A Discussion Paper on the Convergence of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (A.A.C.
Contents Introduction 1 Portable Computers with A.A.C. Software – Perceived Benefits 2 Current ‘Off-the-Shelf’ Laptop Based Communication Systems 3 Current ‘Off-the-Shelf’ P.D.A. Based Communication Systems 4 Custom Systems Used by C.C.A.
Introduction As computers become smaller, more powerful, more compact and portable, with longer battery life, the desire to explore their use as a communication device with appropriate software has become an area of interest. Computers are becoming integrated into everyday life at school, work and in the home. They can be used for multiple tasks, such as communication via email and Internet, word processing, an in depth source of information and other forms of problem solving.
Portable Computers with A.A.C. Software – Perceived Benefits There are many perceived benefits that have been outlined for the use of a portable computer as an A.A.C. device. The main advantage is ready availability of many computer functions without having to change devices (ie: multiple uses for a single system), however there are many other perceived advantages including: • • • • • • Integration of systems to easily move from communication software to other software.
Current ‘Off-the-Shelf’ Laptop Based Communication Systems As the interest in using laptops for communication has increased various companies have started to produce communication systems. A few of these are listed below with a brief summary of their key features. Detailed specification sheets, including prices, for these devices are included in Appendix A. Gemini The Gemini is an A.A.C. device and Macintosh® tablet style computer.
Freedom 2000 toughbook The Freedom 2000 Toughbook is again built using one of the ruggedised Panasonic Toughbooks as a platform, but is not quite as rugged as the Extreme Toughbook. It has a magnesium-alloy protected L.C.D. display and shock-mounted components. It comes pre-loaded with either E.Z. Keys or Talking Screen. Current ‘Off-the-Shelf’ P.D.A. Based Communication Systems There are also some communications systems on the market that use the window C.E.
Custom Systems Used by C.C.A. Clients Within the organisation, speech pathologists and occupational therapists have worked together to produce some custom laptop systems for C.C.A. clients, which are successfully being used for communication and schoolwork. The following cases briefly describe these systems and some of the problems that have been encountered. Case 1 Client background: • 7 years old in a mainstream classroom. • Athetoid Cerebral Palsy. • Quadriplegia. • Speech can be intelligible in context.
Problems: • The process of setting up a customised mounting cradle was a complex, timely process and the mounting caused problems with wheelchair stability. • Speakers were difficult to mount due to bulk, but were attached with Velcro to the side of the chair. Case 2 No client background. This laptop system provides a means of communication and is also used for schoolwork eg: written work. The computer is on for most of the day allowing for both response and initiation of conversation.
Due to the problems that were experienced, after three years of use a new laptop integrated system is being produced. This system consists of some features from the old system, some upgrades and some replacements. The new system incorporates: HARDWARE COMMENTS IBM platform (DELL Latitude Computer). Customised wheelchair joystick to operate mouse. Mounting system. Able to toggle between driving and computer mode with a single switch. This system is being carried over from the past communication system.
HARDWARE COMMENTS IBM platform (Viewmaster Pentium 75 Laptop). Keyguard. Mounting system. Interface for use of wheelchair battery. Mouse Keys box. Help with accuracy in key selection. Enables the laptop to be moved from side to side as required. The laptop must be charged with a mains supply once a month to preserve the battery. Mouse access. SOFTWARE COMMENTS E.Z.Keys for windows. Chosen after consideration of physical access needs and personal preferences. Rate enhancement features.
Problems Associated With Custom Systems Discussions with therapists who have had experience setting up custom integrated systems revealed several key issues that should be considered when considering laptops for A.A.C. The following table gives a summary of these issues and offers some potential solutions for each. These and other issues are discussed in greater detail on the subsequent pages: Identified key points to explore and address when considering laptops for A.A.C.
Laptop/ Tablet Computer Considerations With the advancement of technology and the increased durability of commercial and personal laptops, the use of computers for communication devices becomes an attractive possibility. With the development of many different brands of tablet computers this customised option becomes even more attractive providing increased portability getting close to that of a dedicated communication device.
Figure 1: Toshiba Tablet P.C. What software is required? There are many communication software products on the market such as: • Speaking Dynamically Pro • WiVox • E.Z. Keys talking screen • Write out loud • Writing with symbols • Winspeak • Discover • Win bag • Dynavox • Clicker 4 • The Grid The above programs often have access options built into the software allowing clients to use the program with switches or other access methods.
is the basis of some systems put together by Gus Communications, so it has quite a documented track record. Figure 2: Panasonic Toughbook. (Picture from http://www.panasonic.ca/English/Office/notebook/ruggedfeatures.asp accessed 12/5/2004) If durability is not a major consideration for a given client, then the purchase of a standard, non-durable laptop would offer quite a large cost saving.
introduce further mounting complications. Another option is to use a device such as the Micro CommPac or Gewa Mini Amplifier. The GEWA amplifier (available through ZYGO) comes in three different models; (1) with only amplifier, (2) with both amplifier and possibility to connect switches and (3) including amplifier, connection for switches and a built in IR-transmitter for environmental control. Figure 3: GEWA Mini Amplifier. (Picture from http://www.gewa.se/svensk/laddahem/Manualer/809060.
possible to mount a laptop for significantly less than an ‘off the shelf’ A.A.C. device (approximately $500 vs $900). However, mounting the communication device on the flip up tray of a manual wheelchair will compromise stability and thus more complex assemblies, such as the Daessy mounts, may have to be employed. If this is the case, the cost of mounting a laptop/tablet may be significantly elevated above that of an ‘off the shelf’ device.
Custom Laptop Based Communication Systems There are countless options available if intending to set up communication software on a laptop or tablet P.C. The following options are simply an illustration of potential systems, and their cost using 4 different laptop/tablet P.C.s; the Fujitsu Stylistic Tablet, Compaq Tablet, Panasonic Toughbook laptop and Dell Inspiron laptop (the stated prices are as advertised in April 2004). The final decision will of course be governed by the specific needs of a given user.
*Fujitsu Stylistic 3500 shown below. (Picture from http://www.infocater.com/stylistic3500.shtml accessed on 12/5/2004) Example 2 Laptop/Tablet + Speaking Dynamically Pro + Switch Interface (If you don’t need E.C.U. and your chosen P.C.’s built in speakers are adequate). Example: • Speaking Dynamically Pro and Boardmaker (requires a mouse/keyboard switch interface) - $1178. • Clicker U.S.B. switch interface - $299. • Wheelchair battery power converter (not shown) - $200.
Laptop Total cost Fujitsu Stylistic 3500 ($6000) $12042 Panasonic Toughbook 73 ($5899) $11941 Dell Inspiron 600M ($2098) $8140 *Panasonic Toughbook 73 shown below. (Picture from http://www.smoothroad.com/products/toughbook/p73.
Conclusion If we consider the combined cost of hardware and software, a custom laptop system may appear to be significantly less expensive than an ‘off-the-shelf’ device. A custom system also offers the cost advantage of not always including additional (and sometimes unnecessary) functions, such as E.C.U., which are integrated into the ‘off-the-shelf’ packages. However, these “extras” that ‘off the shelf’ solutions offer may be considered an advantage.
point is to ensure that you have explored all the information available. Make sure you understand all the potential issues and problems and have discussed the idea with a suitably experienced professional. Investing time in the ‘research’ phase will ultimately save time and money in the end, by increasing the chances of a suitable system with favourable outcomes for the intended user.
References Price, L. & Noble, G., “Using a Laptop Computer as a Communication device”. Stewart, S. & van de Loo, S., “Things to Consider when Choosing a Laptop for A.A.C.”, June 1999. Walker, G., 2002, “How to select a Tablet P.C.”, Pen Computing Magazine, December 2002 Issue, http://www.pencomputing.com/frames/textblock_tpc_select.html Links Assistive Technology, Inc - Assistive Technology, Inc. provide innovative software and hardware solutions, such as the Mercury and Gemini A.A.C.
Appendix A Specifications – ‘Off-the-Shelf’ laptop/tablet based A.A.C. devices Producer Processor Operating system Weight Dimensions (w x h x d) Battery Battery life Drives Ports Mercury Gemini Optimist Freedom 2000 Extreme Toughbook (based on toughbook 28) Assistive Technology Incorporated 400 MHz Intel® Celeron® Windows® X.P. 2.95kg Assistive Technology Incorporated Zygo Words+ Mac OS 9.1 3kg Pentium M.M.X. 166MHz MS-Windows®98 2.5kg Intel Pentium III 800MHz Windows XP 4.
Mercury Gemini Optimist Freedom 2000 Extreme Toughbook (based on toughbook 28) Freedom 2000 Toughbook (based on toughbook 50) speakers.
Appendix B Specifications – Laptops Compaq Evo Notebook N620c Microprocessor Operating System Intel Pentium IV M Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Microsoft Windows 2000. Screen 14.1-inch color TFT SXGA+ with 1400 x 1050 resolution Dimensions , weight (WxDxHmm) (kg) Battery life 31 x 307 x 250 2.1-2.45kg Up to 6 hours or up to 10 hours with the optional MultiBay battery.
Compaq Evo Notebook N620c Ports Audio • MultiPort • P.C. Card 2 Type II/1 Type III • Enhanced Parallel EPP/ECP • Serial Port • S-video TV-out connector • External Monitor • PS/2 External • Keyboard/Pointing Device • Docking Connector • Headphone/Line-out • Microphone/Line- in • R.J.-11 (modem) • R.J.-45 (NIC) • Infrared Port • 2 U.S.B. Port (U.S.B. 2.0) Compaq Premier·Sound™ enhanced stereo audio system.
Appendix C Specifications – Tablets Acer Travel Mate C100 • Spill test • Drop test • Shock test • L.C.D.
Audio Ports Additional Ports Acer Travel Mate C100 Audio system with built in speaker Built-in microphone Fujitsu Stylistic LT P-600 Sound Blaster® Built in speaker and microphone Microphone and headphone jacks Fujitsu Stylistic 3500 Sound Blaster® Microphone and headphone jacks Fujitsu Stylistic ST4110 SigmaTel® STAC9767 with wavetable, 3D effect, and 3D positioning; Dolby® Headphone Utility to emulate realistic surround sound using conventional stereo headphones on DVD models; built-in microphone C
Acer Travel Mate C100 Fujitsu Stylistic LT P-600 Fujitsu Stylistic 3500 Fujitsu Stylistic ST4110 • Floppy disc drive connector • Floppy disc drive connector • Stereo line out jack DVD/CD-RW or CDROM Drive Microsoft® Windows® 98SE standard,Windows ® 2000 pro, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Pen Touch screen Docking station provides: Mouse Keyboard Toshiba Portege 3500 Panasonic Toughbook 18 Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition Microsoft. Windows. XP Tablet PC Edition Microsoft. Windows.
Appendix D Things to consider when choosing a laptop for A.A.C. Sandra Stewart & Sue van de Loo, June 1999 Define goals. Define the student’s needs and goals. (for communication, computer access and environmental control). i.e.: what are the specific communication tasks the student must perform in order to function in particular environments? Consider the communication partners and the communication environments. Communication environments may include social time, play time, car, shopping etc.
Opening and closing the lid. Can the student do this independently? How will this impact on communication? eg. dependency, time, effort Will the lid form a barrier to communication? Will the lid form a barrier to wheelchair driving? Is the lid durable enough for the environments it will be exposed to? If you close the lid does the computer shutdown? Turning the laptop on. Where is the on/off switch? Can the student turn the laptop on/off independently? How will this impact on communication? eg.
Access to the computer software. How will the student access the computer software? If the student is using alternate access an on-screen keyboard may be required.
Reliability/history/compatibility. What is the history, proven compatibility and reliability of the chosen software to be installed on the computer? Will they perform the required functions to meet the student’s needs? Is any proposed E.C.U. compatible with the other software? Can the software drive the E.C.U.? NB. Additional hardware may be required. Other considerations.
Funding. What is the main purpose of the laptop? If it is for communication, and is funded for this purpose, the laptop can only be retained by the student as long as it is being used for communication. Who will purchase the other software eg.
