Product Categories

»Digital Recording Communication Aids

»Text-to-Speech Communication Systems

»Medicare Assignment Accepted Products

»Assistive Technology

»Page Turner

»PC Products

»Tools of the Trade

»Environmental Control

»Books

»Misc. Products

»Rental Program

New Products & Offers

»Dialect

»Optimist II & Speaking Dynamically Pro

»Polyana

»Notice of Privacy

Back to top

It seems that the "dynamic display" trend has taken the Augmentative and Assistive Communication (AAC) field by storm. There are many discussions and situations where the enthusiasm to use dynamic display is not matched with the user's needs. The core philosophy about choosing the simplest technology to achieve the desired outcome will always produce the best outcome for the client and support team. This article compares Optimist II with Dynamically Speaking Pro (a dynamic display communication aid) and MACAW in a language easy to understand.

Message display
The primary advantage of a dynamic display communication system must be the availability of numerous messages on multiple pages which can be accessed independently by the user. This can become a negative issue however, if the user is unable to understand or use this facility and becomes ‘lost’ in the pages. For a switch user or person with independent access who has the ability to move between the pages the advent of ‘dynamic display’ systems is a great option.

The MACAW, with it’s paper overlays for each level, is usually more suited to people who relate best to a static display. Of course numerous messages can be displayed when multiple levels are represented on one overlay. Usually the MACAW is used by individuals who have the overlay changed for them by an assistant to suit the situation. Some people do change the MACAW overlays themselves, and others use the multiple level representation to minimize overlay changing. Other don’t use overlays and have learned the location of messages. Others have no need for overlays as they use auditory scanning due to vision impairment combined with switch use due to difficulty activating the keys on the keyboard directly.

Vision Issues
One of the greatest issues with dynamic display devices has been the visibility of the screen in daylight and the ability to create appropriate contrast within the graphics displayed in the software used. Speaking Dynamically Pro certainly allows many visual options as it uses whatever graphics libraries you have on disk, or scanned images. Foreground and background colours can be changed and of course the number of cells displayed can be varied. Generally, however, some computer screens are difficult to see in bright light and glare often presents a significant problem. The MACAW, with its paper overlays can be designed to suit the user’s vision needs without compromise. Glare problems can be eliminated and even raised or tactile representations can be used on the overlay.

Accessing
Whether direct accessing (pressing the keyboard or touch screen directly with fingers or pointer) or indirect (such as use of a switch with scanning) the issues vary greatly with the two types of systems in question. Keyguards can readily be fitted to the MACAW to help with key selection. Other methods may be needed to compensate for the same issues on the touch screens of the dynamic display computers, as keyguards may not be available. If keyguards are available they can be difficult for general use due to the changing layout of the screen.

Scanning access is more a vision issue. The MACAW requires ability to see the small red Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or auditory scanning can be used. The Optimist with Winspeak requires ability to see a moving outline cursor or auditory scanning can be used.

Durability
The MACAW is designed to be a relatively rugged device. There are no displays to be damaged if the unit is dropped. The Optimist on the other hand is not designed to be dropped and has a large screen which may be broken, although the absence of a laptop style lid is probably a slight advantage for durability.

Conclusion
There are numerous other issues for comparison, such as programming procedure and time required for this, also purchase price and support people’s knowledge requirements. We would like to urge those making recommendations to view dynamic display systems for what they are....a great tool when in the right hands. Because other systems may be perceived as less sophisticated it does not mean that they are outdated or any less suitable for individual device users.