Hey Tek-ninjas! A little while back Tobii Dynavox ran a new update in Snap. There are some subtle and not so subtle updates that you might want to be aware of....
First, TD Snap now supports Arabic, including:
Arabic Core First Page Set
PCS Countries: Arabic symbol set
Second, Undo and Redo actions are now available in the Message Window. That allows for some really terrific on the fly editing!
Third, Eye Gaze access has been improved with new settings: Customize the Eye Gaze dwell time on individual buttons. Look away before reselecting.
And fourth, there is a new in-app feedback feature. Send feature requests and error reports in Edit > System > About.
If you'd like to learn more about Snap, be sure to reach out to your local Solution Consultant. If you are a professional, they can help you get a Professional License, and they can offer you training on the software!
Hey Tek-ninjas! Today I'm writing about TD Control. Originally it was called Computer Control, but with the rebranded name and logo come some remarkable updates.
If you aren't familiar, TD Control is an intuitive way of interacting with and controlling your computer via eye tracking. According to Tobii Dynavox, TD Control was designed for literate adults with conditions such as cerebral palsy, ALS/MND and spinal cord injury who want to make full use of their computer completely independently. The software allows eye-gaze users to navigate and control the Windows environment in a natural way.
As an eye-gaze user, there are a number of ways to play your favorite games, surf the internet, or send emails, however, the software typically has a different interface. While, this can be a huge asset, especially for folks who may need larger targets, or a even ability to use switch scanning, this solution often requires learning different motor sequencing resulting in an increased cognitive load. Additionally, if the native platform, say Facebook, runs updates, then the software developer must also run an update to match. This can result in the app not working for a few days, which is frustrating for the end-user.
TD Control offers an access modality that essentially sits right on top of the pre-existing interface. Facebook is still Facebook. Same for Spotify, Instagram, or your Word program. No new learning of your favorite applications, and updates happen seamlessly on the platform.
Just a few days ago, TD Control updated and now users can customize which tools in the tool bar are available. So for some folks a simple selection of Left Click, Double Click, and maybe Keyboard are all they need. The ability to reduce the visual distractions is a welcome addition. Others may want all the tools.
TD Control is available devices using the TD IS5 camera including the I-13 and I-16 devices and the PCEye eye tracker. Currently it is unavailable to purchase as a standalone app. As an Occupational Therapist, when I think about general access for computers, the PCEye eye tracker get's me excited. Not everyone needs a full-blown AAC device like the iSeries, and the tracker provides that "other" option.
Hey Tek-ninjas! Looking to learn? Maybe need some CEU's? Tobii Dynavox has you covered. Not all lessons offer CEU's so be sure to check if that's a requirement. Check out some of the great live virtual trainings planned for you this month covering an array of topics and products. Click each link below for additional information and to register. And if you register and can't attend, you'll receive a recording to watch on your own time.
Hey Tek-ninjas! I want to alert you to another week of
terrific Live in-services being offered by the Tobii Dynavox Learning Team!
There is something here for you whether you work with kids, or adults, and they
are free of charge!
Hey Tek-ninjas! This post goes out specifically to my school-based occupational therapy friends. Are you familiar with the work of Dr. Gretchen Hanser, specifically regarding alternative pencils? If you’re not, be sure to familiarize yourself. But in a nutshell, Dr. Hanser says that an alternative pencil is defined as anything that provides a student with access to all 26 letters of the alphabet, specifically if they are unable to hold a traditional pencil.
Did you know that the AAC software Snap, from Tobii-Dynavox makes a terrific alternative pencil, and excels with a wide variety of access modalities including direct touch, scanning, head mouse, and even eye-gaze.
It’s very easy to customize the keyboard and take advantage of the robust word prediction engine. See the video below to see how to set this up for direct interaction.
At $49.99 for iOS this software is a deal as most competitive word production software retails for significantly more.
Hey Tek-ninjas! As many of you begin your summer, maybe you are restless for something to do.... I mean, just how long CAN you spend at the pool or lake (ok, maybe all day long....) I want to remind you of free training available to you through the Learning Hub from Tobii Dynavox. Take a look at just a few of next week's offerings!
The Tobii Dynavox Message Bank is a joint project between Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Otolaryngology and Tobii Dynavox with a goal of providing a free and open message bank site. We define Message Banking as: Digitally recording and storing words, phrases, sentences, personally meaningful sounds using one’s natural voice, inflection, and intonation. This webinar will review why message banking is important for individuals who are at risk for losing their voice and how it can be accomplished through mymessagebanking.com.
Are you new to AAC and wondering how to get started? In this course you will learn specific and simple tips to create a positive and successful AAC environment.
This session will walk through this program designed to support communication and literacy skills by focusing on how to find, use and read core words. There will be an outline of activities included as well as how to assign and use them with any learner regardless of their access method.
Wondering how you can introduce vocabulary and help promote use of AAC for people with complex communication needs? Join us as we explore the evidence-based approach of modeling, including specific ideas for implementing modeling in a variety of settings.
Hey Tek-ninjas! More shaking up in my Tobii Dynavox world!
First, let me say that I'm so excited to announce that South Carolina has a new Solutions Consultant. She's going to work with Courtney Grant, whom many of you may know as having been the consultant there for years. Courtney is taking on other responsibilities in the company, but she's going to help with the training of our new hire, Emilie Peel.
Emilie has been in the field of speech pathology and AAC for the past 11 years. She wrote to me that she is passionate about AAC and the many ways it fosters communication. We are excited to have her on board and think we will all benefit from her knowledge.
Additionally, today Tobii Dynavox posted a position for what I refer to as the western portion of Virginia. If you are interested in applying or learning more about the position follow this link.
From the link: "The Solutions Consultant is responsible for contributing to the sales growth in an assigned territory by increasing awareness, developing networks, providing information on Tobii Dynavox products to potential customers and clients and assisting them in the selection and sale of speech generating devices that best meet their needs. This is a remote position, the solutions consultant must live in the sales territory. Territory area includes Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Blacksburg."
On a side note, those towns are in the middle of world class mountain biking, trail running, and flyfishing.... just say'n.
Also, Tobii Dynavox is a wonderful company to work for!
