More Details

Software
* Runs on 2GHz or faster x64-bit and 86-bit processor
* Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit), Windows 8 (32 or 64-bit) or Windows 8.1 (32 or 64-bit)
* 2.0 GB RAM
* Hard disk 3.0 GB available
* Connection to internet is necessary for license activation
* May run on a speech generating device, Surface Pro tablets or a computer which meet the above requirements
* Remote editing is possible, users can also share page sets using the free community of myTobiiDynavox.com

Speech Quality
* Synthesised Acapela speech
* female, male voices available across different age ranges

Access
Several access methods are available, however you must also check if these methods are compatible with the device on which Communicator 5 is installed.
* Direct selection via touch or stylus
* Single or two-switch scanning , with auditory scanning
* Eye-gaze with a supported eye-tracker such as the Tobii Dynavox PCEye Go, I-Series and I-Series Plus. The option of dwell free typing is possible to speed up typing.
* Alternative mouse options such as a gyroscopic mouse or a Joystick
* Head tracking

Vocabulary / Language / Pre-stored Vocabulary
1) Emerging communication: includes cause and effect activities
2) Symbol based communication includes the SonoFlex, SonoKey, SonoLexis, SonoPrimo and SonoScribe. Vocabulary is organised according to contexts, categories, and core words.
* Grammar support available such as verb conjugation
* PCS and SymbolStix symbols available
* Import your own pictures
* Pages are customisable
* Communicator 5 is compatible with Communicator 4 files, so you can reuse
content that might already exist. Tap into the free community of myTobiiDynavox.com and see what page sets and resources other parents, special education teachers and SLPs have already created.
3) Spelling based
* Character, word, and phrase prediction
* Abbreviation expansion
* Regular or large key keyboards
* Dwell free keyboard can be used with eye-gaze
* Speech history
* Store frequently used list of phrases

Additional Functions
* Access standard computer functions such as opening word documents, calendar, pictures and playing music
* Access the internet, email, SMS and social media
* Making phone calls using the synthesised voice is possible only on Tobii Dynavox devices
* Use environmental control if communicator is installed on a device which has an in-built environmental unit
* Take pictures and record videos if the device has a camera
* Save several user settings, this allows for single or multiple users
* Customise your homepage, pin and unpin applications

Screen Size
* The size of the screen depends on the size of the device you are using. An 800 x 600 or higher resolution 1020 x 786 display is recommended

Symbols / Pictures
* Pre-programmed words have accompanying symbols.
* Photos and images can be imported via the device's photo library.

Manual and Support
* A User Guide is available with the software
* Online training is available through online and recorded webinars, as well as through YouTube videos, http://www.tobiidynavox.com/support-training/
* Download 30-trial version of software http://www.tobiidynavox.com/communicator5/ (scroll to bottom of page)
* Remote support service may be provided by Australian supplier http://linkassistive.com/support/
* Contact supplier for more information on support http://linkassistive.com/

Considerations

Access
Consider the following:
* the user's pointing accuracy and motor control
* sensory needs (vision and hearing)
* layout (size and number of cells), as well as colours and contrast
* fatigue
* speed of access and operation
* Does the user need assistance from communication partner to access device (such as turn device on or off, navigate through pages etc..)?
* appropriate and safe mounting
* Can more than one access method be used at once (e.g: switching and eye-gaze)

Communication
* Is the user a pre-intentional or intentional communicator?
* Consider the person's current language skills (understanding and production of language) and their potential language development.
* Does the system match the person's current language skills and does it allow for later language development?
* Does the system require literacy skills?
* Does the system allow access to literacy and literacy development?
* How is language represented? (pictures, symbols, text etc..)
* Can the individual compose novel messages?
* Can vocabulary/messages provided be used across several contexts/situations?

Support
The involvement of a speech pathologist is recommended to ensure the system meets the user's current communication skills and allows for language development.
* Users and support people require training in the programming and the use of this device. Access to consistent therapy support is highly recommended.
* Programming performed on the computer is more efficient than on the device for people who are supporting its use.
* The operational features of the device can be locked out if required. This can prevent unintentional programming and changes to the device.
* This device contains pre-programmed page sets that are designed to be used as a base for users to customise as required. This can reduce the programming time required.

Models

Only one model is currently available.
If you have the older version, Communicator 4, you are now able to upgrade to Communicator 5.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.