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Check out the new features available in TouchChat®, LAMP Words for Life®, and Dialogue® AAC when you update your iOS apps to version 2.42. We regularly improve your app experience so you can communicate to the fullest.

New features for all AAC apps

Compatibility with Mac

If you’re a Mac user with an Apple Silicon Processor, you can now download your AAC app to your computer at no extra cost with the 2.42 update. This allows you to have access to many of the app features on your Mac laptop or desktop. Your computer app is going to talk (except for FaceTime calls) and you can copy AAC vocabulary files between your iOS devices. Transfer files in the same manner as you have previously between iPads. Remember to save your vocabulary files with different names as vocab files are not synced across devices.

Having access to your AAC app on your Mac computer may also be helpful if you don’t have access to Chat Editor software, but it’s not intended to be a replacement for it.

How to download: Go to the App Store on your Mac and download the app in the same way you would on an iPad or iPhone. You’ll use the same Apple ID and password on both devices. The interface on your Mac will look the same as what’s on your iOS device.

Note: Head tracking and eye tracking features will not be displayed on your Mac computer as the hardware will not be present.

"Forget Account" button added for Realize Language

We hope you’re benefiting from Realize Language – an online service from PRC-Saltillo that gives parents and professionals powerful ways to monitor, measure, and maximize use of AAC speech devices and apps. With the 2.42 update, your iOS app now has a button action available to “forget account” so you can switch between accounts and best track AAC use for each individual.

New feature for TouchChat & Dialogue

Hiru eye tracking in the settings menu

Previously located in the upgrade store, you’ll now access the Hiru eye tracking system through the settings menu. This feature will only be visible and accessible if the Hiru is connected and powered up to your iOS device. Stay tuned for more information regarding the VersaEye™ with Hiru, a new direct-to-consumer product releasing this spring from PRC-Saltillo.

New feature for TouchChat

Chat Editor now recognizes PCS purchase

If you have chosen to purchase PCS symbols in addition to SymbolStix for your TouchChat app, they will now appear in your Chat Editor so you can create low-tech activities that mirror your device. Want to learn more about using Chat Editor? Visit AAC Learning Journey.

Vocabulary Updates for 2.42

Within WordPower® 60-location and higher vocabulary files on TouchChat, you will now have access to the new movable cursor and Hiru eye tracking buttons. Essence 60 & 84 vocabulary files within Dialogue AAC will also include these new button actions. 

Stay informed

If you missed the previous release updates for 2.41, including details on the movable cursor, pause and resume button, and voice improvements, read the article here. Stay connected with PRC-Saltillo’s industry-leading apps on our new YouTube Channel.

Not an AAC app user yet?

TouchChat and Dialogue are on sale for 50% off May 3-9 in honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month. Visit your app store to purchase during that week only.

Hope to see you in Cancun July 24-27 as the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) presents the 19^th Biennial Conference: Communication Beyond Borders. PRC-Saltillo is proud to be a member of ISAAC as we work toward the vision of AAC being recognized, valued, and used throughout the world.

Stop by our booth and say hello

• Test drive our latest Accent®, NovaChat®, and Via® devices, including the NEW Via® Mini
• Connect with our consultants to ask questions about our products and support services
• Give us a High Five to learn more about our NEW industry-leading device warranties
• Attend a presentation by PRC-Saltillo speaker Daniel Dardiz: “Tips for Getting Started with Bilingual AAC”

Bruce Baker AAC Globalization Initiative

PRC-Saltillo is also pleased to sponsor the Bruce Baker AAC Globalization Initiative to honor Bruce’s legacy and contributions to the field of AAC. Bruce drew upon his knowledge as a linguist to develop Minspeak® in the 1980s, a system of encoding language through multi-meaning icons. He dedicated his career and life to serving individuals who communicate with AAC. 

Advancements in technology, research, and clinical practice have made AAC accessible to millions of people across the globe. There is still work to be done. Through this initiative award, PRC-Saltillo provides funding to a chosen individual or team to develop vocabulary files, translate AAC systems, and create materials in languages in which AAC is under-represented. Upon completion, the vocabulary, instructions, and materials will be integrated into PRC-Saltillo AAC apps and/or devices and make them available in places where the language is spoken.

“It’s an honor to be associated with an award that pays tribute to an individual who has contributed so much to our field,” said Dave Hershberger, CEO of PRC-Saltillo. “I appreciate ISAAC’s leadership in establishing this honor to Mr. Baker. I am also very much looking forward to seeing members of the ISAAC community in person for the first time since ISAAC 2018 in Australia!”

View the recipients of the inaugural award in the video below.

The number and quality of proposals received for the 2022 award speak highly of the passion and expertise of the global AAC community. The review panel organized by ISAAC considered the strength of the proposal team, needs addressed, and clarity of proposed work. The winning team, made up of Haukei Lam, Ruiqi (Stephanie) Fan, and Yahui Lin, has extensive experience implementing high- and low-tech solutions for clients of all ages. Their project involves developing a family of Mandarin vocabularies for use in AAC systems to be completed in 2024.

Since the announcement of the winning team in August, the awardees have been collaborating with the PRC-Saltillo team to determine the tasks required for creating the Mandarin system, which components are currently available, and how the teams work together to create a complete system.

Moving forward, the Bruce Baker AAC Globalization Initiative will be awarded every two years to coincide with ISAAC Conferences. Look for information to come regarding the 2024 award application.

Register for ISAAC Cancun today and be sure to follow #ISAACcancun on Twitter for conference updates.