I wish there was an easy answer for this. I am guessing that a big part of the problem is the relatively low rate of input leading to speech output for the Tobii versus the speaking rate of the communication partners. Education of family and caregivers to be as patient as possible is probably among the best things that can be done.
Obviously getting as efficient as possible with the communication device is in order. Reducing selection time as much as possible and the more practice that you have with it; the faster it will be to communicate.
Certainly take advantage of stored messages wherever possible. You should not have to be typing out "let's watch TV", rather reserve that for novel messages.
If you know you have a longer conversation that you want to prepare in advance, there are also ways to store a longer message so you can type it before you meet the person. For example if you know you have a doctors appointment type ahead of time: "my left shoulder has been hurting since last Thursday night when I fell during a transfer to the bathroom. Do you think I need an x-ray?"
If you can get used to a core word vocabulary where you are typing more with whole words versus individual letters that can sometimes be more efficient as well. But that does depend on what was ordered on the device.
Also, when you are conversing with a committed communication partner, do not neglect low-tech strategies such as E Tran or pointing with your finger on a letter board that still possible. It is not as high tech and is certainly more demanding of the communication partner, but for your sake it may be faster.
Ed Hitchcock OT/L
Technology Center
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
I got the following question from a PALS that I would like to get additional feedback on:
"I am now effectively at a point where people can no longer understand me when I speak, except when I use individual words like yes. no, hungry, etc. But no sentences; they come out slow and slurred. I've taken the first step; I have a Tobii-Dynavox and am learning how to use it. But that doesn't address how to actually be part of an interchange with people and even with my wife. I feel like there's this person inside me bottled up that can't get out.
Maybe this is just a pipe dream but Is there any good literature that is available that would help me and other people to know how to achieve this?"
I already gave him some pointers on how to facilitate AAC use, such as letting people know if it is ok to guess and waiting for him to finish. I also shared with him some low tech options, but I would like to know others thoughts on this.
Thanks for your feedback.
Antoinette Verdone, MSBME, ATP
Owner, Rehabilitation Engineer
3310 W Braker Lane, Suite 300-424, Austin TX 78758
DARS Provider# 1-274278960-0-000
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