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It’s time to update your NovaChat® devices. Start by connecting to WiFi. Then go to Menu > Help > Check for Updates and follow the prompts. Now let’s look at what’s new in version 2.41 of your Chat Software.

LogMeIn Rescue Support

After updating to version 2.41, your NovaChat device will have the ability to connect remotely with the service department through LogMeIn rescue if needed. This can help our service team offer you better support when troubleshooting concerns with your device.

WordPower® Updates

WordPower 42 Basic
In the Food and Drink pages, you now have the ability to describe what the food or drink tastes like. When you press “it,” you can then say, “it tastes” or “it is,” and then choose from the describers available.

WordPower 108 & WordPower 108 with Keyboard
Core words have been added on more category pages. A button to go to the Actions page has also been added to category pages. This allow you to expand on utterances and efficiently make sentences from those pages.

Don’t forget to check out the resources that PRC-Saltillo has to offer to support you and your NovaChat users.

• PRC-Saltillo Calendar
• PRC-Saltillo Literacy Planner
• AAC Learning Journey

This week, PRC-Saltillo released version 2.41 updates to our three AAC iOS Apps: TouchChat®, LAMP Words for Life®, and Dialogue® AAC. Included in the 2.41 release are new app features, bug fixes, and vocabulary updates. Here’s what you need to know.

New features for all AAC apps

Moveable Cursor

The biggest feature released in 2.41 is the ability to edit within the speech display bar (SDB). Available in all three apps, you’ll now be able to move the cursor anywhere in the box allowing you to make changes when a mishit occurs rather than deleting everything in the display and starting over.

How does it work? This feature works by either placing a cursor with your finger or using buttons in the vocabulary to move the cursor at the character, word, or sentence level. During the initial release, vocabularies will need to be programmed using the new button actions. We plan to include these buttons in some of our original vocabularies in future software updates.

Open a Specific Website

You can now program a button to link to a specific website like your AAC learner’s favorite website, a planned educational activity, and more! When programming, there’s an option to restrict access which doesn't allow user to open other links on the page. This is a great feature to help keep your AAC learner focused during a learning session.

Open App List Button

The new open apps list button will give users the ability to open apps from the following list:

• Choiceworks Calendar
• Talking Calculator Pro
• Google Slides
• MS Word

Note: Choiceworks apps are not included in LAMP Words for Life.

New feature for TouchChat & Dialogue

Pause & Resume Button

For eye/head tracking users, you will now have a button available to pause the eye/head tracking feature when you are taking a break. Use the same button to resume eye/head tracking when you are ready to continue your conversation.

Voice updates

Your AAC app includes an array of powerful voice options from Almagu, an international developer of text-to-speech technology. The Almagu speech engine has recently made improvements to voice quality and pronunciation for Spanish and English voices. Check them out and let us know what you think.

Learn more about voice options including a new voice donor for kids.

• The VoiceKeeper
• The VoiceKeeper for Kids
• Inclusive Voices by Almagu

WordPower Updates for 2.41

Make note of these vocabulary updates within TouchChat.

WordPower108 files

• Core vocabulary added to category pages
• Added actions to category pages

WordPower42 Basic

• Changes to food and drink pages: now you can say “it tastes” and food descriptions come up or, say “it is,” and describe comes up with food/drink descriptors
• Indian food category added
• Desert animals added

Links

Stay informed on PRC-Saltillo’s industry-leading apps on our new YouTube Channel and through the links below.

• TouchChat app
• LAMP Words for Life app
• Dialogue AAC app

ATIA 2023 is just around the corner! We hope to see you in Orlando January 31 to February 4! PRC-Saltillo is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of this annual conference that brings the latest assistive technology and strategies to a network of people who care about individuals with special needs.

Stop by our booth (#413) and say hello!

• Test drive our latest Accent®, NovaChat®, and Via® devices, including the NEW Via® Mini you’ve been asking for
• See the latest in the Versa™ line of consumer products that’s sure to be a game changer and share your feedback
• Meet our PRC-Saltillo ambassadors and talk to them about their own AAC Journey
• Connect with our consultants to ask questions about our products and support services
• Take an Adventure in AAC Land where you’ll experience fun, creative ways to implement AAC
• Give us a High Five to learn more about our NEW industry-leading warranty and get a special gift while supplies last
• Enter for a chance to win registration to an AAC conference of your choice; details at the booth

Don’t miss all the great AAC learning opportunities from PRC-Saltillo

Our amazing colleagues and friends fill the speaker lineup at this year’s event with presentations to help you and your communication partners excel in AAC.

Thursday, February 2 (located in Bonaire 1 unless noted)

8:30 - 9:30am
Case Studies: Implications of AAC Decision Making in Early Education Transitions
Emily Yosuico & Laura Clark

9:45 - 10:45am
All Write All Ready: Independent Writing Activities for Emergent AAC Learners
Beth Waite-Lafever

1:00 - 2:00pm
Chart Your Course with AAC Learning Journey
Cortney Maholtz and Beth Waite-Lafever

2:15 - 3:15pm
Track, Touch, Scan: iOS Accessibility for AAC Apps
Shawn Malcomson

4:30 - 5:30pm
Hints and hacks for maximizing use of Realize Language data logging
Russell Cross

Friday, February 3 (located in Bonaire 1 unless noted)

8:30 - 9:30am
Soar with Unity® Superpowers: Exciting features lead to new adventures!
Beth Waite-Lafever

9:45 - 10:45am
Ignite Potential: Using WordPower® to Its Fullest
Cortney Maholtz

1:00 - 2:00pm
Meeting the Needs of Bilingual Individuals who Use AAC
Daniel Dardiz & Deborah Witkowski

2:00 - 2:20pm (located in the Exhibit Hall)
New from PRC-Saltillo
Kirk Behnke and Heather Prenovost

2:15 - 3:15pm
Using the LAMP® Approach School-wide: Measuring Communication Partner Skill
Jeremy Legaspi, Staci Dover, Courtney Rogers

2:15 - 3:15pm (located in Boca 2)
Public Speaking & Leadership with Toastmasters International and AAC
Cortney Maholtz and Kevin Williams

4:30 - 5:30pm
Bilingual English/Spanish AAC Vocabulary Solutions from PRC-Saltillo
Daniel Dardiz, Sarah Waldman, Maria Rivera

Check them out in the online session directory and be sure to mark them in your ATIA 2023 app!

26th Annual Edwin and Esther Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture

We’re also pleased to sponsor the 26th Annual Edwin and Esther Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture to honor the life and work of the late Edwin (PRC-Saltillo co-founder) and Esther Prentke. Ashley Mohesky, the 2023 Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecturer, will share her perspective in her lecture, The Intersect of Success and AAC. The lecture takes place during the in-person conference on Friday, February 3, 2023 and will be live streamed for free as part of the ATIA 2023 Virtual Event. Learn more about this special session.

We're excited to bring you the totally NEW Via® Mini and the next generations of the Accent® 800 & 1000! These three dynamic speech-generating devices are designed to help you and your AAC partners engage freely in communication. Here’s a preview of the latest AAC tools from PRC-Saltillo with the features you’ve been waiting for!

The Via Family Has Grown…Introducing the Via Mini

Built on the familiar processing power of iOS, the Via Mini is durable, portable, and comes with your choice of research-based apps (LAMP Words for Life®, TouchChat®, or Dialogue® AAC) to make communication convenient for a variety of individuals in need of AAC. The splash- and dust-resistant design exceeds industry requirements for protection against solids and liquids so you can include your Via Mini in your daily activities without worry. Personalize your device with a durable, shock-absorbing EVA foam active wrap that comes in five colors. Learn more about the functions and features of the Via Mini in our eStore.

Accent…Next Generation Models Packed with New Features

Accent 800

Designed for increased durability and more dynamic performance, the Accent 800 now boasts 64% thicker customized Gorilla Glass®, more memory, and a larger battery – making it the strongest, most powerful, and longest-lasting 800 generation yet. A stronger, more durable handle provides a thicker grip with a soft rubber coating for comfortable carrying. Contrast printed port labels make it easier for you to see ports and eliminate confusion. A larger, longer-lasting battery, faster CPU, and increased memory will keep your conversations going. Explore the user-friendly features of the Accent 800.

Accent 1000

With added toughness and multiple access options, the Accent 1000 is reliable and responsive whether at home or on the go. Faster CPU and increased memory allow for more powerful and responsive hardware for features like symbol search and vocabulary loading time. The Accent 1000 is available with the Look® Eye Tracking System for state-of-the-art access in a compact package. The device also accommodates wired and wireless switches, keyguards and touchguides, and NuPoint® Head Tracking for a variety of access options. Learn more about the power and accessibility of the Accent 1000.

“These devices were built with the newest technology paired with tried-and-true vocabularies,” said Sarah Wilds, Chief Operating Officer at PRC-Saltillo. “More importantly, they were built with you in mind because everyone deserves a voice. Join us in celebrating this triple-device release featuring multiple access options to make communication possible for even more individuals and families.”

Our latest AAC devices are stronger and easier to use than ever. All three are available as dedicated, fundable devices. And they’re covered by our new High Five Warranty. You’ll experience only the best device quality and support from day one through extended use.

Choosing the right device for you is a big decision. Connect with a PRC-Saltillo consultant in your area today to learn more about AAC devices to supplement or compensate for your unique communication challenges.