video tutorials and forums is definitely more than I have seen or am aware of in any device.

If you get a chance to try out the Compass app or the T10, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

Charlene Cullen

Charlene has worked as a speech pathologist, supporting people with complex communication needs and learning disabilities for the past 15 years. She has worked in a variety of roles within the Disability Services of Western Australia, including Senior Speech Pathologist, Rural and Remote Resource Therapist and Regional Team Manager. Charlene is a trained Key Word Sign (formerly Makaton) presenter, certified Hanen It Takes Two to Talk presenter and a member of the Apple Consultants Network. Charlene is also an official Proloquo2Go / Proloquo4Text trainer, and TBoxApps Trainer for Therapy Box. Charlene has developed strong skills in and a passion for, the area of AAC and assistive technologies. She enjoys presenting workshops and providing consultancy services to support and educate parents, teachers and therapists in the use and application of inclusive technologies. Charlene has been a full time member of the Professional and Consultancy Services Team at Spectronics. AGOSCI State Representative for Victoria (2012-present); Key Word Sign Victoria committee member (2012-present).

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