Date: Tue, 8 Nov 94 08:54:30 -0500 From: Bob Broedel To: Stuart.Neilson@brunel.ac.uk Subject: Re: ALS DIGEST BACK ISSUES =============================================================== == == == ----------- ALS Interest Group ----------- == == ALS Digest (#127, 18 September 1994) == == == == ------ Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) == == ------ Motor Neurone Disease (MND) == == ------ Lou Gehrig's disease == == ----- == == This e-mail list has been set up to serve the world-wide == == ALS community. That is, ALS patients, ALS researchers, == == ALS support/discussion groups, ALS clinics, etc. Others == == are welcome (and invited) to join. Currently there are == == 330+ subscribers. The ALS Digest is published weekly, == == or more often, but at least weekly. == == == == To subscribe, to unsubscribe, to contribute notes, == == etc. to ALS Digest, please send e-mail to: == == bro@huey.met.fsu.edu (Bob Broedel) == == Sorry, but this is *not* a LISTSERV setup. == == == == Bob Broedel; P.O. Box 20049; Tallahassee, FL 32316 USA == =============================================================== CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE: 1 .. COMMUNICATION DEVICES UNDER $1500.00 (1) ===== COMMUNICATION DEVICES UNDER $1500.00 ========== >From : GlennB7490@aol.com X-Mailer: America Online Mailer Date : Sun, 18 Sep 94 00:02:00 EDT Subject : COMMUNICATION DEVICES UNDER $1500.00 COMMUNICATION DEVICES UNDER $1500.00 ABOVO Abovo was designed especially for "single finger" personal communication through typing. It features a keyboard with 41 keys, and a 40 character liquid crystal display. Two models are available, one with a strip printer and one without. Other available options include a remote display unit for communicating up to 20 feet away and a PC downloading device for writers. Vendor: ABOVO Size: 3" X 8" 96 Rhinebeck Avenue Weight: 1 1/4 lb. Springfield, MA 10029 Power: rechargeable battery Phone: 413-594-5279 Price: Without Printer $629. Fax: 413-594-5809 With Printer $699. CANON COMMUNICATOR Two models of the Cannon Communicator are available. Model CC-7P has a paper printout only and model CC-7S has speech and paper printout. They are easily operated, lightweight, and have a simply designed keyboard. Both models have the following features: 1) Press the keys and print out MESSAGES ON TAPE. 2) MESSAGE MEMORY: Each stores up to 7,000 characters and prints out frequently used phrases. Easy to use record and recall modes. 3) CALCULATOR FUNCTION. 4) enlarged print; Lower case and capitals, regular or double width. 5) Insert any momentary switch with 1/8 inch plug to row and column scan intersect. 6) Built in rechargeable battery pack gives 6-7 hours of continuous use. Model CC-7S has SOUND MEMORY. Total recording time is 240 seconds, microphone is included. Playback is done through built-in speaker. An entire set includes the Communicator, battery pack, charger, keyboard cover, saliva guard, soft case, neck strap and 20 rolls of paper. Other accessories available. Vendor: Canon U.S.A. Incorporated Size: 7" x 4 3/16" x 1 7/16" One Canon Plaza Weight: 7P Model - 17.6 ozs. Lake Success NY 11042-1113 7S Model - 18.5 ozs Phone: 516-488-6700 Power: battery pack Price: 7P Model - $850. 7S Model - $1,100. COMPANION PRODUCTS One of the Companion products is Model 400. A battery powered aid in which spoken messages are recorded, stored and played back. It will store four - 5 seconds messages for a total length of 20 seconds. These can be changed at any time using the unit's built-in microphone and recording system. Model 432 is basically the same unit except messages can only be changed by using an external programmer. Model 500 is another unit that appears the same as the previous 2 but has more functions such as instant rewind/play, 4 track selective, record/play, volume control etc. Vendor: Companion Products International Size: 5.25" X 4" X 1.5" PO Box G Weight: 12 ounces Milford, PA 18337-0208 Power: 9 volt alkaline transistor battery Phone: 717-686-4713 Price: Model 400 & 500: $169. 800-258-6423 Model 432: $149. Fax: 717-686-4718 CRESTTALK Cresttalk is a portable mini electronic aid. Alphabet keys are arranged in sequence on one half of the device. The other half is a calculator and function keys. Message prints 16 characters per line on a 2 line display panel. The display will continue to scroll for longer messages. There is 20K memory. Vendor: Crestwood Co. Size: 3 1/2" X 8 1/4" X 1" 6625 N. Sidney Place Weight: 9 oz. Milwaukee, WI 53209 Power: batteries Phone: 414-352-5678 Price: $129.95 Fax: 414-352-5679 INTROTALKER This device offers speech output with limited vocabulary and employs digitized processing which results in natural sounding speech. The standard unit includes memory for two minutes of extended speech or one minute of standard speech. Up to three additional memory modules (each with one minute of standard speech or two minutes of extended speech ) can be added. The keyboard has 32 keys on 1 1/2" centers, requiring four oz. of force. (An eight location keyguard is available.) The device uses semantic vocabulary organization in a limited way. It allows vocabulary items to be retrieved using a sequence of up to three multi-meaning icons. Point & Scan Introtalker The Scanning IntroTalker permits access for those who can only operate a single switch. Not only is this appropriate for many device users, but can also serve as a relatively low cost evaluation tool as well. It has three scanning modes: 32 row column scanning, 8 location clockwise circular scanning, and 8 location count. Remote Switch Introtalker (Model IT-1RS) This new device is identical to the regular IntroTalker (IT-1) except that it also has 8 jacks (connectors) into which up to 8 single switches can be connected. Each switch corresponds to one location on the 8 location keyguard. Activating a switch will result in the same output as if that location had been pushed. This approach is appropriate for people who are functioning at a low cognitive level, who have visual or attentional difficulties, or who cannot access the standard keyboard. It can also be used in an evaluation setting with a variety of clients or for group activities such as singing, in which each person sings a different verse. The standard IntroTalker can also be modified to a Remote Switch IntroTalker for $100.00 Vendor: Prentke Romich Company Size: 13" x 7" x 3" 1022 Heyl Road Weight: 5 lbs. Wooster OH 44691 Power: rechargeable battery Phone: 800-262-1984 Price: $895. (IntroTalker) 216-262-1084 $1050. (Point & Scan IntroTalker) $995. (Remote Switch IntroTalker) LIGHTWRITER SL30 & SL8 Lightwriter SL30 permits word entry via touch-type keyboard. It has user/listener large font, back-lighted dual displays. It is possible to write to dual screens or optional printer and/or speak (which is optional)by typing words or recalling stored text. The SL8 model is identical in function to SL30 but a single switch scanner compensates for user's limited range of motion. Keyguards and wrist straps are optional. Vendor: U.S. Distributor unknown at Size: 8 1/2" X 5 1/2" X 2" this time. Weight: Power: rechargeable battery Price: SL30-$1373. SL8- $1486. Speech: $520. MAGIC WAND The Magic Wand talking bar code reader and Tiger Jr. pictorial barcode book presents a complete hardware and software package. It consists of a decoding device that translates bar codes into robotic, yet understandable synthesized speech. An accompanying book consists of a three-ring binder with laminated pages. The pages contain words, pictures, and talking bar codes for each language concept and have a protruding tab with a picture indicating the type of information on that page. The user can communicate by pointing directly to choices or by passing the "Magic Wand," a hand-held scanner, over the bar code that accompanies a choice. A speech synthesizer speaks the word when the "Magic Wand" is passed over the code. The TIGERbook Expansion Vocabulary contains 41 pages with a 940 word lexicon (1100 possible). Bar codes are copyable. Vendor: TIGER Communication System, Inc. Size: 11" in diameter x 2" 155 E. Broad Street, #325 Weight: 3.1 lbs. Rochester NY 14604 Power: 4 "D" cell alkaline batteries Phone: 716-454-5134 Price: Magic Wand & Tiger Jr. (includes TIGERbook Expansion Vocabulary): $199.95 MESSAGEMATE Messagemate is a small device with high quality digital recording capability and a 20 or 40 key keyboard and two modes of scanning. The membrane keys are 3/4" square. Four accept times are available to filter out accidental keystrokes. Two scan modes are included, linear and row column, and one or two switch capabilities. Four accept times are available to filter out accidental switch activation. Adjustable scan rate from one-fourth of a second to eight seconds per step are available. 7 models will be available. Vendor: Words+, Inc. Size: 3" X 11 1/2" PO Box 1229 Weight: 1 3/4 lbs. Lancaster, CA 93535 Power: battery 805-949-8331 Price: Starting at $499. (varies with model) PARROT This digital recorder/playback unit includes enough recording time for 16 brief messages (or a few longer ones). The user records the appropriate male/female child or adult voice. No external microphone is required. The Parrot is small and can fit into one's purse or pocket, attaches to trays, chair arms, or bed, or may be worn on its own neck strap. The Parrot JK provides for external connection to individual switches or scanning systems. Vendor: Zygo Industries, Inc. Size: 5.25" x 4" x 1.5" PO Box 1008 Weight: 13 oz. Portland, OR 97207-1008 Power: rechargeable batteries Phone: 800-234-6006 Price: $750. - $850. 503-684-6006 Fax: 503-684-6011 PEACEKEYper The PEACEKEYper is a comprehensive picture communication book (the PEACEbook) with an electronic voice output keyboard on board (the ACE-200 by Franklin). An adapted three-ring binder carries 64 laminated and color-coded pages which display a total of 546 pictures. Blank spaces on the front and reverse page sides can accommodate 1500 supplemental labels from the included TIGER Language Symbols label set. The Ace-200 is a single-word voice output keyboard. This facilitates spelling, reading and communication skills. Vendor: TIGER Communication System, Inc. Size: 9.25" x 7.75" x 2" 155 E. Broad Street, #325 Weight: 5 lbs. Rochester NY 14604 Power: 4 AAA alkaline batteries Phone: 716-454-5134 Price: $249.95 (includes PEACEbook, Franklin Speaking Ace-200, TIGER Language Symbols) SPEAK EASY This small device with digitized voice output can be used to communicate up to 12 messages at the touch of a switch or by using the unit's flat, built-in membrane keypad. It has a built-in microphone. It comes with 2 minutes of recording time which can be distributed in any way among its 12 message slots. Vendor: AbleNet Size: 8" X 6' X 2" 1081 Tenth Ave. SE Weight: less than 3 lbs. Minneapolis, MN 55414 Power: AC adapter or internal 612-379-0956 battery pack 800-370-0956 Price: $350. VOCAID The Vocaid is an electronic communication aid with synthesized voice output. The device has a pressure sensitive keyboard. A keyguard defines the keyboard into 36, 1.25" square keys. Four interchangeable overlays are provided. The vocabulary for each overlay is preprogrammed into the device. The vocabulary is changed in compliance with the overlay that is placed on the unit. A total of 140 words, letters, and numbers are provided. A key or series of keys are pressed by the user and the device speaks the preprogrammed output in a synthesized voice. Four overlays are medical, alphanumeric, telephone assistance, and leisure. Together they contain 140 words, numbers, letters, and phrases. Vendor: Luminaud, Inc. Size: 10-1/2" x 14" x 1-1/2" 8688 Tyler Blvd. Power: 2 "D" alkaline batteries Mentor OH 44060 Price: $162. Phone: 216-255-9082 VOICEMATE 4 Voicemate is a small communication aid that may contain up to four programmable messages. It takes 4 seconds maximum time for each phrase. It comes in 2 versions. Voicemate 4 - which has a touch surface for direct select and Scanmate 4 for direct access and/or switch access. Volume and scan speed are adjustable. Vendor: TASH Size: 3" X 2 1/2" X 1 1/4" Unit 1, 91 Station Street Weight: 14 oz. Ajax Ontario, Canada Power: AAA batteries L1S 3H2 Price: $350. 416-686-4129 Scanmate: $410. WOLF (Variations) Mega Wolf* (Formerly known as Super Wolf) This device is user-programmable and uses the Texas Instruments' Touch & Tell case and touchpanel with Adamlab electronics and synthesized (robotic) voice. The demonstration vocabulary is a standard part of the System Section; it comes complete with picture overlays. There is a Fixed Vocabulary Section which allows 500 words, up to 36 pages. A separate User-Programmable Section allows 800 words, up to 36 pages. The canned option for the Fixed Section is now the buyer's choice of any Wolf-CAP vocabulary. Two new additional memory sections can be left blank (one or both) for extra User Sections or used as extra Fixed Sections (one or both) with additional Wolf Caps. Scan Wolf (Presently being redesigned - call for availability) This device has the touchpanel replaced with six columns by six rows matrix of LEDs with an added jack for a single switch (3.5 mm mono phone jack - 1/8"). It operates in either of two modes: automatic sequential scan or manual advance short switch closure. The speed of the scan (for automatic scan mode) or duration of closure (for selection in the manual advance mode) can be set by a 16-place rotary switch. Row/column scan is available upon request. This device is not user-programmable at this time; only a Fixed Section is available at this time. Aips: Alternate Input Peripheral System This system provides Wolf users with the option of direct selection via single switches; one to nine switches can be attached and are used in place of the touchpanel. The touchpanel remains fully functional. The AIPS is intended for users who have difficulty using the touchpanel as an alternative "start up" method of selection. Jacks are standard (1/8") size and arranged in 3" x 3" matrix corresponding to areas of the touchpanel. A relay output jack (also 1/8") permits programmed activation of a battery-operated toy adapted for single-switch use. (The purchaser must provide switches.) Aips Wolf This version is a modified user-programmable Wolf. The AIPS unit is permanently attached to the top of the Wolf. The touchpanel remains totally functional. There is a module called AIPS Standalone that connects to the Wolf through a patch cord which is included. This version is directed at persons who already own a User-Programmable Wolf or at those who would prefer that their AIPS unit be used with more than one Wolf. Whisper Wolf (with Private Speaker) This fully operational, User-Programmable Wolf has been enhanced to include an auditory scanning function and switch selection. It can also be used as an auditory scanning device or as a regular touchpanel-activated Wolf. The selection choices are spoken ("whispered") to the user through a second, muted volume private speaker that can be mounted near the user's ear. The user then activates a single switch connected to the unit and the selection is re-spoken through the "public" speaker. This device is intended for single-switch users who are visually impaired or who will benefit from added concreteness of auditory scan. It includes a private speaker. (A switch must be provided by the purchaser.) Vendor: Wayne County ISD Size: 14.5" x 10" x 1.75" Attn: Greg Turner Weight: 2 lbs. 33500 Van Born Road Power: rechargeable batteries Wayne, MI 48184 Prices: Mega Wolf - $400. Phone: 313-467-1415 AIPS Wolf - $500. 313-467-1610 AIPS Standalone - $150. Whisper Wolf - $450. ZYGO 16C Zygo 16C is a 16 position scanning communication aid. The scanning array is a 4" X 4" grid that is secured vertically. There is a light in each position and users can scan the positions automatically with a single switch and an adjustable speed, or manually with a single or dual switch. An array can be configured to scan from 2 to 16 positions. Various overlays with the appropriate symbols and number of positions can be created. An alarm can be triggered with all four, one or none of the left-hand column positions. A modification is available permitting selections of this device to access voice output of the Parrot JK. Vendor: Zygo Industries, Inc. Size: 18 1/2" X 15" X 3 1/2" PO Box 1008 Weight: 14 lbs. Portland, OR 97207-1008 Power: battery Phone: 503-684-6006 Price: $1395. 800-234-6006 Fax: 503-684-6011 TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION INITIATION AIDS This area encompasses all electric and electronic devices which can be used to initiate communication or train individuals in the use of switches, selection techniques, and other augmentative communication skills. In this category would be included electronic communication aids with fewer than 32 selections because of limited maximum vocabulary. Most linear and rotary scanners can be classified in this category. Listed are some examples: Clock communicator Communiclock Comboard Dial Scan Versascan Clock Communicator The Clock is a scanning communication training aid with a dial face. When a single switch is activated, a pointer revolves. The user releases a switch when the desired position is reached. Words, symbols, pictures, etc. may be placed on the Clock Communicator for selection by the user. The speed of the pointer's movement is adjustable. There are 5 versions: clock, musical clock, small clock, compartmentalized clock and clear clock. Vendor: Toys for Special Children Size: 13" x 15" 385 Warburton Street Power: 1 "D" battery Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 Connector type: 1/4" or 1/8" phone plug Phone: 914-478-0960 Price: $66. 800-832-8697 $76. musical Fax: 914-478-7030 $51. small clock $65. compartmentalized clock $73. clear clock Comboard This device is a scanning communication board with a dial face. It is activated by a user with a single switch to move the pointer clockwise, with two single switches to move the pointer clockwise or counter-clockwise, or with a dual switch to move the pointer clockwise or counter-clockwise. The speed of the pointer is adjustable. Vendor: Tash, Inc. Size: 12" X 12" Unit 1, 91 Station Street Weight: 3.5 lb. Ajax, Ontario Power: 2 "D" cell batteries CANADA L1S 3H2 Price: $240.00 Phone: 416-686-4129 Fax: 416-475-2422 Communiclock The Communiclock has a dial face and is a scanning communication training device operated by either a single button or external switch. When the switch is closed, the pointer turns clockwise. The user must release a switch to stop the pointer at the desired selection. Vendor: Crestwood Co. Size: 15.75" x 14.25" x 8" 6625 N. Sidney Place Weight: 4.75 lbs. Milwaukee, WI 53209-3259 Power: battery Phone: 414-352-5678 Connector type: 1/8" miniature jack Fax: 414-352-5679 outlet Price: $199.95 - $239.95 Dial Scan This is a rotary scanning communication aid with a dial face for people needing a switch-activated communication device. A single or dual switch is used to rotate the pointer on the dial. The dial can be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise. When a proper selection is made, the user must release the switch. Vendor: Don Johnston Size: 12" x 12" Developmental Equipment, Inc. Weight: 2.2 lbs. PO Box 639 Power: 9 volt battery 1000 N. Rand Road, Bldg. 115 Connector type: 1/8" mini phone plug Wauconda, IL 60084-0639 Price: $195. Phone: 708-526-2682 800-999-4660 Fax: 708-526-4177 Versascan Versascan is a scanning communication training aid having on its face 16 lamps arranged in a circle. When the user activates a switch, the lamps light in sequence. When the desired position is reached the switch is released stopping movement of light. Symbols or words may be placed next to the lamps or translucent overlays may be used allowing light to shine through. Vendor: Prentke Romich Company Size: 12.5" X 11" X 3" 1022 Heyl Road Weight: 4.75 lbs. Wooster, OH 44691 Power: rechargeable batteries Phone: 800-262-1984 Price: $840. 216-262-1084 NON-ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AIDS A wide range of communication aids classified as non-electronic communication systems also exist. This category includes communication boards, eye-gaze boards, pre-printed communication symbols, etc. These products can range from cards, printed with the letters of the alphabet and 0-9 digits (free from a company that distributes them as a humanitarian effort), to a very sophisticated communication tray that costs over $1000. that can be mounted on a wheelchair. POINTING AND TYPING AIDS Pointing and typing aids include the following: headsticks, mouthsticks, handsplints, lightbeam pointers, and any device whose purpose is to facilitate an individual's ability to point to objects. The cost of these ranges from $20. for an adjustable headpointer to $300. for a more sophisticated optical indicator lightbeam projector. Compiled by Gayle Mefford, OTR Living and Learning Resource Centre 601 W. Maple Street Lansing, MI 48906 Revised 1/93. This document was produced in part through a PL 94-142 State Initiated Grant awarded by the Michigan State Board of Education. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Michigan State Board of Education or the U.S. Department of Education, and no endorsement is inferred. This document is in the public domain and may be copied for further distribution when proper credit is given. For further information or inquiries about this project, contact Special Education Services, PO Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909. == end of als 127 ==