More Details

Software
* Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
* Size: 386 MB

Speech Quality
* Synthesised speech: choice of 2 male or 2 female high quality Acapela voices (US and UK).
* Modify speed and pitch of voice.

Access
* Direct access

Vocabulary / Language / Pre-stored Vocabulary
* Text based
* On-screen keyboard
* Core Words - contains 63 prestored core words
* Core Phrases - Over 1200 phrases in 24 categories like work, home hospital, Starbucks, McDonalds and Chinese take out.
* 4 types of Text Prediction and auto correction.
* You can choose to speak each word as you type, or speak when you press the 'Speak' button. You can also tap 'Repeat' to say the last sentence again.
* Create and save all of your most commonly used phrases and organise them in your own way.
* Conversation history allows you to scan through and tap what you would like to say again (Words spoken in the last 15 minutes, through 7 days)
* Connect via email, compose your message using all of Able2Talk's features and tap a button to send it through your email account.
* Available for 20 languages (purchase a in-app voice engine, and the app will switch to that language) 78 voice engines available.
* Includes an alert alarm to get someone's attention.

Manual and Support
* Inbuilt manual

Considerations

Access
Consider the following:
* The user's pointing accuracy and motor control
* Sensory needs (vision and hearing)
* Layout (size and number of cells), as well as colours and contrast
* Fatigue
* Speed of access and operation
* Does the user need assistance from communication partner to access device (such as turn device on or off, navigate through pages etc..)?
* Appropriate and safe mounting
* Can more than one access method be used at once (e.g: switching and eye-gaze)

Communication
* Is the user a pre-intentional or intentional communicator?
* Consider the person's current language skills (understanding and production of language) and their potential language development.
* Does the system match the person's current language skills and does it allow for later language development?
* Does the system require literacy skills?
* Does the system allow access to literacy and literacy development?
* How is language represented? (pictures, symbols, text etc..)
* Can the individual compose novel messages?
* Can vocabulary/messages provided be used across several contexts/situations?

Support
The involvement of a speech pathologist is recommended to ensure the system meets the user's current communication skills and allows for language development.
* Users and support people require training in the programming and the use of this device. Access to consistent therapy support is highly recommended.
* Programming performed on the computer is more efficient than on the device for people who are supporting its use.
* The operational features of the device can be locked out if required. This can prevent unintentional programming and changes to the device.
* This device contains pre-programmed page sets that are designed to be used as a base for users to customise as required. This can reduce the programming time required.

Models

Version 1.2

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.