The Case Against Technology: Again

Hey Tek-ninjas! It’s been a while since my last post.

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with someone from a company that creates AI avatars modeled after real people. She posed an intriguing question: if they made an avatar of my CEO, what scenarios could I imagine that avatar taking part in?

Honestly, I was stumped. While an avatar might respond to questions in the voice and manner of my CEO, I pointed out that a big part of what people value in those interactions is the genuine sense of connection with the individual themselves. Even if the AI “feels” authentic, the relationship is fundamentally different—it’s not actually them you’re connecting with.

To be clear, I use AI in many aspects of my work and life. The genie is out of the bottle—AI is here to stay. Instead of resisting, I believe it’s smarter to learn how to leverage these tools than to risk being left behind.

This conversation reminded me of the video above made about 15 years ago by the great folks at Don Johnston, who were a developer of human learning solutions, particularly focusing on tools to support students who struggle to read and write. Evidently, the Don Johnston brand was retired awhile back, and their website has migrated to Texthelp.  

The video's message feels more relevant now than ever. I wanted to share it today—not to suggest you must jump into Ai completely, but to encourage everyone to avoid sticking their head in the sand. Find your own way to understand AI and its possibilities. Many of the assertions made in the video feel more true today than ever before. 

I realize this may be a hot topic for some, especially those in the art space. I'd love to hear how other's are leveraging Ai to improve their occupational performance. 

Supporting Hurricane Damaged Devices

Hi Tek-ninjas. It's been a long time. Like many folks I have been feeling overwhelmed by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. There is so much tragedy in it's wake in so much of the Southeast. I recognize that many folks who need this aren't accessing electricity let alone the internet. But on the off chance any of this information can help even one person, I'm sharing here.

This first information is specifically for folks with SGD from Tobii Dynavox who have experienced damage, loss, or simply can't power their devices:

Supporting Damaged Devices:

If your Tobii Dynavox device has been damaged, please reach out to technical support 800-344-1778. They can check if it is under warranty and if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Repairing a Device Through Insurance in English and Spanish.
Download Free Speaking Trial
TD Talk for iPadOS

These tools may be beneficial for anyone who needs a voice during this time.

Light-Tech Communication Options
ICU Text Hospital Communication Board and Symbol Based
ALS Printable Communication Board
Print page from TD Snap

Supporting Understanding of What Happened or What to Expect:
Hurricane Preparedness Book (looking ahead to another storm coming)
We Are Ready! Book

Also, there is a page on their website with emergency response resources: Emergency response resources - Tobii Dynavox US

Additionally, if you need a replacement or repair that is not covered by warranty, here are a few options to explore regardless of who made/sold your SGD:

1. Do you have home-owner's insurance? That may cover it.

2. or do you have home-owner's insurance? That may cover it.

3. The funding department of the respective companies may be able to touch base with your insurer to ascertain what supports/coverage might be in place with them.

4. These agencies have come to my attention, and they might be able to help:

a. USAAC states If your AAC equipment has been lost or damaged, we can help you get a replacement at no cost. To begin that process, contact the US AAC Society (USSAAC) Disaster Relief Committee.

b. Recovers states that they are ready to help replace AAC devices and supports lost or damaged in the hurricane and its aftermath.

Neither organizations are affiliated with Tobii Dynavox nor myself. 

If you have questions about any of this Tobii-Dynavox Solutions Consultant likely can offer you guidance.

Wishing you all well, hoping you and yours are safe. If anyone has other ideas please share in the comments.

Snap to Item and Auto Hide on iOS17!

 Hey Tek-ninjas! A lot of us across the AAC industry are pretty excited by Apple's iOS17 update this month. 

Tobii Dynavox's TD Pilot is based on 15+ years of research and testing across all types of ethnicities, disabilities, eyewear and lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors.  It is already a pretty amazing piece of DME. As the first company to earn the MFi from Apple, and the only company to work directly with Apple, Tobii Dynavox created Region Based Interface, offering a definite edge in precision and accuracy in their AAC software. Out side the specialty software the eye-gaze leveraged Apple's Assistive Touch. Now with the Snap function, the Assistive Touch function outside the AAC software is faster and more accurate. 

This video above demonstrates how to toggle the functions on, after you've updated your system to iOS17. With the improvements even smaller targets located in any app becomes significantly easier to access. Any app that can function in landscape mode is more accessible than ever before with the TD Pilot.

Join Tobii Dynavox online trainings!

Hey Tek-ninjas! With AAC Awareness month coming up in October, clear your calendar and add some learning!  Here’s what Tobii Dynavox has got coming up.  Click each link below for additional information and to register. And don't forget, if you register and can't attend, you'll receive a recording to watch on your own time.

Week of October 2

Keep Doing What Matters: Technology Supports for ALS

Communication Partner Training for Aphasia and AAC

Boardmaker Flash 15: Celebrate AAC Awareness Month

Earn CEUs! TD Snap Motor Plan Overview

Week of October 9

Voice Banking: Keep Your Vocal Identity with a Personal Synthetic Voice

Support Comprehension for People with Aphasia

Find and Use Pre-Made Activities in Boardmaker

Editing 101: Skills to Get Started with TD Snap

Happy learning!

DAGG-3: assess, reassess, goal writing, strategies, lessons all in one!

 Hi Tek-ninjas, are you familiar with the DAGG-2? If you’ve not heard yet, I have good news for you. There is a new version - the DAGG-3 and it is better than ever!  

The DAGG-3 (Dynamic AAC Goals Grid, edition 3) is a highly effective assessment tool used by SLPs and other professionals to assess, plan, implement and track goals for augmentative and alternative communicators of all levels.

The DAGG-3 was developed by Tobii Dynavox in conjunction with Vicki Clarke, MS, CCC-SLP (2023) based on the original DAGG created by Clarke and Schneider, 2009. Informed by the works of Patricia Dowden, PhD (1999), and Janice Light, PhD (1989, 2014).

It’s available to all at no cost. And you can get your copy here. Historically, as an occupational therapist working in the school systems I found the DAGG tools to be uniquely, helpful in breaking down complex speech concepts for all stakeholders, and getting a whole team on board understanding both deficits and affordances faced by the student.

Happy therapy!

PCS playground sign GIVEAWAY!

 Hey Tek-ninjas! Are you back to school yet? Soon if not. Well, in anticipation of busy playgrounds, Tobii Dynavox has two give-aways that might interest you. Check it out!

They are giving away 2 signs - 1 for you, and 1 for a co-worker. Enter for a chance to win for your classroom or playground PCS playground signs—which help students express themselves through symbols on the playground. 

If you don't win, you can still get some for sale on the Tobii Dynavox website.

 Enter in 3 simple steps:

Follow their page
Like this post
Tag a fellow educator below the post here!

Terms: Contest ends 8/18/23 at 11:59PM EST. Winners will be notified 8/21/22 via Facebook.

Welcome back to school!

Solutions Consultant - (western) Virginia

 Hey Tek-ninjas! Are you interested in "delivering voices"? Our Solutions Consultant, Caroline Gaddy, who has been taking care of this area of Virginia is moving to our Learning Team to better share her clinical experience at a National level. We are looking for that "just-right" fit to help us make a difference.

Read more here.