What is InterAACt?
InterAACt is the language framework used on all DynaVox devices that allows individuals
with speech and language disabilities to successfully communicate, develop high
level language skills and express themselves. InterAACt provides the messages needed
to say what you want, how you want and when you want! InterAACt uses familiar communication
environments that are natural and easy to use. Many language systems provide the tools for basic
communication, but InterAACt provides everything you need for complete communication
and self-expression.
How does InterAACt work on the M³?
The InterAACt framework strives to provide the appropriate vocabulary and page organization
needed for individuals who are just starting out with learning symbols and how to
use them functionally for communication.
This is achieved by providing:
Concrete representations of people, places and things.
Bathroom Topic Page
Bathroom Topic Messages
Simple communication pages with fewer message buttons on each page.
6 Button Layout
12 Button Layout
Digital photograph importing to make the M3 even more concrete and relevant for
the user by using familiar pictures.
Playground Topic Page
Vocabulary to support social skills development (e.g., initiate a conversation,
tell a story, share a photograph, tell a joke, etc.)
My Phrases
What are the key factors that drive InterAACt on the M3?
1. Age Relevance
Language samples taken from children, teens and adults show that there are major
differences in the needs, interests, environments and communication roles of the
different age groups. As we age the purpose for which we use communication changes
and thus should be reflected in our vocabulary.
The M3 offers communication pages for:
- Children
- Teenagers
- Young Adults
2. Communication Environment
Communication environments are the everyday situations where interaction with others
can occur. An environment could be a place, like the library. An environment could
be an event, like a birthday party. An environment could even be a standing obligation
like the workplace. The environments in which we participate will have an impact
on the type of communication messages that we use in those settings. InterAACt on
the M3 provides the right vocabulary to support interaction in many everyday environments.
3. Communication Ability
The M3 was designed specifically for emergent communicators. The primary purpose
of this device is to introduce emergent communicators to functional communication
and symbol use.
An individual is an emergent communicator if they:
- Are not literate and are currently not working on literacy skills.
- Benefits from the support of communication partners.
- Are beginning to use simple and concrete symbols.
- Communicate best in familiar or motivating activities.
Ultimate Communication Everyday
The power of InterAACt lies in the common elements that support continuity and progression
across age and independence levels. InterAACt supports communication and language
by maintaining these common elements in all page sets across the framework spectrum.
1. InterAACt is efficient.
InterAACt on the M3 includes Topic Pages and Quickfires that encourage successful
day-to-day interaction by making use of preprogrammed words, re-usable phrases,
and sentences that support fast and efficient communication.
Doctor's Office Topic Page
Doctor's Office Topic Messages
2. InterAACt is precise.
Precision elements facilitate the development and use of higher level language ability. The M3 provides single word vocabulary in the form of
categorical dictionary pages. These words can be combined to expand communication messages and support language growth.
My Words - 12 buttons
My Words - Transportation
3. InterAACt is organized.
All communication pages found on the M³ offer a consistent button layout strategy which promotes motor learning. Due to the fact that
InterAACt is the exclusive language framework found on all DynaVox devices, the common progression across all age and communication ability levels will
support the individual's effortless transition to their next DynaVox device, if needed.
Main - 6 Button
Main - 12 Button
4. InterAACt can be customized.
InterAACt on the M3 offers ease of use through flexible and intuitive customization tools such as symbol libraries, new page creation templates and digital image importing.
Add a Template
5. InterAACt provides connections to the world.
InterAACt offers environmental control pages to allow individuals to use the infrared capabilities of the M3 to operate many household electronic appliances.
6 button TV controls
12 button TV controls
All of the five common elements found within InterAACt work together to create a robust and complete communication system on the M3. This multi-dimensional
approach to communication on all DynaVox products ensures that individuals have the right words for the right situation and the right tools to develop language and literacy skills.
If your client's or loved one's skills and needs differ from those listed above, DynaVox offers several other devices that might be a better match for their
language and literacy levels. Please see information about the DynaVox
Maestro, Xpress, DynaWrite
2.0 or Vmax+.