Dynamic display has quickly become the norm when it comes to AAC. The use of mainstream off-the-shelf technologies from Smartphone PDA's to NetBook computers, or the more hardened devices built from scratch by AAC vendors are everywhere. There may be many situations where the enthusiasm to use dynamic display is not matched with a user's needs. Because of the limitations of funding only one device every five years, you want to get the most capable system available at the time. While there is a core philosophy about choosing the simplest technology to achieve the desired outcome for the client and support team, we may not always choose the simplest system for other reasons.

With this underlying notion we would like to proceed with a comparison of static display devices like the Talara and MACAW with the Optimist dynamic display system and review the likely suitability of these completely different types of systems.

The advent of dynamic display communication devices (DDD) has brought about significant change for users of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices in terms of options and functionality. A growth in the range of dynamic display devices available has increased the considerations for those making recommendations about devices. The similarity to personal computers (PCs), and the use of commercial PCs makes the choice of these systems appealing. In terms of practical application, however, there are many considerations, particularly for users, which means that static display devices still maintain a crucial place of importance amongst the array of devices available.

Opposing Perspectives

Considerations of vision, accessing, memory, portability, durability, personal choice and cognition may be important factors influencing the ‘best’ choice from the user's perspective. Programming differences, comparative repair costs and available support may be some of the factors affecting the ‘best’ choice from the perspective of the support team.

Are people receiving inappropriate devices? Which device should we recommend? What is the best device? Is static display too low tech?

Sometimes people perceive static display devices to be ‘older’ technology. Although they have been around quite a bit longer, they are, after all, computers. Many such devices are just as internally sophisticated technologically as the newer dynamic display devices, utilizing processors, memory devices, and integrated circuit boards just like the computers you think of.

I want the best thing money can buy.

Dynamic display devices are viewed as the ‘best’, a ‘panacea’ etc. possibly because they may have more features and a wider functionality, for example, they may be able to store human voice (digitized) messages and are able to convert text-to-speech (synthesized) for voice output. It may be parents are pushing for this, as they perceive this as ‘best’, and of course want the best for their child. The latest device comes with the wow factor, and the marketing buzz keeps everyone talking about it. However successful use by the client is our primary goal. Whether the features make the device better will depend on the needs of the user.

Pros

Durable

Instant-on or always on

Long battery life

Easy to learn to use

Easy to record new vocabulary

Symbols, pictures, & text

Often more concrete representations

Static overlays can be used as backup without device

Easily adapted keyguards and accommodations

Very lightweight and easy to carry

Long product life cycle

Durable, less likely to break

Cons

Does not come pre-loaded with vocabulary

Requires motor control to change overlays

Limits novel expression

Have to create, carry, and manage overlays

Pros

Large, preloaded vocabulary

Easy to customize samples for user

Easy for user to change pages independently

Symbols, pictures, and text

Computer screen generates images

Many access methods

Use synthesized and/or recorded voices

Provides access to other computer programs

Cons

Lengthy boot up time

Limited battery life

Hard to program

Time consuming to learn to use

Can't see the screen outside

Fragile, expensive

Short product life cycle

Digital Recording Static Display

ZYGO Digital Recording devices

Sounds great every time.

Store messages created by human voice

Play back recorded messages to “speak”

Only messages that have been recorded are available

Record in any language, any age, male or female

Use symbols, pictures, letters, words, and objects on overlays

Print active scene displays from digital photographs

Talara

Persona Mobile

Polyana 4

Progress