If you would like to see some short news shows that feature Karen Kaye-Beall working with her son Tyler Beall on an augmentative communication device and also see a range of AAC devices in the Foundation for Autism Support and Training - Augmentative Communication Showroom and Demonstration Center, go to www.myarchway.ning.com and become a member (free of charge). Scroll down the far left hand margin and you will find the links to a variety of news reports.
There is also a very good introductory video on You Tube on this subject:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb_URYj_L_k
Although this You Tube video primarily features Dynavox products, by no means is Dynavox the only manufacturer.
Here is a list of only a few of the hundreds of other manufacturers. This list represents the devices we have in our AAC showroom and does not necessarily constitute an endoresment. Some manufacturers were kind enough to donate a sample device to our non profit showroom, some provided signficant discounts, others did not cooperate, so we had to purchase a few devices to have a comprehensive sample of devices.
These prices were 2009 prices so do your research with each company to get up to date pricing.
My son Tyler is using a green Vantage Lite (by Prentke Romich) with Picture Word Power added onto it. You will find that info below as well. We really like this device and software for Tyler, but keep in mind, a qualified speech and language pathologist must do a proper assessment to determine which device will best serve your chld or adult with autism. Check with your school system's special education department to see if they have an Assistive Technology Department. If so, try to arrange an AAC assessment free of charge for your child.
If you can not get that service where you live, call any of the vendors below, especially Dynavox or Prentke Romich to speak with their Speech and Language Pathologist to see if they can provide you with the name of a qualifed expert you could hire privately in your area for an AAC assessment. Other vendors below may also be able to provide that advice and referral information.
Little Mack, Ablenet Inc. $109. 800-322-0956
Step by Step, Ablenet Inc $140-179. 800-322-0956
Talk Pad, Frame Technologies $99. 920-869-2979
Lingo, Ablenet Inc $179. 800-322-0956
Voice Pal 8K, Adaptivation, Inc. $219. 800-723-2783
SuperTalker, Ablenet Inc $375. 800-322-0956
Go Talk 9, Attainment Corp. $199. 800-327-4269
Go Talk 20, Attainment Corp $249. 800-327-4269
Chat PC, Saltillo $2020-$2800 330-674-6722
Auggie, RJ Cooper, $2000 800-752-6673
Mini Auggie, RJ Cooper $1149 (case $49) 800-752-6673
Vantage Light, PRC, $7000-$8000. 800 -262-1933
Dynavox V, DynaVox/Mayer-Johnson 866 - 396-2869$7500-$8500
Speaking Dynamically Pro, Mayer-Johnson Co. $519 + Picture WordPower add on +$350. 800-588-4548
For further information on augmentative communication devices and how they can help individuals with autism, go to: www.myarchway.org and click on the menu choice called Augmentative Communication.
For those interested in finding community housing options for adults with autism as part of life planning, go to www.myarchway.ning.com and join ARCHway. You will be invited to participate in free webinars in the near future on developing community housing options for adults with autism.
To see our public service announcement on autism housing that has been seen by nearly 15 million people to date, go to You Tube and search the term "autism housing" or go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtdo6Zh4ok4
Karen Kaye-Beall, director of ARCHway-FAST
