ALT-Chat
Saltillo Corporation is delighted to announce ALT-Chat, the newest member of the ChatPC family. ALT-Chat brings all the exciting features of the ChatPC to a brilliant 7” dynamic display. This compact communication device measures just 7.3” x 7.3” x 1.8”, weighs only 2 lbs. 8 oz., and is available in three colors.
ALT-Chat offers all of the communication features of the PDA based ChatPC products. For individuals using symbols to communicate, this includes the ability to use photos or choose from the 10,000+ symbols that are included with the ALT-Chat. It allows maximum flexibility for customizing the appearance and size of the buttons and the number of buttons on a page. A number of pre-stored vocabulary page sets are included to meet the communication needs of a wide variety of individuals. Communicators who spell will appreciate features such as word and letter prediction, abbreviation/expansion and grammar buttons.
ALT-Chat provides both digitized (recorded) and synthesized (computer generated) speech. A choice between three voice synthesizers allows the speech output to meet the needs and lifestyle of the individual. NeoSpeech offers high quality voice synthesis in American English. Loquendo offers speech synthesis in six different languages, while DECtalk offers the classic voices of AAC, including a child’s voice.
The hardware platform for the ALT-Chat™ is Prentke Romich Company’s Springboard Lite. This robust device has a brilliant 7” color display, switch access ports, excellent audio quality and other features you expect on a full featured, dedicated communication device.
Scanning
In addition to touch screen access, ALT-Chat™ has a full complement of visual and auditory scanning capabilities. The user interface allows one to easily adjust various timing aspects, scanning patterns and switch input options to take advantage of each individual’s unique capabilities.
PalmChat Improvement
Nancy Inman M.A.T., CCC-SLP and Janet Lehr M.S., CCC-SLP, the developers of PalmChat, have taken advantage of ALT-Chat’s larger screen to make their popular vocabulary program even more powerful. The 7” display has allowed them to increase the number of buttons on each page by 20% and still allow easy access. Improved page layouts have made more vocabulary available with less navigation. A new QWERTY keyboard has been added to improve spelling and word prediction capabilities.
Language Capabilities
ALT-Chat™ meets the language and vocabulary needs of a wide variety of individuals.
For the beginning communicator, you can customize pages with photos of the child’s friends and environment. Messages can be recorded or spoken through the voice synthesizer. Buttons can be made as large or as small as you like.
ALT-Chat Plus also provides for the needs of those who have more sophisticated communication needs. A number of page sets are included for various language levels and applications. PalmChat provides the power to create sentences ‘on-the-fly’. Spelling keyboards and word prediction give ultimate flexibility for individuals who are literate. The small size and unique features of the ALT-Chat™ allow this device to serve the needs of ambulatory individuals as their communication needs evolve.
Voices
With ALT-Chat, you can choose one of three speech synthesizers. Loquendo has set the standard in the European Telecom community and is now available for the ALT-Chat™. Loquendo provides speech synthesis in a number of different languages. Simply by choosing different voices from a menu, ALT-Chat™ will pronounce words in US English, UK English, French, Spanish, German or Italian. NeoSpeech is only available in American English, but has a very natural and easy-to-understand voice. DecTalk is also still available as an option for those who prefer the classic voice of AAC. Although all speech options offer both male and female voices, only DecTalk offers a child voice.
Customizing the ALT-Chat:
While a variety of vocabulary files, or page sets, are provided with the ALT-Chat™, you will want to make modifications and add additional vocabulary for the specific needs of the person using the device. The size, color, background, symbol, font, label, message and action of each button can be customized for one’s individual needs. You can adjust the number of buttons on a page, the size of the speech display bar, and many other features to meet the unique needs of each individual.
You can easily customize and add vocabulary on the ALT-Chat™ unit itself. In addition, software is included which allows editing and customizing on a Windows computer. This program also provides an easy means of importing photos and other graphics to be used as symbols on the ALT-Chat™ device. Cables and instructions are included for downloading the vocabulary to the ALT-Chat™.
Three ALT-Chat Models available:
ALT-Chat™is available in three models. Models differ from each other in features and capabilities as well as in the warranty period. Below is a description of each model.
Standard Model
The standard model is designed for individuals who will primarily be using symbols for communication. Although this model has keyboard pages for spelling, it does not include word prediction. Other text-based features not included in this model are abbreviation-expansion and the capability to edit text files. The standard model comes with a one year warranty.
Plus Model
The Plus model is designed for individuals with existing or emerging literacy skills. In addition to all of the features of the standard models, the Plus model comes with 10,000 and 30,000 word prediction dictionaries. Numerous pages with and without spelling prediction are included in the pre-stored vocabulary files. Plus models include abbreviation-expansion, a feature that allows you to encode a word phrase or sentence under a short sequence of letters. The Plus model also provide the capability to load and save text files. The Plus model comes with a one year warranty.
Dedicated Plus Model
The guidelines for Medicare and for Medicaid in many states require that devices purchased with funds from these organizations are ‘dedicated’ devices. Dedicated devices are devices that can only be used as communication devices, i.e. no other applications can be run on the devices. The Dedicated Plus ALT-Chat™ models meets the funding requirements of these organizations and is classified as an E2510 device. The Dedicated Plus model includes all of the features of the Plus model and comes with a three year warranty. The Dedicated Plus model also includes a carrying case.
Pre-Loaded Vocabulary:
ALT-Chat™ships with five default vocabulary files, or page sets. Each vocabulary file was designed to address the communication needs of a particular group of individuals. Read the description of each one to see which program is most appropriate for you. Keep in mind that all vocabulary programs are fully customizable and can be personalized for each individual. Below is a short description of each vocabulary file.
PalmChat
PalmChat uses high-frequency core words to facilitate quick and easy sentence generation. It also includes nouns and adjectives that are organized in logical categories. All grammatical word classes have been included. As a sentence is being built, you often find that the next word you want to say can be spoken with one or two button presses. A ‘grammar’ key is used to provide morphological endings to verbs, nouns and adjectives. A spelling/word prediction page is used to spell words that are not included in the vocabulary set. Click here for more information.
VocabPC
VocabPC was designed by Gail Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP, for adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Vocabulary in VocabPC is arranged as carrier phrases, interactive sentences, activity vocabulary and naming words. VocabPC uses a 12 location page layout. The included manual contains customizing hints, teaching strategies, flashcards and vocabulary documentation.
16 Basic and Primary 3x6
Primary 3x6 and 16 Basic are both starter vocabularies that consist of a combination of words, phrases and sentences. Both programs contain vocabulary used at school, at home, in daily activities and in general communication. Both programs provide access to spelling keyboards.
Saltillo Sampler
Saltillo Sampler is not a starter vocabulary file, but rather a set of pages that shows various capabilities and options of the ALT-Chat™. You can see samples from a variety of symbols sets (PCS, Imagine, and Unlimiter). A variety of button sizes and page layouts can help you decide which setup works best for your client. You can also find various examples of integrating different tools and button actions into vocabulary pages.
General Features
- Color Dynamic Display
- Lightweight and portable
- Software volume control
- On/off switch and auto power-down
- Several hours of recorded speech
- Holds numerous vocabulary files, each containing hundreds of pages
- 3,000 PCS symbols are included on the ALT-Chat™. The included DesktopChat software includes approximately 10,000 PCS symbols and 3000 Imagine symbols.
- NeoSpeech, DecTalk or Loquendo synthesized speech
- Accessed by finger touch, single switch or two switch scanning
- Extended-life rechargeable (Lithium-Ion) battery
- Screen size: 7.0" (diagonal)
- 12 to 36 month warranty
- Size: 7.3" x 7.3" x 1.8"
- Weight: 2lb. 8oz.
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