Community

The latest version of Chat Software is now available for download through one of our wi-fi enabled devices or via our website. Check out some of the updated features below then head over to watch our video for What’s New.

 WordPower™ update

• Consistency of symbols throughout all WP vocabs addressed (“see,” “watch,” “good,” “bad,” “more,” “EXTRA WORDS”)
• WP108 with Keyboard - Question words available thru the QUESTIONS page or by selecting “w” on main page
• Concepts of Print and Character traits added to 60, 80 and 108 WP vocabularies
• A “Saved Document” link is available from Spelling and/or Shift pages
• Math symbols improved
• “pizzas with” available Updated low-tech boards for 60-Basic files.  The question word “who” added to the boards

 UK Aphasia file added

 Metacom Symbol Library update

 Update to German Vocab Files

• LoGoGoXX 24, LoGoFXX 60 and RehaFoXX

 To download the Chat 2.13 Software Update, make a wireless connection, go to Menu > Help > Check for Updates on your device to initiate an automatic update or go to Downloads, choose your language and download the appropriate Chat Software Update to manually copy to your device. 

Prentke Romich Company Announces New Funding Website

The funding process made easier for Speech-Language Pathologists and families obtaining a device
from PRC and Saltillo 

April 9, 2018, Wooster, Ohio – The Prentke Romich family of companies is pleased to announce the introduction of its new funding website: AACFunding.com.

A joint venture between Prentke Romich Co. (PRC) and sister company Saltillo Corporation, the site was designed to assist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and clinicians to make the entire funding process faster and easier. 

“For many, the process involved in obtaining an augmentative and alternative communication device can be overwhelming,” said PRC CEO Dave Hershberger. “We created the site to help SLPs and others complete paperwork quickly and efficiently – and all online.” 

Now, the website’s Funding Toolkit enables clinicians to:

• Complete and submit a funding request
• Write a speech evaluation
• Take a picture of medical cards and submit
• Digitally sign documents

“Thank you again for another amazing experience! You never disappoint!”

 A Better Path to Funding

Being able to complete the process from start to finish, online, was designed to save busy professionals what they value most: time.  

“We understand that SLPs and clinicians are crunched for time,” said Hershberger. “The site was designed to leverage what can be completed digitally to expedite the process. Even better, the site is mobile-friendly, enabling work to be done on-the-go.”  

The site also includes information for parents and anyone else interested in learning more about the AAC funding process.  

Sections include a “Funding 101” category with information on:

• How to Obtain Funding, a step-by-step guide to the funding process
• Frequently Asked Questions with answers
• Insurance Tips to keep in mind when working with private insurers
• Funding Glossary to understand the terminology involved
• Deferrals & Denials and how to continue the process

A “Resources” section offers information and alternative resources when funding for a device is not able to be obtained.

Decreased Waiting Time to Meet the Needs of Communicators

So far, feedback has been positive. For Pediatric SLP Chelsea Shoop, M.S., CCC-SLP, the site has helped her cut paperwork completion time in half and reduce the wait time for a device. 

“WOW is all I can say! Normally, it would take me anywhere from 5-7 hours (with full dedication to the evaluation) to complete the old evaluation format, but … with the new evaluation template, I was able to complete the evaluation in less than 2-2 ½ hours,” she said. “PRC continues to rise above the rest in not only their amazing products meeting the needs of our patients, but with also consideration of the needs of providers.”

SLPs and others who have been using PRC’s previous Funding Assistant may still complete submissions in progress and are encouraged to download and/or print previous submissions for their archives. All new requests must go through the new site and the Funding Toolkit.

“The site is a huge step for PRC, Saltillo and SLPs,” said Hershberger. “Anything that will help decrease the wait time to receive a device is a win for everyone.”

About PRC

PRC is a global leader in the development of AAC solutions, including augmentative communication devices and other assistive technology products and support services for people with speech disorders. A 100 percent employee-owned company headquartered in Wooster, OH, PRC pioneered the use of technology to bring speech and language capabilities to adults and children with disabilities over 50 years ago. Since then, the company's products have enabled children and adults worldwide to achieve spontaneous, independent, and interactive communication regardless of their disability, literacy level or motor skills.

For more information, go to Prentrom.com or call 800.262.1984, ext. 1268.

About Saltillo

Saltillo Corporation, a sister company of PRC, is dedicated to making personal communication possible to individuals who are unable to use their natural voices, allowing them to participate in – and enjoy – life to the fullest. From its humble beginnings in Millersburg, Ohio over 22 years ago, Saltillo continues to change lives one voice at a time. With the most effective and intuitive AAC solutions and support available anywhere, children, teens and adults the world over are developing language skills for a lifetime of communication.

For more information, visit Saltillo.com or call 877.397.0178. 

In addition to powerful AAC solutions, PRC and Saltillo provide teaching and implementation ideas, therapy materials, curriculum sequences, funding assistance and training to speech-language pathologists, special educators and the families of people who communicate using AAC.

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We would like to extend a huge congratulations to Krista Davidson, M.S., CCC-SLP, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, as the winner of our Chat Fusion 8 giveaway at ATIA Orlando this year!  

When asked how Krista plans to use the device, she replied, "I’m in the process of developing an updated AAC Lab for the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic here at the University of Iowa. The Chat Fusion 8 will be a wonderful addition to this lab! Adding an advanced speech-generating device like this will enhance the student experience giving them hands-on practice with new SGDs and allow us to better serve our community through innovative therapy, evaluations, and parent education."

Congrats again Krista!

The 2.12.0 Chat software has been released with the following New Features:

• • Chat Software features

    • - WordPower update, 80 location reworked (see below), tweaked other files
    • - Added maps of UK and Spanish areas to library

    Corrections

    • - Chat Fusion 8.1 can now be put into Kiosk Mode

    WordPower 80 changes

    • - Category links now appear on the top row, and word prediction keys appear automatically when spelling is initiated, thus allowing for more core words
    • - Programming uses modifiers rather than pages
    • - Category pages modified slightly to align with main page

      

To download the Chat 2.12.0 Software Update,make a wireless connection, go to Menu > Help > Check for Updates on your device to initiate an automatic update or go to Downloads, choose your language and download the appropriate Chat Software Update to manually copy to your device. 

Check out the What's New in 2.11 and 2.12 video to learn more about the new features.