Speech generating devices (SGDs) are a type of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). How do they play with distance communication?

1. Distance
Communication
& AAC

2. What is AAC?
Any communication that is not
face to face.
Telecommunication is the dated
term for distance
communication.
Communicating across distance
What is distance
communication? Augmentative or Alternative
Communication (AAC) is any form of
communication other than
spoken/oral language.
Speech generating devices allow the
user to use picture symbols, letters,
and/or words and phrases to create
verbal messages.

3. Why is it important to any of us? Provides opportunities for more…
• independence.
• confidence.
• engagement in the community.
• self advocacy.
• self determination.
• emergency preparedness.
• social connections.
• employment.
Why is distance
communication
important to an AAC
user?

4. Before 1973
• Wired
• Landlines
• Answering machines
• Amplification available
• Large buttons available
Distance communication
After 1973
• Wireless (1975)
• Email (1990)
• Texting (1992)
• Smart phones (2007)
• Tablets (2010)

5. Distance communication can be “wired”“cellular” or “wi-fi”.
What is the difference?
• Wired – traditional phones with a connection to a wire
• Cellular- requires a phone plan - pre-paid or contracted
• WiFi - includes iPads and other tablets and they can work without
a cellular plan if the are connected to the internet. Free wifi
“Hotspots” available in most areas libraries, coffee shops, fast food
restaurants. There are also Wifi finder apps.
Comcast Internet Essentials Plan - https://www.internetessentials.com

6. for people with disabilities
Telephone Relay Services
• TTY relay services, which can be
reached by anyone by dialing 711 from
a telephone or TTY1
• Uses Communication Assistants
• Federal Communication Commission
regulates this.
• Paid for by surcharges on phone bills
Distance communication

7. for people with disabilities
Video Relay Services
Distance communication
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs

8. for people with disabilitiesDistance communication
Free phones
Pennsylvania's Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP)
provides specialized equipment, FREE, to eligible Pennsylvanians who
have disabilities which impede them from having independent access to
telephone services.
http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp/

9. • First prototype in the mid 1970s
• Use started with children in the 2000s
• Computer based production of communication boards
• Fixed vs. dynamic displays
• Access modes vary
• Voices can be digitized, synthesized or human voice
AAC Speech Generating Devices

10. • Tablets changed the game.
• Augmentative Communication Apps are a fraction of the
cost of a “dedicated speech generating device”
AAC Speech Generating Devices

11. • The iBox by Teltex connects your iPad-based
AAC app directly to your landline, allowing you
to make calls.
AAC Speech Generating Devices and Wired Phones

12. AAC Speech Generating Devices go wireless
Who sits at home
and waits for the
phone to ring?
Why is distance
communication
important to an AAC
user?
wireless

13. Distance communication with AAC
Create a message with AAC and then export it to text messaging,
social media, reminder apps or email

14. Distance communication with AAC
• The cost of the phone and data plan
• Some states provide wireless
options in their TDDP programs, but
this is not universal
• Having to re-set the Bluetooth
connection (repair the two devices)
• Technology changes quickly and
may need to update for the latest
Challenges

15. Other apps for distance communication
• Google hangouts (talk, text, & video)
• Google Duo (simplified video chat)
• Talkatone (talk & text)
• Ovoo
• Skype (video and messages)
• Facetime
• Glide
• One advantage to Google apps is they will
work on both Android and Apple phones.

16. AAC and Virtual Assistants
AAC apps and devices can be used to control
Virtual Assistants
• This can enable communication, play
music, listen to your to do list….
• As well, there is a growing use of Virtual
Assistants to activate internet-enabled
environmental controls.
• Imagine having complex physical and
communication needs, but still being able
to order a pizza, turn on your lights, set
the thermostat, and play your own
music!
Virtual Assistants can be
programmed to carry out
commands with IFTTT. You send a
text message to a list of people in
an user’s contact list in response to
an preset emergency command
just as “Okay Google, I need help!”
You can even send GPS
coordinates along with the
emergency message.
https://ifttt.com/

17. Cool Video Sesame Enable Phone
https://youtu.be/3ZrWmuAPL60

18. Another Cool Video AAC & Amazon Echo
https://youtu.be/FIB4rYCQeZk?t=1m9s

19. How do I know what is right for me?
• PIAT offers services to the public, including
• Device Demonstrations
• The AT Lending Library
• Try before you buy!
• The TDDP Program for eligible Pennsylvanians with disabilities
• Can help people acquire landline phones to meet their needs
• The Wireless Pilot — Phase II (Philly area)

20. Need more
information?
Use distance
communication
to reach us.
Voice phone: 800-204-PIAT (7428)
TTY phone: 866-268-0579
Website: http://disabilities.temple.edu/tech/
Email: atinfo@temple.edu
Please provide feedback at bit.ly/PIAT_T1

21. Thank You.
Please provide feedback at bit.ly/PIAT_T1
This presentation was
developed by
Kathryn Helland
& Kim Singleton
Kathryn.Helland@temple.edu
Kim.Singleton@temple.edu
www.aaccommunity.net