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2.2.0 Chat software was released today. To download the Chat 2.2.0 Software Update, go to Support and choose your device.  Under downloads, choose your language and download the appropriate Chat Software Update.  You can also initiate an automatic update on the device by going to Menu > Help > Check for Updates.

New Device Features:

• Acapela Vocal Smileys – Acapela-Group has added the capability of using Voice Sounds and Exclamations to their voices.  See Featured Article on Saltillo Support Site for your specific product.
• Block and Flow Modes have been added to Scanning Patterns
• Scan Optimization option has been added to Block and Flow Scanning modes
• Scan Editor – provides a way to customize the scan pattern for a specific page or all pages
• Stop Scan button action – allows the scanner to stop the scan from a specific button
• Visual Effects for Alternate Access Techniques
  • Outline – can change the width and color
  • Translucent Overlay – can change opacity and color
  • Invert Colors
  • Magnify
  • Each visual effect listed above can be animated

New Chat Editor Features:

• Chat Fusion was added
• A Rotating option for imported images has been added

Wooster, OH, October 13, 2015: PRC, a leading manufacturer of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology solutions for individuals with speech disabilities, announced today that its online client-data analysis tool, Realize Language™, is now available for owners of the NOVA chat range of AAC devices from Saltillo Corporation.

The popular NOVA chat now has the added capability to track an individual’s communication and then upload it wirelessly to the Realize Language website. Once uploaded, the website offers a selection of analysis tools that can help parents, therapists, and educators see how well someone is using their AAC device, and then use that information to make decisions about future intervention strategies.

Using the Realize Language system, it’s possible to generate highly visual “word clouds,” bar charts, word lists, and even calendars showing time and frequency of device use. This innovative online tool turns hard-to-read text-based data log files into colorful visual displays that are easy for everyone to  understand.

With simple, one-click tools, you can:

• Track progress and communication development over time
• Automatically compare different aspects of communication
• Create a detailed dashboard summary of performance
• Share information with everyone on the team
• Quickly create valuable reports that anyone can understand, even those with limited knowledge of AAC

“It’s exciting that we can now welcome the NOVA chat to a growing family of ‘Realize Ready™’ AAC devices and apps,” said Russell Cross, PRC Director of Clinical Applications and one of the developers of the Realize Language system. “A key component in helping anyone to improve their skills in using an AAC system is to be able know what they are currently able to do and where there may be opportunities for change. People using NOVA chat devices can now benefit from the 24/7 logging and analysis offered by the Realize Language online tools.”

According to Saltillo CEO, Dave Hershberger, “Part of our mission has always been to find new ways to help our clients become more competent and confident communicators.  Our introduction of the ‘Realize Ready’ data logging feature to the NOVA chat range of devices is another step towards fulfilling that mission.”

About PRC

PRC is a global leader in the development of AAC solutions, including augmentative communication devices, computer access products, and other assistive technology for people with speech disorders.
A 100% 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 nearly 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.

In addition to powerful AAC devices, PRC provides teaching and implementation ideas, therapy materials, curriculum sequences, funding assistance, and training to speech-language pathologists, special educators, and the families of AAC communicators.

For more information, go to prentrom.com or call (800) 262-1984.

About Saltillo

Saltillo Corporation, an employee-owned company in Millersburg, Ohio and subsidiary of PRC, has developed and manufactured augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, computer access products, and other assistive technology for people with speech disabilities since 1996. Saltillo also operates an assistive technology e-commerce website, Silver Kite, at www.silver-kite.com/

For more information, go to saltillo.com or call (800) 382-8622.

About Realize Language

Realize Language™ is a new online service that gives parents and professionals powerful ways to monitor, measure, and maximize a child’s use of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) speech device. Some AAC devices and apps automatically collect data when a device is used. These include the Accent™, ECO™, Vantage™, Vanguard™, and Springboard™ devices from PRC; the NOVA chat devices with 2.1.0 software and above from Saltillo; the Words For Life™ app from the Center for AAC & Autism; and the TouchChat™ app. Realize Language organizes and analyzes these data logs and presents the results in easy-to-understand graphic formats.

For more information, go to realizelanguage.com or send an email to support@realizelanguage.com