More Details
Speech Quality
* High quality recorded and synthesised speech output. A male and female voice is installed
* Volume is adjustable through controls on the V-Pen or by controls built into V-Boards
* For speller mode, only one gender of voice is installed per V-Pen, either the male or the female voice
Programming
* The pre-made vocabulary V-Boards can be symbol based, symbol and text and text only pre-made communication
* V-Boards have a core vocabulary or frequently used words language base
* A range of V-Boards is available to suit the needs of a child to adult communicators
* Pre-made V-Boards range in size from double sided, dual A4 pages to pocket sized alphabet boards
* Messages can be created using letters, words or phrases and then stored onto memory cells on the V-Board
* Stored messages can be spoken at any time with the touch of the cell with the V-Pen. Stored messages can be deleted and pre programmed with new messages
* Voice-Symbol software, an additional purchase, allows creation of your own V-Boards using symbols or text
* Voice-Symbol comes with it's own symbol set or import any digital image
* For best results, a compatible printer is required for creating your own V-Boards with Voice-Symbol software. Contact the supplier for more information
Access
* The V-Pen is used with direct access only. To create speech, it is touched to the paper V-Board
* An alternative V-Pen variant, Goldfinger, is available. This model splits the sensor from the speaker so that the now smaller sensor can be attached to a digit or pointer
* No external switch input available
* The size of cells varies depending on the size of the V-board being used. Typically, most V-Boards contain a minimum of ninety six cells per A4 page, more on larger vocabulary layouts
* A keyguard is available for V-Boards, starting at a ninety six cell version
* Auditory feedback, or sounds, is available to indicate when a cell has been activated
* There's an in built headphone jack for external audio output
Portability
* An included protective sheath and lanyard provides a means of transporting the V-Pen, although the V-Pen's weight is minimal
* V-Boards can be transported in a folder with double-sided protective holders
* V-Pen runs on internal AAA batteries and a green light is lit on the V-Pen to indicate it is on
* The V-Pen can be manually switched off or will automatically turn off after 3 minutes of non-use
Accessories
* Protective sheath in a choice of black or pink
* Deluxe carry case
* Additional Flash cards
* Pre-made Vocabulary overlays with associated Flash cards
Factors To Consider
Output
* Be aware of the speaker position on the device and take steps not to block the sound
* Speech can be recorded in any language to suit people who speak multiple languages
Input
* The touch pad cells are the only input method to this device unless the switch access models are purchased
* Recording should be performed in a quiet environment so background noise doesn't effect recording quality
Access
* The main access method is by the keys on the touch pad
* If alternative access is required, consider the purchase options or another device that does features the required function
* Auditory feedback, or sounds, may help some people to identify if a cell has been activated effectively or if the key activated multiple times
Portability
* Consider suitability for people who are independently mobile and the accessories available to assist
* The weight and size of the V-Pen may make it more portable for some users than other speech generating devices. Portability will be affected by the size and number of communication boards
* Colours of text and background of a custom keyboard can be changed to increase contrast for users with a visual impairment
Programming
* As with all speech generating devices, as the communication needs of the person using the speech generating device changes, any pre-stored messages may also require changing. This may or may not be an ongoing process
* Other overlay making software might be required if particular symbol sets are needed
* Phrases can be programmed allowing efficient access to frequently used messages
* Visual cues such as colour coding of symbols according to their parts of speech (for example, verbs are green) may assist users to learn word location and function within a message
Special Features
* External speakers can be connected to the V-Pen to increase its volume. This may impact on the portability of the device for the user
Batteries and Charging
* The device uses a disposable batteries
* Rechargeable batteries can be used
Mounting and Installation
* A proper assessment of the access need should be a part of the entire prescription process
Accessories
* Consider if the device has options that may assist with access needs
* Consider splash guards or waterproof covers to protect the device from moisture, if available
* Are there any future consumables that will be required over the lifetime of the device for example, batteries
Manuals and Support
* Detailed information to support programming and use of this device is available
* Programming of custom communication boards requires pre-planning and consideration of the vocabulary storage system as a whole. Involvement of a Speech Pathologist is recommended to enable consistent and appropriate development of language
Prescription Guidelines
Assessment and advice from an interdisciplinary team, with an experienced speech pathologist and occupational therapist, in regard to mounting, programming and set up of this device is recommended. Refer to the EnableNSW Prescription Guidelines for Speech Generating Devices for further information. This can be accessed at the EnableNSW website.
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