Types of Available AugCom Devices

There are a large variety of devices available through several different vendors. The SLP who does the PALS assessment and/or Steve Parker (ALSA of Georgia) can discuss the options with you at that time. Again, most AugCom devices are limited to speech capability and sending infrared commands remotely to control a TV/VCR, Light switch, lock/unlock a door, set off an alarm or other controls. For PALS who consider a computer to be a big part of their life and use email and the internet there is also an AugCom system that is laptop based. It can be rigged to be “wireless” as well and supports a program where the PALS can read electronically with the machine turning the pages for him/her. The learning curve and waiting time to get this system is about 4-5 weeks longer, so make sure the motivation for computer use is there before making this choice.

How a PALS accesses an AugCom device – Besides the traditional touching of a key or typing by hand the patient can access the system by plugging in a switch and waiting for the device to “Scan” across the different choices. Then when the letter, word or phrase they want is selected they simply press the button. The switch can be activated using any movement the PALS has (hand, arm, elbow, foot, knee, shoulder or even the head. Some of the more advanced systems also support a camera that scans eye movement or even a system that detects brain signals through a lead pasted onto the forehead. The most important thing to remember is – You will ALWAYS be able to access your AugCom system, no matter how impaired your mobility becomes.