More Details

Software
* Only compatible with Windows

Speech Quality
* Make key selections to type some text into the "scratchpad" (the area at the top of the OptiKey keyboard).
* Select the Speak key (it will turn blue while the speech is being read out).
* The voice, rate of speech and volume are all changeable from the Management Console (with OptiKey focussed press ALT + M).
* OptiKey supports Microsoft SAPI voices, which can be found by installing various Windows languages packs, or by installing any third party SAPI compatible voices. Voices can be selected in the Management Console (with OptiKey focussed press ALT + M). Please check with supplier for instructions on how to add new voices as the method varies for each version of Windows. There is a free male English voice "Rich".

Access
* Via mouse, head tracker, eye tracker and other alternative mouse options.
* Currently does not support switch access

Vocabulary / Language / Pre-stored Vocabulary
Symbol based
* CommuniKate boards: Turn on 'Enable CommuniKate Keyboard Layout' setting on the Words tab of the Management Console. You should then see a "CK" key on the Alpha and ConversationAlpha keyboards. Optionally, if you only want to use CommuniKate, you can turn on the 'Replace Alpha Keyboard with CommuniKate' setting, also on the Words tab of the Management Console. N.B. CommuniKate is only available when the Keyboard language in English (UK, US, or Canadian).

Spelling
* OptiKey supports the Presage engine, a free third party application you can install and use for word completion and next word prediction.

Onscreen Keyboards
* A QWERTY keyboard
* Numbers and punctuation are available
* Word prediction is presented in a horizontal cell layout
* OptiKey can be used as an alternative to a physical keyboard, allowing you to type into any application. OptiKey can automatically insert spaces between words and capitalise letters for you to increase your typing rate. You can also type whole words and phrases in a single selection by "swiping" or using "auto-complete".

Symbols / Pictures
* Uses the CommuniKate Boards

Programming
* Works out of the box once you have your eye-tracking device installed and allows selections to be made using dwell selection, as well as physical buttons and assistive devices. If you do not have an eye tracking device you can use OptiKey with a mouse or your webcam.

Manual and Support
* You can find the user guide links on the supplier's website
* Questions can be emailed directly to technical support with the supplier or the developer

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.

Price Guide

Free software. Download from this link: https://github.com/OptiKey/OptiKey/wiki/Get-Started

Models

One free version available for download

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.