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. 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 Tango!?
InterAACt on the Tango allows individuals with speech and language disabilities to successfully communicate, develop higher level language skills and express themselves in everyday activities. The language found on the Tango provides highly interactive and social messages needed to participate in familiar communication settings such as:
What are the key factors that drive InterAACt on the Tango!?
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. In addition, while many individuals may talk about some of the same things, they may say them differently depending on their age group. This is why the Tango offers a wide range of content, symbols and voice options for children, teens and young adults. Each Tango includes a Character Card preloaded with content, symbols and voice appropriate to the chosen character.
Characters for children:
| Zack |
Zoe |
Keith |
Keisha |
Alex |
Alexis |
| Danny |
Danielle |
Tim |
Tanya |
Javier |
Juanita |
Characters for teens and 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 event like a birthday party or 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. The Tango provides the right vocabulary to support interaction in many everyday environments.
3. Communication Ability
The Tango was designed specifically for individuals who are Emergent and Context-Dependent communicators. While all language elements are included on the Tango, specific items will be most beneficial depending on the level of communication ability.
For Emergent and Context-Dependent communicators, the Tango provides:
- Phrase-First language that helps ensure that messages are exchanged quickly and naturally.
- Quick access to activity specific vocabulary with minimal navigation.
- Access to word lists for learning symbol meaning and use.
- Simple six-button structure, providing faster communication with fewer distractions.
- Topic messages relevant to common routines and environments.
- Engaging symbols that communicate both words AND personality.
- Access to core word vocabularies and word lists for learning to create novel messages.
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 Tango includes Topic Pages and PopTalk that encourage successful day-to-day interaction by making use of preprogrammed words, re-usable phrases, and sentences that support fast and efficient communication.
2. InterAACt is precise.
Precision elements facilitate the development and use of higher level language ability. The Tango provides single word vocabulary in the form of word lists organized into categories. These words can be combined to expand communication messages and support language growth.
3. InterAACt is organized.
All communication pages found within InterAACt 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.
4. InterAACt can be customized.
InterAACt on the Tango offers ease of use through flexible and intuitive customization tools such as symbol libraries, new page creation templates and digital image importing.
5. InterAACt provides connections to the world.
The Tango can be used to perform keyboard and mouse functions on a computer.
All of the five common elements found within InterAACt work together to create a robust and complete communication system on the Tango. This multi-dimensional approach to communication on all DynaVox products ensures that individuals have the right words for any situation.
If the Tango does not seem appropriate for your client or loved one, 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, M3, DynaWrite 2.0, or Vmax+.