Spectronics Update

Keeping you up-to-date with inclusive learning technologies! 		Spectronics Logo

Hi …

Here is your latest newsy Spectronics Update. We hope you find some useful tips and information in this edition.

The Spectronics team have been busy travelling over the past few months, but none more so than Jane Farrall, our AAC Support Services Manager. She had the exciting opportunity to attend the ISAAC (International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Conference in Düsseldorf, Germany from July 29th to August 5th. For Jane’s report about some of the inspiring presentations she attended – and news of some exciting new technologies about to hit the AAC world, visit www.spectronicsinoz.com/library.asp?article=24268

For information on where the Spectronics team will be visiting for workshops and conferences, remember to keep an eye on our online Travel Diary at www.spectronicsinoz.com/info.asp?info=travel_diary.

We have also been busy with plans for the next Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference to be hosted by Spectronics from May 12th to 15th, 2008. Please keep these dates free in your PD calendar! We have booked the stunning Marriott Hotel in Surfers Paradise in Queensland for the event and have now confirmed that both Dr. Caroline Musselwhite and Kelly Fonner will be our Keynote Presenters.

  • Who is Caroline Musselwhite?

    Dr. Caroline Musselwhite PhD, CCC/SLP, is a Speech Language Pathologist and an Assistive Technology Specialist with more than 20 years experience working with children and adolescents with severe disabilities. She has lectured at universities, authored books and software programs, and is a founding member of the Board of Directors for the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC). She is a truly dynamic and inspirational presenter whose enthusiasm for her work is catching! To quote Jane Farrall after her attendance of one of Caroline’s workshops at the ISAAC Conference this year: “I think Caroline could read the phone book and still inspire me!”

    It has been six years since Caroline was last in Australia (for the Spectronics and ZYGO Australia Assistive Technology Summits held in 2000). Many people have asked us to bring her back … so 2008 it is!

  • Who is Kelly Fonner?

    Kelly Fonner, MS is a self-employed consultant and trainer in the areas of assistive and educational technology. She has been working with individuals with disabilities since the mid 1970’s and with technology since 1983. Her experiences have been as a teacher assistant, teacher, instructional media specialist and assistive technology consultant in early childhood, preschool and school age programs. She has consulted to university and adult programs concerning access to technology by persons with disabilities. She speaks internationally on a wide range of topics including technology integration, curriculum testing and accommodations, computer access, literacy, library access, assessment and implementation strategies, and the current “hot topic” of Universal Design for Learning.

    Kelly was the popular Keynote Presenter at the Inclusive Learning Technologies Summer School in 2004. Again, we have been asked many times to “bring Kelly back” – so 2008 is Kelly’s year to return as well.

If you wish to be kept up-to-date as plans for the 2008 Conference come together, please contact me at Spectronics on email barbara@spectronicsinoz.com or phone (07) 3808 6833 (or international call +61 7 3808 6833). I will definitely keep you up to date through this emailed newsletter too!

We look forward to catching up with you if you plan to attend the ARATA (Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association) Conference in Perth in October. Please call in and say hello to Michael, Jane, Sue and me on the Spectronics trade display – and check out some great new technologies which we will be launching there!

Cheers for now
Barbara's Signature

Barbara Landsberg
Marketing Manager
SPECTRONICS


PS We were really excited to see an article about the Spectronics Winter School 2006 in the latest edition of the Closing the Gap newspaper! Closing the Gap, as many of you know, is the organisation which runs the largest assistive technology conference in the USA, hosts a great assistive tech website at www.closingthegap.com and publishes a printed newspaper every two months. So we felt very honoured to be considered worthy of a whole article about our conference and the people who joined us for the big event!

Click here to download a copy of the article.

A fully Switch Accessible Mobile Phone at last!!

Image of the three key components of the ClickToPhone system

We are often asked about phones which are able to be used by people with significant physical disabilities. The newly released ClickToPhone enables a person who cannot press the keys of a mobile phone to operate the phone by using a single switch! All the phoneÀâ„s functions can be accessed through the ClickToPhone software. For example the phone can be answered, the contacts list can be browsed before making a call, text messages can be sent and MP3 files can be played.

(For those more technically minded … a separate hardware component is supplied for switch users to operate the phone. This wireless Bluetooth interface accepts either a single switch input or a 5 switch device e.g. TASH multiple switches such as Mini Joystick, Penta Switch, Star Switch, Wafer Switch. For a powered wheelchair user, the mobile phone can be operated without any additional hardware directly from a Genie Joystick or Genie+ master remote.)

The Spectronics team has just received the ClickToPhone and are currently putting it through its paces. So far – we are impressed! There are two modes of operation – Beginners and Advanced. Once phone numbers have been stored in the phone, the Beginner mode can be used easily and intuitively. The Advanced mode also lets the user compose text messages and access the advanced features of the i-mate SP3i SmartPhone (like syncing with your computer to share contacts and emails, etc). Setting the phone up, or using it in Advanced mode, does require some higher level technology skills but most of these are a function of the SmartPhone itself.

We hope to have a second demo unit available soon for short term trials. Please contact me on barbara@spectronicsinoz.com if you wish to be added to the growing list of people keen to trial the phone.

More information about the ClickToPhone is available on our web at www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=24243
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Keyboards ... Keyboards ... Keyboards!!

I think we will rename 2006 as the “Year of the New Keyboard”! Over the past few months, we have added the following new keyboards to our website. Please visit our web for more details on each!

  • 508 One-Handed and Two-Handed Keyboard
    Image of the 508 one-handed and two-handed keyboard

    This keyboard allows for both one-handed typing (right or left hand) and for two-handed typing – making it ideal for use in settings where people with a variety of physical disabilities may need to access the keyboard – along with others who do not have disabilities. And the best part … it is only $195 (in Australia) and $208 plus GST (in New Zealand). Much cheaper than other keyboards supporting both one-handed and two-handed typists. More info at www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=23634

  • Clevy Keyboard
    Image of the colourful lowercase Clevy Keyboard - New South Wales Handwriting Font model

    This keyboard is proving VERY popular in early childhood and Special Ed classrooms! It is brightly coloured featuring lowercase keys in either New South Wales handwriting font or standard lowercase font. Colour-coding to help with identification of vowels is another appealing feature of the keyboard. More info at www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=23099

  • Large Print “Keys U See” Keyboard

    Image of the three models of Large Print

    These large print keyboards are perfect for those who simply have a hard time seeing the existing keys on their keyboards. With a bigger and bolder typeface, the keys are easier to see. Three models with different colours are available:
    • Black Keyboard with Yellow Keys and Black Letters

    • Ivory Keyboard with Ivory Keys and Black Letters

    • Black Keyboard with Black Keys and White Letters
    Again … a very reasonable price for this keyboard at only $89 (in Australia) and $95 plus GST (in New Zealand). More info at www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=24153

  • ZoomText Large Print Keyboard

    Image of the ZoomText Large Print Keyboardl
    This keyboard is very similar to the Large Print “Keys U See” Keyboard (Black with Yellow Keys model) but has had some extra modifications made to 16 dedicated keys to allow it to work seamlessly with the major features of both the ZoomText 9 Magnifier/Reader and ZoomText 9 Magnifier programs for people with low vision. It is not yet available in Australia and New Zealand – but is coming very soon! More info at www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=23652
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New version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking just released

The popular Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition program has just been upgraded to Version 9.

What’s New in Dragon NaturallySpeaking V9 Professional and Preferred Editions?


  • Unprecedented Speech Recognition Accuracy
    The new Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 speech engine is up to 20% more accurate than version 8! (This is on top of the excellent recognition in Version 8 for Australian and New Zealand users of the program. Dragon’s Australian Linguistic Model allows it to cope well with the Australian accent and way of speaking. Better for NZ accents than other programs with US or UK Lingusitic Models too.)

  • No Script Reading Required!
    Get started instantly with Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 without having to read any scripts or training text. (Great news for users with learning difficulties who have struggled with reading the training texts unassisted in the past.)

  • New Tutorials
    New tutorials simplify the training process, so you can be an expert Dragon NaturallySpeaking user in much less time.

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking Command Browser Improved
    The Dragon NaturallySpeaking Command Browser is faster and easier to use than ever before.

  • Bluetooth Wireless Microphone Support
    Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 now supports certain Bluetooth wireless microphones as an input device, empowering you to dictate without being tethered to your PC.

  • Dictate Into More Handheld Devices
    Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 also supports handheld digital recorders and other PDAs that record in .wma and .mp3 format for deferred transcription.

What’s New in Dragon NaturallySpeaking V9 Professional Edition only?


  • Even Higher Accuracy!
    Although all editions of Dragon NaturallySpeaking use the same core engine, the ability to create multiple custom vocabularies in Professional, Medical and Legal editions can increase accuracy by as much as 5%.

  • Voice Notations
    Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 includes a new “Voice Notations” feature for Microsoft Word, which allows users to include untranscribed instructions for third-party editors. This could also be a useful feature for students with learning difficulties to embed in their written work to explain answers to assessment tasks or to act as study notes to themselves.

  • Tools for Network Management Improved
    Manage user profiles, vocabularies and installations of Dragon NaturallySpeaking over a network with a new GUI. Use DNS Administrator to manage vocabularies and commands from a central network location.

See www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=24103 for more detailed information on Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional 9 and www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=24107 for more detailed information on Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred 9.

If you are interested in a comprehensive general overview of speech recognition programs, the Voice Recognition Software Consumer Report is an excellent article written in 2005 by a non-commercially aligned product review service called “ConsumerSearch”. In that report, a range of programs are discussed and Dragon NaturallySpeaking comes up tops for recognition accuracy.
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How to see PCS Symbols in Communicate: In Print

Screenshot from Communicate:In Print program.

Communicate:In Print is a flexible symbol supported desktop publishing program that makes creating symbol-based learning materials such as printed worksheets, books, newsletters, visual displays and other accessible information simple. One appealing feature of Communicate: In Print is the ease with which books of any size can be designed for print – as books ready to fold or as single sheets. The program comes with the Widgit Rebus Symbol collection which includes over 7500 line drawings (coloured or black and white) to support literacy. In addition, the program contains the Widgit Picture Collections, which include over 1500 colourful, enhanced metafiles and photos.

But … what if you want to use other pictures when you are making resources for your classrooms or support services? Like the PCS symbols (the ones used by the Boardmaker program) or photos from your digital camera or the Web? We often receive enquiries about this at Spectronics!

So, Penny McCulloch, our Special Ed Teacher has put together a comprehensive Help Sheet to help to answer this question! It guides you through using the graphics built into Communicate: In Print, as well as stepping you through how to import PCS symbols, digital photos and images from the Web. It is now available for download from www.spectronicsinoz.com/downloads/faqs/CIP2_HelpSheet.pdf
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Trade-in your old Discover:Switch, Discover:Kenx or Discover:Boards!

Trade in you old Discover:Switch, Discover:Kenx or Discover:Board to DiscoverPro and IntelliSwitch

Discover:Switch, Discover:Kenx and Discover:Board were some of the very first technologies sold by Spectronics. So we do feel a touch of sadness to have to announce that they are no longer being manufactured. But as we are in the business of technology, we have to accept that things move on!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Discover products … they combine hardware and software to allow users with a range of physical disabilities to be able to control all functions of the computer. Even switch users had access to all programs once the clever Discover software was set up to scan across markers on the computer screen – e.g. accessing start menus, drop down menus in programs, Internet Explorer navigation buttons etc. etc.

The good news is that there is a replacement for the Discover products – the new IntelliSwitch with DiscoverPro software for Windows and the IntelliSwitch with Discover Envoy software for Mac OS X. When used with DiscoverPro or Discover Envoy software, IntelliSwitch enables individuals with physical disabilities to perform ALL keyboard and mouse functions by simply pressing a switch.

More information is available on our web or by downloading an informative guide on the new tools from www.spectronicsinoz.com/downloads/flyers/MadentecFlyer_July2006.pdf for Australia and from www.spectronicsinoz.com/downloads/flyers/MadentecFlyer_July2006_NZ.pdf for New Zealand.

(Please note that the new Discover software will not work with the older Discover hardware – only with the IntelliSwitch. It will also work with the IntelliKeys USB for users wanting to use a keyboard for access to the computer.)

Do you have any old Discover:Switches, Discover:Kenx or Discover:Boards which you are no longer using? Why not trade them in?

Spectronics is offering a special offer of 20% discount off the price of IntelliSwitch with DiscoverPro software for Windows and the IntelliSwitch with Discover Envoy software for Mac OS X if you trade-in your old Discover hardware. The trade-in offer even applies if your old Discover hardware is no longer working!

Contact Spectronics for details of how to arrange for your special trade-in discount!

PS If you would like a Demo CD for the DiscoverPro Software for Windows, please contact Katie Weston on email katie@spectronicsinoz.com and she will be more than happy to send one out to you!
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New Speechie for Spectronics New Zealand

Image of Spectronics' Speech Pathology and Speech Language Therapy team - photos from left to right of Alysia Harvey (Spectronics New Zealand) and Jane Farrall, Sue Owen and Amanda Hartmann from Spectronics in Australia.

Spectronics is very pleased to announce that we have appointed Alysia Harvey as our first Speech Language Therapist to join our Spectronics New Zealand team. She will be based in Christchurch while Trev Willson, Manager of Spectronics New Zealand, will run the Spectronics Head Office in Hamilton, in the North Island. Trev will continue to manage shipping of all orders placed with Spectronics New Zealand. He will also be available to answer all general technology enquiries and provide technical support/repair services as he has been doing in his busy role to date.

Alysia will be more involved in answering enquiries re SpectronicsÀ℠broad range of technologies to support people (of all ages) with complex communication needs.

She has spent the past four years working with the Astech SRS (Specialist Rehabilitation Services), providing therapy services to ACC funded clients with high support needs. In that time, she became proficient at programming and setting up various communication devices, systems and software programs to meet the needs of her clients in their home, school and community environments. She also spent much of her time providing training sessions around the programming and use of the communication systems to clientsÀ℠families/whanau, school staff and therapists.

As a result, she will be a great resource for information on programming and troubleshooting issues which arise with any speech generating devices sold and supported in New Zealand by Spectronics.

Alysia will also work closely with SpectronicsÀ℠Australian Speech Pathology team of Jane Farrall, Sue Owen and Amanda Hartmann sharing ideas and developing resources to help make the world of high-end augmentative communication easier to master for all who need access to this mode of communication and for those who support the AAC users.

AlysiaÀâ„s talents extend to being comfortable with use of many of the software programs which have proved popular across New Zealand – like Boardmaker, Clicker 4 and 5, Speaking Dynamically Pro, Co:Writer and more. Her past experience with GSE and providing Speech Language Therapy services in Special School settings will make her a valuable resource for school staff from across New Zealand too.

As you can see, we have many reasons to feel excited about having Alysia becoming a part of the Spectronics team! We know she will join Trev Willson in offering great support to our New Zealand customers and encourage you to contact her with your AAC enquiries. Her email contact address is alysia@spectronics.co.nz
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VS (Viking) Communicator just gets better!

Screenshot from the VS Communicator from Viking Software

Did you know that a free update for VS Communicator (formerly known as Viking Communicator) is now available? VS Communicator Pro is a software package that allows the user to “talk” using their computer. It also allows the user to send emails and text messages and to control other Windows software, as well as having the option of providing environmental control – all via switch access if required.

What functionality do you add to your copy of VS Communicator by updating to the latest version?

  1. Ability to import Boardmaker and Speaking Dynamically Pro files

  2. Ability to read sentences or words as you type

  3. New verb conjugation feature that makes it possible to conjugate a verb after selecting it – a really exciting new feature!

  4. Greatly improved touch screen settings

  5. Two new scanning settings

  6. And many other improved features.

To get this update, simply go to the Help menu in VS Communicator and select “Check for Updates”. But, you must be on-line to use this feature. If you are not online please contact Spectronics for a free upgrade CD. We are happy to help out.
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Other useful snippets!

  • DynaVox training sessions available on the Web – any time!
    DynaVox has now recorded some of their online training sessions so they can be viewed at any time. This will avoid the need for people in Australia and New Zealand having to get up in the wee small hours of the morning to participate in the excellent web-based training sessions run by DynaVox – usually timed better to suit participants in the USA rather than those in our part of the world!

    The sessions which are now available to be watched at any time are:

    • Advanced DynaVox Series 4: Incorporating Digital Images into Your Communication Pages

    • Advanced DynaVox Series 4: The Page Editor

    • Communicate 4: Supporting People who Use AAC in Acquiring Communication Skills for Self-Advocacy

    • Gateway to Language and Learning in the Classroom

    • Introduction to DynaVox Series 4: Application and Use

    • MiniMo and MightyMo

    • Using DynaLessons in the Classroom

    These 60 to 90 minute sessions are large files and you will need a broadband connection to view them. Visit https://dynavoxtech.webex.com/dynavoxtech/mywebex/default.php?Rnd9402=0.5869757893062364 and click on the “Recorded Sessions” button to play them on your computer.

  • New SwitchIt! Maker 2 and ChooseIt! Maker 2 Websites
    The clever Inclusive Technology company in the UK has launched a series of “microsites” (mini websites) to help people using some of their popular software programs including SwitchIt! Maker 2 and ChooseIt! Maker 2.

    Visit the SwitchIt! Maker 2 microsite at www.switchitmaker2.com and the ChooseIt! Maker 2 microsite at www.chooseitmaker2.com for guides on how to create activities in the programs with easy-to-follow “how to” videos. The sites list ideas for simple activities for use in the classroom and others for use with older learners. And an Activity Exchange includes a collection of downloadable activities – which can be played and edited in the full version of the programs – or simply played using the free players available for both SwitchIt! Maker 2 and ChooseIt! Maker 2. Great idea Inclusive!

  • New look LD OnLine website
    LD OnLine is a US-based website which focuses on learning disabilities, learning disorders and differences. The “LD in Depth” section of the site offers many expert-reviewed articles and resources for educators, parents, and others concerned about children and adults with learning disabilities and ADHD. The site also hosts many active forums for participation in online discussion about a variety of topics including techniques for teaching students with LD, inclusive education, maths, reading, and technology. The LD OnLine site has been updated in recent months with a new look and more resources. It’s worth a visit to http://ldonline.org

  • Spectronics Symbol Activity Exchange
    The new Spectronics Symbol Activity Exchange is up and running now – with many new resources being posted up there each week! If you are looking for ready-made activities for use within Boardmaker and Boardmaker Plus, Communicate: In Print and Writing with Symbols 2000 – bookmark www.spectronicsinoz.com/activities and check it out regularly!

  • IntelliTalk, IntelliPics Studio and IntelliMathics now only available as IntelliTools Classroom Suite
    IntelliTools has recently advised us that IntelliTalk 3, IntelliPics Studio 3 and IntelliMathics 3 are no longer available for purchase as individual programs. They can now only be purchased as part of the full IntelliTools Classroom Suite program. However, Spectronics has a limited number of copies of IntelliMathics 3 and IntelliPics Studio 3 still available while shelf stocks last. For further details – please read our article up online at www.spectronicsinoz.com/library.asp?article=23662
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Spectronics
PO BOX 88
ROCHEDALE, QLD 4123
AUSTRALIA
Phone: (07) 3808 6833
Fax: (07) 3808 6108
Email: mail@spectronicsinoz.com
Web: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com

Spectronics
PO BOX 21 201
FLAGSTAFF, HAMILTON 3249
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: (07) 854 5100
Fax: (07) 854 5101
Email: mail@spectronicsinoz.com
Web: http://www.spectronics.co.nz