2001 Conference Proceedings
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THERE'S MORE TO AAC THAN MEETS THE EYE
Krisele Hass
1676 Bush Ave
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 771-6382
Email: Kit1676@aol.com
Background
Of course the most important part of a communication device is
the speech output. I live independently and rely on my voice to
deal with the everyday business of living. I have found that it
isn't enough to have voice output to be a effective communicator.
Access to the right words, personal information, text
preparation, and operating multiple technologies are of equal
importance to an effective communicator. I used to have another
device that I was very good with, but I was limited to my core
vocabulary. When I started to use my DynaVox, I discovered myself
using a different vocabulary, and therefore presenting myself as
the intelligent individual I am. To me that is as important as
speed. Don't nonverbal people already have a stigma of being
slower than they really are.
In My Own Words
Using word prediction and a dictionary to access my vocabulary
I'm able to find the exact word I want to use, even if I'm not
certain about the spelling. My main page includes the alphabet,
10 predictor buttons and 20 search buttons. The search buttons
use prediction to search for generic phrases. I use this page for
all of my communicating. If I start to spell a word and it
doesn't come up in my word prediction, I go to my dictionary
pages. There I pick a category that I think the word is in, the
DynaVox than presents a list of words on a page which looks
similar to my main page with the alphabet, only it has all search
buttons. I sometimes have to play with the letters but usually I
find the exact word I want to use. I used to only use words I
could spell or that were in my core vocabulary.
The Importance of Quick Access to Personal Information
Because I live independently and I am the only one that knows
certain things in my life, I have a lot of personal information
programmed right on my DynaVox, which is always in front of me.
If I am anywhere and I need to make an appointment , I have my
schedule programmed in my DynaVox. With this I can access it fast
to either check it , or vocalize what I have scheduled. I can
change my schedule in a matter of minutes.
I often go shopping by myself. A lot of these times, I will have
people write checks for me. Often they will forget to write in my
check register making it hard for me to remember my balance. I
have a check register on my DynaVox that I can keep my check book
balanced. My check book page looks exactly like yours in your
regular check book.
Since I live independently, I have the task of supervising my
attendants which is sometimes a full-time job. I spent years
frustrated because they wouldn't do their job right and I went
without things, my home looked like a mess and I felt awful. Well
we developed pages where I can document what they do or not do. I
have alarms set so I remember to do the documenting three times a
day. I also have other alarms set for easily forgotten cares or
tasks.
Another thing that makes me both effective and efficient is the
ability to generate text and store it for future use. Before
meeting with someone, prior to business calls and to supervise my
aides I write a note. With the note I get to the point and
remember key issues. With this preparation I am more confident
and am able to assert myself. All of these skills are necessary
for everybody that lives independently. Don't you take these
skills for granted?
The More Assistive Technology the Better
Also we take for granted that communication is a two way street.
It is vital that this interaction take place, and more often than
not face to face conversation is not an option. Many of my
interactions are via telephone or email. These interactions are
what really allow me to live independently. Because I am alone a
lot, safety is a big concern, not to mention much of the business
of daily living occurs on telephone or the computer.
When I am about to make a business call, first I will prepare my
main message with the chat mode off, then turn on chat mode type
my introduction then go to my address book page get the number
dial it, close my address book, do my introduction, and turn off
chat mode. With access to my address book I am completely
independent in making calls. If people give me a phone number, I
turn off chat mode put the name and number there for when I can
go into my address book and modify it. Then if I am making a
phone call and I need to give my social security number, I can go
to my about me popup and I can give it quickly. One important
feature for my listeners of my telephone page is the letters are
spoken as I spell. Everyone uses a telephone, and more people are
using computers. I'm no different. It's just that with these
technologies and my DynaVox, I have the tools to live, the
ability to work, the ability to relax and more than one-way to
get help.
My DynaVox is set up to make computer access quick and easy. I
have buttons programmed with short cuts and macros to allow me to
open software programs and perform a wide range of functions with
a single hit. Although these time savers are vital for my
employment, they are essential for my enjoyment. It is no longer
work, but a pleasure to play solitaire in my leisure time as I
can easily move the cards or start over. I have even used the
computer to get someone to call a friend to come and help me
because I was stuck in front of my computer without a way to get
to the phone.
I enjoy reading for myself, although I prefer to both hear and
see text rather than just see it. With my DynaVox I, m able to
hear what I'm reading. To keep things private, I store in my
DynaVox written text I have received such as snail mail and
email. In addition, I have books to read for pleasure and the
Bible which allows me to actively participate in church and Bible
study. This is done by using DynaVox Software to convert scanned
in or stored text into a DynaWrite file. I can than either listen
to it while it is on the computer or down load it to my DynaVox
to read later. Now whenever I'm waiting, wherever I am, I can
read.
Last but not least, I am able to turn on and off lights, my
radio, TV, control my thermostat and open and close my front
door. What power I have over my environment. I no longer have to
sit in the dark or be too hot and by simply opening my front door
I can come and go as I please.
Seeing is believing. I have proof an integrated AAC system is
possible and functional. My DynaVox is my voice and much more. It
is my hands, my pencil and paper, my keyboard and mouse, my
remote control, my memory and even my best friend, somebody who
is always there for me. With my DynaVox I have been able not only
to be independent but take responsibility for myself. To share my
success with others I want to demonstrate the features I use to
control my life including transferring stored text and computer
access. With the demonstration I will explain and share my
system.
In this presentation, The participants will learn how to utilize
a AAC device in every day activities of a normal life. They will
get access to information about how the pages were created and
how the presenter uses them in her life.
Bibliography
Krisele Hass lives alone in Saint Paul, Minnesota in her own
house. Krisele has been using assistive technology all of her
life. Kris is a board member of MNSAAC (Minnesota Society of
Augmentative and Alternative Communication and UCP of Minnesota.
She has presented locally and nationally as well as
internationally at ISAAC.
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