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Posted on June 12, 2013
New Nova Chat software update 1.9.0 has been released and is available for download on our website. This update adds the following features for your Nova Chat device:
- Word Finder (must be turned on in settings & then will show up in your menu)
- "Jump to Page" button action
- Cell Grid (allows you to add the outline of buttons that have not been created)
There is also an update 1.9.2 to the Nova Chat Editor available here. It adds the following features:
- Added categories to vocabulary files and templates
**Please note: Version 1.8.0 was skipped, so you must run the update for 1.7.0 – 1.9.0
Posted on June 4, 2013
Did you know that you can send FREE texts with your Nova Chat device?
Please note, you must have an OPEN device to do this and you MUST be connected to a wireless network.
- Go to the Google Play store and search for google voice.
- Download and Install it on your device.
- Open google voice, and add the account you want to use with it.
- If your account is not yet enabled for google voice, it will direct you to go to www.google.com/voice to do this.
- You have to be able to verify an existing phone number (they will send that number a text message) in order to get a google voice number. This is only available in the US.
- Edit a button within your Nova Chat vocabulary. Give it a label and choose the button action, Open Android Application. Then choose Google Voice. You can then press on this button within the Nova Chat software to access your texts.
Posted on May 16, 2013
Did you know we have a recorded webinars section on our website? You can find all kinds of helpful videos here such as "How to Update Your Nova Chat Device", "Transferring a Vocab File from TouchChat to Nova Chat", "Nova Chat Profiles", "Nova Chat Button Functions" and all 3 of our Nova Chat trainings. Watch whichever video you need whenever you need in the convenience of your own home!
Posted on April 11, 2013
We are proud to officially release the Implementation portion of our website! The Implementation site is broken down into different sections to help you easily find the content that will meet your needs.
The file sharing section is a place for you to upload your files to share with others or download files users have shared on the site.
Another section I would like to introduce you to is Read It Once Again. Here you will find downloadable story-based curriculum and corresponding vocabulary to help develop communication and literacy skills. This month's story is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Check back monthly for a new story!
The News-2-You section is where you will find your downloadable weekly pages for your communication devices to complement the News-2-You curriculum! Along with that, you will find your downloadable monthly instructional thematic units of study in the Unique Learning System section.
Finally, the Chat Corner is where you will find a variety of implementation tips and tools. This is still a work in progress and additional content will be added, so be sure to check back from time to time.
We hope you find this information helpful and useful in implementing your Saltillo devices!
Posted on April 4, 2013
Meet Benton aka Mr. “B”. Benton is an eleven year old boy who has quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Benton’s life changed in Jan 2013 when he received his Nova Chat 7 which Benton named “Rocky”. For 11 years Benton only communicated by hand and face gestures. "I always knew that my son had a voice and never gave up", said Benton's mom. "We met with Mrs. Jill and Ms. Barbara over at Jill Tullman and Associates located in Colorado, and immediately started AAC therapy. Needless to say our lives changed forever. We tried many different devices, but Benton didn’t really take off until he tried the Nova Chat 7. It was a perfect fit". Since Benton really doesn’t have much control over his arms and hands. Benton uses the scanning option on the Nova Chat 7. He has a head switch mounted to his head rest. He listens for his choices through a speaker and then uses his head to activate the Nova Chat 7. "Benton decided we would name the device 'Rocky' because when Benton has 'Rocky' skies are the limit and he is unstoppable. From the day it arrived it Benton has communicated almost everything. It has opened up a whole another world. Benton is totally a different child he now has such a vibrant outlook on life now that he can be able to speak through 'Rocky'. We would like to thank everyone who made this possible!"
Posted on April 2, 2013
New Nova Chat software update 1.7.0 has been released and is available for download on our website. This update adds the following features for your Nova Chat device:
- Option to show icons in the Speech Display Bar
- The camera option has been added to the Button Properties menu, allowing you to take a picture and immediately add it to a button
- The Speech Display Bar window can now be displayed at the bottom or top of the screen
- Gestures have been added
- Option to Show/Hide Icons on the buttons
- Hide/Show Multiple Buttons at Once
- Added Scanning option of Auto Restart On/Off
There is also an update 1.7.0 to the Nova Chat Editor available here. It adds the following features:
- Edit Mode indication is moved to Title Bar so that it doesn’t cover the buttons
- The Speech Display Bar window can now be displayed at the bottom or top of the screen
- Option to Show/Hide Icons on the buttons
- Hide/Show Multiple Buttons at Once
Posted on March 1, 2013
This AAC Poetry & Story Hour is an AMAZING opportunity taking place during the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. It is open to any AAC user who would like to come and say a few words, read a short poem, tell a story, or even tell a limerick. Absolutely every AAC user is welcome and encouraged to participate, or just watch, and the only limitation for who speaks will be based on time available.
A signup sheet has been created on this Google document. Please share this with anyone interested. You can also contact our Saltillo consultant, Gabe Gibbons at glg.cons@prentrom.com and he can sign you up.
Saturday March 23
Miniseminar: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: Henry Hotel Conference Center: 300 Town Center Dr Dearborn, MI 48126
▲ AAC Poetry & Story Hour
Speakers: Wendy Gach-Lazar, M.A., CCC-SLP, Detroit Medical Center; and Chris Klein, M.A., Owner and Founder of Becoming AAC, Grand Rapids.
.1 CEU
Instructional Level: Introductory
AAC users, just like any other students, need an opportunity to express more than just their wants and needs. This is an opportunity for the AAC users from across Michigan to have their voices and stories heard, and to share their enthusiasm for communication with other speech-language pathologists, parents and professionals. Participants will listen and interact with AAC users of all skill levels, learning stories and experiences of AAC users in story and poetry form. Moderated by Chris Klein, each AAC user will be allotted time to share a prepared or impromptu story or poem, as well as answer questions at the end.
Posted on February 28, 2013
Click here for the presentation that was given at the 2013 CSUN Conference, titled, "Hands-On Tools & Strategies for Enhancing Collaborative AAC Support Teams: Resources for Organized Therapeutic Service Delivery"
Posted on January 18, 2013
Meet Jennifer O., she is our spotlight story for January. Jennifer is an excellent AAC user and has been since suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury 12 years ago. She currently lives in an assisted nursing facility however she is very independent when it comes to her communication. Jennifer was extremely excited to receive her new Nova Chat 10 this past year. Her favorite accessory was the PURPLE cover that comes with it since this is her all time favorite color. Jennifer has a wonderful sense of humor and whenever she can she pipes in with her Nova Chat to make a silly comment, or crack a joke!
Jennifer has an immense vocabulary so the 80 button ChatPower vocabulary set is perfect for her. It allows her to spontaneously type words/phrases that are not already programmed in the vocabulary set as well as assist with speeding up her communication with the preset messages. One of Jennifer’s favorite features is the Nova Chats ability to open applications such as Facebook, Calendar, Google Voice, Websites, games and many other fun apps. Jennifer loves to keep in touch with her friends and family via text messages. Before receiving her Nova Chat, Jennifer was texting on a small cell phone which was hard for her to operate with just one hand. The Nova Chat is able to open up Google Voice allowing Jennifer to text with the device keyboard and increasing her independence in communicating with friends and family. Jennifer’s quality of life has greatly improved since receiving her Nova Chat and she is so thankful that this device was made possible.
Posted on January 9, 2013
If you are heading down to ATIA Orlando in a few weeks, you'll defnitely want to stop by booth #812 for a chance to enter our HUGE giveaway. I'm not kidding- we are giving away something that we have never given away before! You won't want to miss it!
When you aren't at booth #812 entering for your chance to win that amazing prize, you'll want to make sure to check out these very helpful and educational sessions:
Thursday, January 31
9:20-10:20am, By the Way, I Use a Communication Device
Session Code: CATT-05
Venue: Caribe Royale All-Suites Convention Center
Room: Bonaire 2
Young adults with cognitive impairments and who use AAC devices maximize self-expression by customizing AAC through integrating mobile technology and apps. Community partners provide opportunities to form new relationships and engagement in diverse activities. AAC users are now exploring their identities and becoming integrated members of caring communities. Jamel collaborated with a Pace University Service-Learning partner to create an iMovie showcasing his talents as a writer and dancer. Jamel states he is now defined by these “non-speaking” activities. Adil is employed part-time at a national department store and serves as a Saltillo Ambassador. He is now a role model for younger AAC users by raising awareness of the possibilities of their lives. Adil is now a young man defined by his hard work, winning personality and Muslim faith. At home, Adil uses an Ipad and “Skypes” to stay in touch with his family in Pakistan.
Primary Speaker : Lorraine Cohen, CCC-SLP, Assistive Technology Specialist, AHRC New York City
Co-Speaker : Karen Deckman, Assistive Technology Specialist, Saltillo Corporation
1:15-2:15pm, AAC Device Implementation in the School Setting with Saltillo
Session Code: AAC-13
Venue: Caribe Royale All-Suites Convention Center
Room: Bonaire 7
AAC Device implementation should be a simple process. Many times, a device is placed with a child in a school setting without proper team training beforehand. This leads to confusion and frustration not only with the child who requires the device to communicate, but also for the team who is supporting him. During this presentation, we will focus on simple ways to implement the AAC device in the school setting.
Co-Speaker : Elisa Robinson, Assistive Technology Consultant, Saltillo Corporation
Friday, February 1
3-5pm, Building Relationships through the Tools of Communication
Session Code: AAC-66
Venue: Caribe Royale All-Suites Convention Center
Room: Poster 9
AAC has become more of a requesting tool, and therefore people that use AAC are having a difficult time seeing the big picture. This has caused expectations for people with a complex communication disability to be low. I believe AAC is so much bigger. I believe AAC gives a person a chance to be educated. It gives a person a chance to build relationships. Those relationships develop into a great community. That community helps and support you. AAC gives you the chance to live life to the fullest!
Primary Speaker : Chris Klein, President, BeCOME AAC
Speaker : Lisa Timm, Saltillo Corporation, Board member BeCOME AAC
Saturday, February 2
8-9am, WordPower for the TouchChat App and New NOVA Chat Devices
Session Code: AAC-49
Venue: Caribe Royale All-Suites Convention Center
Room: Bonaire 8
This session will provide an in-depth overview of the WordPower and ChatPower AAC vocabularies that have been designed for the TouchChat App and the new NOVA Chat devices. New WordPower vocabularies will be reviewed, including those with 24, 30, 42, 48, and 80-locations. Various access strategies including manipulation of touchscreen sensitivity, and scanning will be explained and demonstrated. Unique features for TouchChat and NOVA chat vocabularies such as use of "gestures," sharing/copying information from the WordPower vocabulary to a document, email and Facebook will be demonstrated.
Primary Speaker : Nancy Inman, M.A.T., CCC-SLP, Program Manager for Assistive Technology Department, Kennedy Krieger Institute
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