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 18.5cm x 18.5cm x 4.6cm, weighs only 1.3 kgs, 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 two voice synthesizers allows the speech output to meet the needs and lifestyle of the individual. We recommend Acapela (click for sample of voices - US English only) as it offers bilingual speech and has a choice of 8 voices, including 2 child's voices.  . NeoSpeech (click for sample of voices, Kate and Paul only) is only available in American English, but has a very natural and easy-to-understand voice.  Please note when listening to voice samples that the voices will always sound better on your PC than on the devices themselves due to processing power.

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.

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. 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.  

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. 

Dedicated Plus Model

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 model includes all of the features of the Plus model.

Pre-Loaded Vocabulary:

ALT-Chat™ ships with six 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™

Essence-ALT

Essence-ALT is the first commercial offering of the Essence family of vocabulary programs developed by Prentke Romich Company. This new series is specifically designed for adults with acquired speech disorders. The heart of the Essence vocabulary consists of a spelling keyboard with word prediction that also allows quick access to hundreds of commonly used phrases and sentences.
The home page of Essence-ALT contains a spelling keyboard. If one starts to spell a word, the word prediction area expands to offer up to nine predicted words at a time. Morphology buttons allow you to change word forms with a single button press.
The home page also contains quick links to pages of commonly used phrases for communicating with those you regularly interact within your family and community. Other pages contain commonly used vocabulary that may be needed for a visit to the doctor, using public transportation, going out to eat, etc. Each page is completely customizable to meet the specific vocabulary needs of each individual. Essence-ALT has been adapted to take advantage of the unique features of the ALT-Chat. This program takes advantage of the ALT-Chat's word prediction program which gives the option of a 10,000, 30,000 or 60,000 word prediction engine. The ALT-Chat's visual scene capabilities allow photos to easily be imported to assist in telling a story.
The portability of the ALT-Chat and the vocabulary of Essence-ALT combine to create a communication solution that can be taken wherever you go - and contain the vocabulary to engage people when you get there.

AACelerate with myVoice
AACelerate with myVoice is a unique new suite of AAC vocabulary sets for the ChatPC family targeting the communication needs of a broad spectrum of individuals. This collection, whish is intuitively woven into several different core vocabulary sets and phrase-based sets, incorporates the AAC vocabulary research of Dr. David Beukelman, Dr. Diane Bryen and Barbara Collier. The AACelerate suite includes the myCore and myQuickChat vocabulary files.
	myCore myCore is a combination of core and phrase based vocabulary geared toward individuals with literacy skills.
	myQuickChat myQuickChat is an introductory communication system geared toward individuals with complez communication needs. it offers a high frequency, phrase-based communication system in an easy-to-use, yet very engaging format. The progressive system offers a variety of topics for everyday needs and conversation and provides immediate and more successful communication exchanges within a variety of settings. myQuickChat is available for both children and adults in 4, 8 and 12 locations, each with an identical 16 location Support Master Home Page.

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 16 Primary

16 Primary and 16 Basic are both starter vocabularies that consist of a combination of words, phrases and sentences. Both programs use a 16 location page layout and contain vocabulary used at school, at home, in daily activities and in general communication. Both programs provide access to spelling keyboards.

MultiChat 15

Saltillo Sampler

Saltillo Sampler is not a starter vocabulary file, but rather a set of pages that shows various capabilities and options of the ChatPC. 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.

Spelling

It has a Spelling file that can be used to generate any message. The spelling page can configure to a qwerty layout or a alphabet layout. The Plus models come with 10,000 and 30,000 word prediction dictionaries. Plus models include abbreviation-expansion, a feature that allows you to encode a word phrase or sentence under a short sequence of letters. (brb = be right back). Unlike on a mobile phone the brb will actually say “Be right back”. Phrases can be added in this file as well.

Symbol Choices

SymbolStix
The default symbol set for ChatPC devices is SymbolStix. SymbolStix is a new and dynamic symbol set created by N2Y for use in its Internet weekly newspaper, News-2-You, and its new online curriculum, Unique Learning System. Generic activities and persons are depicted as lively, vibrant stick Figures - stick figures with "an attitude." (Actual persons incorporated in SymbolStix are drawn as easily recognizable characterizations.) The current suite includes over 4,000 individual drawings/icons. For more information on SymbolStix, visit the SymbolStix website.
PCS
You can choose PCS symbols as an alternative to SymbolStix when you order a ChatPC device. PCS symbols are very popular in classrooms and clinics throughout the world. These symbols have been created by Mayer-Johnson and are used in Mayer-Johnson's BoardMaker and Speaking Dynamically applications. Several thousand symbols represent vocabulary for a wide variety of school, home and work activities. PCS symbols can be selected for ChatPC devices as a $200 option.

General Features

• Colour Dynamic Display
• Lightweight and portable
• Software volume control
• Auto power-down
• Several hours of recorded speech
• Holds numerous vocabulary files, each containing hundreds of pages
• SymbolStix is the default symbol library included with the Alt Chat.  The PCS Library (3,000 PCS symbols) can be ordered at an extra cost. The included DesktopChat software includes approximately 10,000 PCS symbols, 3,000 Imagine symbols and 1,500 Clarity Symbols.
• Choice of 2 speech options - Acapela or Neo synthesized speech
• Accessed by finger touch, single switch or two switch scanning
• Extended-life rechargeable (Lithium-Ion) battery.
• Comes with 2 x lanyards with stylus and a wire stand as standard.
• Screen size: 18cm (diagonal)
• Size: 18.5cm x 18.5cm x 4.6cm
• Weight: 1.3kgs

Price:$ 5,995.00

Use this wall chart as a reminder to teachers to focus on those frequently used words when interacting in a range of classroom activities.  The wall chart can be displayed as a "solid" chart, with or without remove-able Pixon flashcards attached to the chart.  By tacking the loose Pixon flashcards to the wall chart you are ensured of always putting the picture back in the right place maintaining consistency in location.

This Communication Board Wall Chart is also a good resource to use with children and adults who have limited vision and cognitive skills.  Individual Pixon pictures can be removed from the chart and hand-held for the child to signal his/her communication message.  This purpose was NOT the original intent of this wall chart, but was a modification used in classroom and therapy settings to develop emerging communication skills with children with significant congnitive and visual challenges.

Wall Chart and Removeable Pixon Flashcards included.

Price:$ 99.00

The NEW ECO™2 with ECOpoint™ offers the full features of a Windows® XP-based device

The ECOpoint™ separate eye-gaze processor preserves ECO™2’s speed and power

This sleek, large-screened, and versatile device is an AAC aid and Windows® XP based computer rolled into one - allowing powerful, independent AAC communication plus convenient, state-of-the-art computing on the go. ECOpoint™ delivers the industry’s largest viewing area to accommodate greater head and body movement with choice WordCore™and Unity® for unlimited communication potential. The WordPower™ suite is also available as an optional extra.

Features

The total communication & computing power of ECO™2…

• Allows the full literacy and learning potential of Windows® applications and other popular software used in the classroom, at work, and at home
• Unity® or WordCore™ programs can be  used  as the onscreen keyboard. The WordPower™ vocabulary  system is also available
• Features built-in DVD/CD drive and integrated Bluetooth connectivity
  
  …now fully accessible with just your eyes!
• Robust communication & computing functions  can be controlled entirely by eye movements using ECOpoint™
• Two, high-defi nition cameras and over 100  LEDs track the user’s eyes within the industry’s largest  viewing area to accommodate greater head and body movement
• Ideal for AAC users who have diffi culty using direct selection, switches, or head-tracking

 Please note: ECOpoint™ Eygaze System only works with ECO™2 or Liberator-14 communication aid.

Price:$ 12,900.00

Vantage Lite

Powerful AAC communication on the go!
PRC is proud to add a new dedicated AAC device to our diverse and powerful product line. We are committed to offering the highest customer-driven and quality-focused technology in both dedicated and integrated AAC products.

• Compact!
• Rugged! (Designed for durability)
• Portable! (Built-in handle)
• Smart! (PRC's Unity® language system)

Keyboard Options

4-, 8-, 15-, 45-, 60-, and 84-location displays.

Unity Toolset Features

• Icon Tutor - Icon Tutor lets user search for a word and find the appropriate icon sequence.
• Icon Prediction - To simplify locating and learning the icon sequences.
• Simple Tool Box - Provides step-by-step guidance through basic programming.
• Pre-stored Activity Row categories and vocabulary, plus Pages with expanded word sets.
• Vocabulary Builder - Helps in teaching a small set of words within a larger set. Simplifies the search task while reinforcing the motor patterning for accessing target words.
• Specially created Context Scenes for concept and language learning.

Easy Access Methods

It is so easy to change access methods in the Vantage Lite that schools and AAC centers will find it to be a valuable training device.

•  Direct selection from the touch-screen display
• Single- or dual-switch scanning
• 8-, 15-, 45-, 60- and 84-location clear keyguards to aid direct selection (plus custom keyguard options
• USB connectivity for use with head-pointing system, mouse, USB joystick and mouse emulation access products
• Use screen as switch

Advanced Features

An excellent starting point for the child or adult just beginning augmentative communication ... and those ready for the next step!

• New "high brightness" display with LED backlight and wide viewing angle
• Built-in media player for playing MP3, WMA, and WAV files in stereo.
• Infra-red environmental control functions to control common IR devices such as lights and TV/DVD players
• USB flash memory port and Secure Digital card slot for faster, easier memory backup and transfer options
• Compact flash card slot for future expandability
• Mini USB-B port to allow some computer access options
• Integrated Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone interface, external stereo speakers/headphones, computer access or PRC's Bluetooth Wireless Switch
• Optional Second Bluetooth Channel.  Each channel allows for one Bluetooth link at any one time i.e. to a Bluetooth switch or adapter.  The optional second channel is needed to use two Bluetooth items at the same time

Customization Aids

• Access to over 4,000 Minspeak® icons in the device for customizing vocabulary.
• Over 8,500 optional PCS symbols for core vocabulary, Activity Rows, and Pages.
• Importing icons or digital photographs using common graphic formats.
• Simple steps to creating Activity Rows and Pages for specialized vocabulary.
• Updated PRC Application and Support Software (PASS) with numerous special features, including Writing With Icons and tips and information to make it easier to customize and support the device.

Extended Battery Option

This extended battery pack for the Vantage Lite provides up to an extra 3 hours of battery life to a standard device. With the extended battery option you can obtain 7-8 hours battery life from the Vantage Lite with normal use.  Please note there is no extra charge for this item if purchased at same time as purchasing the Vantage Lite.  Available in 4 vibrant colours to match or mix with your device: black, blue, green or purple.

Standard Package Includes

Unity Software

Support CD

PASS (PRC Application Support Software for PC)

Quick Start Guide

Aus Battery Charger

USB Memory Stick

USB Computer Cable

1 Year Warranty

Price:$ 10,950.00