Dynamic vs static display: Electronic communication devices
Tracey Bode, ZYGO Australia.
The advent of dynamic display communication devices has brought about significant change for users of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices in terms of options and functionality. An increase in the range of dynamic display devices available has expanded considerations for those providing information, recommendations of devices. The similarity to the PCs widely used by children and adults perhaps makes the familiarity of these systems appealing. In terms of practical application, however, there are many considerations, particularly for users, which mean that static display devices maintain a critical place amongst the array of devices available. Considerations of vision, accessing, memory, personal choice and cognition may be important factors influencing the 'best' choice from the user perspective. Programming differences and available support may be some of the factors affecting the 'best' choice from the perspective of the support people.
This presentation aims to review the features and suitability of dynamic display and static display devices using the Optimist, Macaw and AdVOCAte as examples. Both static and dynamic display devices provide important options for users. The appropriate match of device to user-needs has become increasingly paramount as more options are available. A return to AAC evaluation based on sound principals seems essential.