Does your child like music? Do they love wading through your iPad music library to find their favourite tunes, perhaps deleting your favourites on the way?!

Help is at hand, from a cool little app called Kidzik and it only costs £1.49!

The app allows you to create a bespoke music library for your child, by first making a 'Kidzik' playlist in the iTunes Music Player app on your device.

The Kidzik app then 'picks up' the playlist automatically and presents it as a choice of album cover artwork choices.

The user then touches the album to select the single song or songs from that album and that's it!

They can play or pause by touching the selected album in the 'apple.' They can also choose tracks by touching the different colours of the 'worm.' The same colour will always be linked to the same song, so that the user will know that the 'green' song is their favourite, for example.

Really nice simple interface and great how it uses the album artwork for the choices, rather than cartoons, numbers or random shapes like the other music player apps I've come across.

Would be even better if it was switch accessible.....

Try out this spooky switch game.....if you dare!

Catch the monsters as they peer through the windows of the Haunted House.

Go to www.helpkidzlearn.com/find-out to play

Happy Halloween!

Over the past few months there have been more and more 'apps' available to buy, which could be useful tools for communication for some children and adults. These apps are available for iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad and vary in their features, possible uses and cost.

Some of these apps have synthesised voice output (text to speech) as well as symbols and can be used as comprehensive AAC solutions (e.g. Touchchat AAC); some allow you to record speech along with symbols and photos to create a system similar to a 'communication book' or medium tech AAC device like a Go Talk (e.g. Tap Speak Choice); and some can be used very effectively for 'photo stories' or 'talking books' using photos, symbols and video to create personalised resources like social stories, communication passports, visual scene prompts and interactive photo albums of special events (e.g. Scene & Heard).

CALL has been keeping a keen eye on these developments and has started to compile a database of the apps we have found most useful or show most potential in the field of AAC.

We will be updating the database as new AAC apps come out and are tested out by CALL and will also be including apps for reading, writing and literacy in the coming weeks.

Check out the apps we have included so far on the CALL App Database

Tobii S32 Scan

The Tobii S32 comes in Touch and Scan models. CALL has the Scan model, which is more expensive but has more features, so is good for assessments.

The Scan model can be used with direct touch to the buttons and a set of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16 or 32 keyguards, which come with it , or by 1 or 2 switch scanning.

The S32 Scan plays back pre-recorded messages, or IR signals and environmental controls and has up to 60 hours of recording time.

It works by using a barcode system, so you can record hundreds of messages or sounds into the device, but it will only play back messages that relate to the overlay that is inserted at the time.

Overlays are made using Tobii SymbolMate software, which comes with the device and has to be used to make the overlays (rather than e.g. Boardmaker), as it prints out a unique barcode along the top of the overlay so that the correct recordings can be recognised by the device.

Symbolmate comes with over 15,000 Symbolstix symbols, but also supports PCS, Widgit and other symbol sets, which need to be purchased separately. CALL's Symbolmate software uses the Symbolstix symbols.

There are a variety of switch access settings and auditory recorded prompts can also be used for those with processing or visual difficulties.

The scan light is a small green light at the top right of the cell, which is not especially clear or easy to follow.

The device does have some nice additional features like 'function cueing' where you can have from 2 to 6 buttons pressed in sequence and then spoken out in full at the end (to encourage sentence building). However, it is a rather expensive for a paper-based recorded speech device and requires getting familiar with new overlay-making software and keeping track of all the overlays which are created.

Tobii Communication Devices

Tobii are best known for their 'MyTobii' eye gaze technology, but actually make a range of devices. 

• the original P10 eyegaze computer
• the new C12 and  C15 communication aids
• CEye eye gaze control unit (for use with C12 and C15)
• the PCEye control unit for eye gaze access to a computer
• portable communication aid called the C8 (no eye gaze access)
• medium tech aid with recorded speech called the S32

CALL have recently purchased this whole range of devices, which are available on 'restricted loan' to assessment clients and will also be used for demonstrations and training.

The following few blogs will give an overview of each of the devices, what they can do and who they may be suitable for.

Tobii C8 communication aid

The Tobii C8 is a computer based communication aid with an 8.4 inch (20.5cm) touchscreen. It is lightweight (1.8kg) and powerful and can be used either as a portable or wheelchair mounted device. It has long battery life ( 6hrs ) and also has hot swappable batteries so you can charge the device without having to turn it off and take it away from the user. The interchangeable coloured side panels make it easy to customise (green, pink, blue, purple) and the two powerful stereo speakers give the C8 great sound quality. It has a stand and a removable carry strap, but no built-in handle.

The main difference between the C8 and the larger C12 and C15 devices is that it has 2 speakers (they have 4) and that while the C8 can be used with a variety of access methods (direct touch, 1 and 2 switch, joystick, etc)  it cannot accommodate eye gaze access (whereas the C12 and C15 can).

This device could be suitable for users who need a light-weight portable device with synthetic speech and who would like to use additional Windows based software and Sapi 5 Scottish voices, which cannot be used with designated communication devices at a similar level e.g. Vantage Lite.

The C8 comes with Tobii Communicator Standard edition package, which includes several communication programs allowing communication using text or with over 15,000 Symbolstix symbols. The CALL device includes the upgrade, Tobii Communicator Premium, which includes email, text messaging and environmental control. Acapela voices are included with the device and you can also use recorded speech, if required. The device also has a built-in camera so that the user can take photos and use them on their communication pages.

As the C8 is Windows 7 based, other communication software can also be installed and CALL's C8 has the Grid 2 as an alternative option to Tobii Communicator. Being Windows based also means that Sapi 5 voices like 'Scottish Heather' and the soon to be released 'Scottish Stuart' voice are installed on this device ready for use, as well as on the C12 and C15.

  The New issue of the ContAACt newsletter is out now!

                                Read all about:

•  The 'Hello' Campaign and the National Year of Communication
•  AAC Events across Scotland
•  What's New in AAC
•  The latest on the AAC Campaign in Scotland
•  The views of people who use AAC

 and much more!

 Go to /Resources/Newsletters/ContAACt/ to read it online or to download a copy

Issue 4 of the ContAACt newsletter is out now!

Full of AAC news and views from people who use AAC in Scotland!

Look 'In the Diary' to find out what AAC events are coming soon, read about Barry's trip to Barcelona and get advice from the "Speak Out Group" on the best places to go in Dundee!

Why don't you click on Autumn ContAACt newsletter and read all about it!

Calling all Boardmaker users!

There's a new product about to be released by Mayer Johnson called Boardmaker Studio.

This promises to make creating resources even easier by providing studio starter templates and pre-programmed 'gadget' or function buttons which can be dragged onto a page in any activity. It also has more of a Microsoft Office look about it ( more user friendly?) and doesn't require a CD in the drive!

You can import activities from Boardmaker and Boardmaker Plus! v6 to edit and print out and also download activities directly from 'Boardmaker Share.'

The 'Boardmaker Share' activities and many of the Boardmaker Studio resources have a very American theme to them. When will we see some more UK themed resources available?

Boardmaker studio costs around £250, about the same as buying Boardmaker Plus! as a new product.

What we're now waiting to hear is whether there will be upgrade deals, will Studio be replacing Boardmaker Plus! and will this product make the whole 'Boardmaker Family' easier to get our heads around?

A 30 day trial version will be available from September 7th. We look forward to trying it out!

Is it worth it?

Watch this space.

Issue 3 of the 'ContAACt newsletter' is out now!

Follow the link ContAACt newsletter to find out what's happening with AAC users in Scotland (Spring 2010)

The 'AAC Project Awards' on page 1 may be of interest to people wanting to fund AAC events or active participation by a person who uses AAC.

Barry Smith received part of his funding to give a talk at ISAAC in Barcelona this Summer, using his Lightwriter SL40, from this scheme.

Find out more about Barry's story.

In 'Places We Like' on page 4 , you can find out about the best things to do in Perth from local AAC users, who know best!

We'd love to hear more from people who use AAC about what you have been doing in your local area or any other items you'd like to share in the next ContAACt newsletter, due out in Autumn 2010.

Please send your items to enquiries@acipscotland.org.uk We look forward to hearing your news and sharing it with AAC users across Scotland.

Come along to the AAC SIG study afternoon on Wednesday 26th of May, at Braidburn School in Edinburgh, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Our guest speaker will be Claire Murray, who will be presenting on ‘Emotional Understanding and Language’ in the context of the 'Growing Confidence Project'.

This should be a really interesting afternoon, with the opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feedback on this subject with other professionals.

The session is FREE of charge. Please return the AAC SIG flier to the address given, in order to confirm your booking.

For more information, have a look at Claire's webpage

Hope to see you on the day!

TapToTalk is software created for the Nintendo DS Lite, DSi or DSi XL, and is comparable to a handheld dynamic screen communication aid.

The user simply taps the chosen picture on the DS Lite's lower touch-screen to make it speak the word or sentence represented by the picture and appear on the upper screen. The DS Lite has 3" screens. You need to have fairly good fine motor skills to access the screen and also some of the DS control buttons to navigate. It costs $99.95 for a home yearly subscription. There are different rates for home (1 child) Pro (2 or more children) and Agency (for 5 or more children)This could be off putting to people who like to buy a 'one off' product. However, there is a 30 day returns policy giving people the chance to try it out and see if it works for them.

The software comes with a large bank of pictures, and can be fully customised to contain the user's own pictures, photos and messages. If you want to use symbols, you need to either subscribe online to SymbolStix or import your PCS/Widgit symbols as jpegs. Sets of pictures, or 'albums' are customised on 'TapToTalk Designer' (accessed via the Internet), and then transferred to the DS via an SD card. You cannot programme on the device itself for quickness, but can easily download the latest version if the DS gets lost or broken, whilst the DS itself is affordable to replace.There are many advantages of this software: Tap To Talk is low cost, fully customisable and the fact that it works on the DS range means that the user is likely to feel less self-conscious about using it as it has a 'cool' factor. The DS itself is fairly robust, suited to small hands, and has a decent battery life of 19 hours. It can also be used whilst charging from the mains.

However, its volume is not loud enough for functional communication. The DS Lite requires external speakers such as 'DS Lite Grip Speakers' to make the voice output audible for everyday use. The sound quality when you record your own messages for the device is particularly poor. Also, the 'Tap to Talk Designer' software is not very intuitive for those used to conventional communication aids.Tap To Talk can also be put on the DSi, which has a built-in camera, mic and five brightness settings. It is also slightly larger with 3.25" screens. The latest version - DSi XL - has 4.2" screens, and a larger ‘pen sized’ stylus. Both of these are marginally more expensive but promise 'enhanced sound.' To find out more visit the TapToTalk website.

An Information sheet called Using the 'TapToTalk' app on the mainstream Nintendo DS range is available for download.

Here are a few spooky switch ideas for you!

1. Dress up your switch operated toys in Halloween costumes e.g. witch's hat, black cape etc.
2. Then, make a simple (e.g. decorated cardboard box) 'Haunted House' for them to walk into, with spooky sound effects on a 'BigMack' or 'Step by Step' switch!
3. Put a small switch adapted light inside a pumpkin and have your children turn on the spooky glow!
4. Make 'witches brew' or 'yucky potions' using your PowerLink and blender!
5. Use a PowerLink and fan to operate spooky wind chimes or blow dried leaves! 

Have fun!

Special Interest Group-AAC Scotland

This study day is being held on Monday the 26th of October at St John's Hospital in Livingston. It is relevant for Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), Teachers, Occupational Therapists (OTs), Support for Learning Assistants (SLAs) and all staff who work with people who use AAC. The day costs £20 per person and both coffee and lunch are provided.

As the speakers on the day will be covering topics from both child and adult services , it should attract a wide range of professionals and will be a great opportunity to share ideas and practical approaches to working with clients in the field of AAC!

For more information and to book a place, please download the AAC SIG flier and follow the instructions provided.

We look forward to seeing you there!