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In this latest version of the Saltillo Chat Software release, be on the lookout for the following updates and features:

• Acceptance/release time button settings now impact the Speech Display Bar (SDB)
• For example, if a button acceptance time of .5 seconds is set, it will automatically add the same acceptance time to the SDB. This means you will need to press the SDB for.5 seconds to activate and say the whole sentence.

• For individuals using ChatPoint™ with a ChatFusion™ device, support has been added to enable use of Bluetooth switch in combination with head tracking.
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• "Exit" button for exiting the Chat Software application has been added to the Menu listing. The push and hold of the "Back" button will no longer work. Here are instructions for using this feature:

Open System Devices: Opening and Closing the Application

From the home screen or Apps folder, tap the NovaChat shortcut. When the application is open, choosing Home will minimize the application and display the operating system’s home screen.

To close the NovaChat application, choose Menu. The menu options are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Tap Exit.

Using the power button to turn off the device will also close the application and all open apps. Turning the device on from a full power-down will restart the application automatically.

Note: For the best application performance, close any apps that are running in the background.

Dedicated Devices: Restarting the Application

Dedicated devices or devices with Kiosk Mode turned on: Dedicated (locked) devices may nothave access to the operating system’s home screen.

NovaChat 12 devices: A Restart option will be displayed instead of Exit in the Menu options. To restart the NovaChat application, choose Menu. The menu options are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Tap Restart.

 With all other NovaChat devices with Android 5+, it is not necessary to restart the application.

Using the power button to turn off the device will also close the application and all open apps.Turning the device on from a full power-down will restart the application automatically.

Note: For the best application performance, close any apps that are running in the background.

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The new Via Pro from PRC-Saltillo combines the most powerful iOS technology with the freedom to choose the features that suit you best.

New from PRC-Saltillo is Via Pro, the iOS-based device that offers a choice of apps and a whole lot more.

Your Via Pro, Your Way

Via Pro comes preloaded with your choice of LAMP Words for Life® or TouchChat with WordPower, two of the most popular research-based AAC apps. LAMP Words for Life is PRC’s renowned, motor-planning focused language system for communicators with autism and developmental disabilities.

Widely acclaimed TouchChat by Saltillo contains the only WordPower options available as an app, and is fully customizable for a variety of communication needs.

Even better: Either choice comes with Spanish options already integrated for seamless bilingual communication.

Robust access options are important for PRC-Saltillo customers, and the Via Pro doesn’t disappoint. Both apps are fully equipped for wireless and wired switches, have standard and custom keyguards/ touchguides available, and head tracking is offered within the TouchChat app.

Everything You Need, in One Device

Via Pro is built on the processing power of iOS, so it’s easy-to-use and intuitive, right out of the box.

Via Pro also comes with a variety of enhancements, including a choice of a traditional, slim classic wrap or a more durable active wrap made of thick, protective EVA foam that provides extra shock absorption for drops and falls. In addition, the Via Pro's splash-resistant design meets, and exceeds, federal requirements for protection against solids and liquids.

Also with Via Pro, you'll get a sturdy handle for easy and durable carrying, a multi-position stand that stays in place and a single charger to make charging easier with fewer wires.

Via Pro comes with PRC-Saltillo’s 2-year warranty and is fully backed by our field teams who are experts in the hardware, software and vocabulary systems.

Configure Your Device

Visit the PRC-Saltillo store and configure your device, your way!

Want to rock your virtual therapy and evaluations? If so, don't miss our upcoming TeleTips Guest Webinar Series with five presentations fine-tuned to provide real-world tips and tools from your industry peers. Join us to amp up your virtual experience!

Evaluate via TeleAAC

Tuesday, August 4

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET

Guest Presenter: Kristy Davies, CCC-SLP.D

Virtual evaluations? Don’t let a pandemic hold you back from supporting individuals who benefit from AAC! In this session you'll learn about differences found in teleAAC and in-person AAC evaluations. the equipment needed,  caregiver coaching to complete an AAC evaluation virtually, and more.

Exploring AAC Service Delivery through Telepractice

Wednesday, August 5th

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET

Guest Presenters: Catherine Kanter, M.S., CCC-SLP; Sarah Marshall, M.A., CCC-SLP; Abygail Marx, M.S., CCC-SLP

COVID19 has presented clinicians with many unexpected challenges and barriers to service delivery. However, it has also brought a wealth of unforeseen benefits as clinicians and families dive into telepractice. This session will highlight barriers to telepractice while proposing potential solutions to continue the assessment, treatment and parent coaching processes crucial to AAC success.

Getting Social during a Pandemic?

Thursday, August 6th

7:00 - 8:30 p.m. ET

Guest Presenters: Brandi Wentland, M.A., CCC-SLP & Krista Howard, AT Technician 

How do we stay home and stay social during a pandemic? Learn how we navigated teletherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic to reduce feelings of isolation for AAC users through Virtual AAC Social Groups and more.

A Deep Dive from My Side of the Screen

Friday, August 7th

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET

Guest Presenter: Sarah Gregory, M.S., CCC-SLP

The May webinar, TeleTips From My Side of The Screen, scratched the surface of tools and strategies to use in AAC teletherapy. Now, as we prepare to begin another academic year that may at times be virtual, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on what we learned from teletherapy, what worked, and what we can still improve upon.

AAC Teletherapy through the Looking Glass

Tuesday, August 12th

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. ET

Guest Presenter: Heidi Rabe, M.A., CCC-SLP/L

During this presentation, Heidi will share her process in getting started with teletherapy, the equipment she uses, and the ideal vs. reality of doing teletherapy during a global pandemic and beyond. You will learn about different models of teletherapy, services like AAC device trials and coaching, how to determine an appropriate teleAAC model for a variety of clients and more.  

For full session descriptions, presenter bios and registration information, click here.

Jokes and learning and fun – it’s time for camp!

 While outdoor gatherings and camping right now are on hold, that doesn’t mean kids can’t go virtual and still have a good time. 

Starting June 22, the AAC Language Lab kicked off six weeks of fun, all online, and all guaranteed to have something for everyone. 

Each week the lab will have a different theme with lots of fun activities for reading, writing, STEM and other games. There will also be a new video each week showing how each activity works. Last week's theme: “What’s Bugging You?” 

Other upcoming themes include:

• Red, White and BOOM!
• One Light (Sensory)
• Fish Out of Water (highlighting the PRC Literacy Planner)
• Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave (highlighting the Saltillo Calendar)
• Foolishness (because we could all use a good joke right about now!)

New units are posted in the Resource Section under the Therapy Materials Tab. Even better? All materials are FREE! 

So what are you waiting for? Ready…set…CAMP!