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The Dynavox is a popular Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) device designed for all ages and levels of communication disorders1

The iPad, originally designed as an entertainment device but now used in many workplaces, offers a wide range of applications dealing with audio-visual media, including books, music, periodicals, and web content2

Advantages of the Dynavox : • Durability, personalized software, audio capabilities• Large screen accommodates motor impairments• Covered by insurance companies.

Advantages of iPad:• Wide array of communication applications at reasonable cost• One app, Proloquo2Go, has >7000 symbols, natural sounding voices, etc.• Modern/appealing look, lightweight

Purpose of StudyCreate a cost/benefit analysis of iPad vs. Dynavox as an AAC device

Methods

Conclusions

Cost/Benefit Analysis of Using the iPad versus the Dynavox as an AAC DeviceStefanie Chaffee, Chantel Guistwite, Meredith Pfister, Kristin Horan, Lauren Azeles,

Nicole Dalmas, Erin Petrasovits, Kaitlyn Smith, Megan Klinger, Cara McCusker, Nicole Hillegas(Bloomsburg University NSSLHA Undergraduate Research Group); Pamela A. Smith, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, advisor

References

• Survey created via Survey Monkey to compare the two devices as an AAC device.

• Questions addressed use, capabilities, effectiveness, and cost of devices.• Format of questions included open-ended, multiple choice, and preference

scale• Sent to 1064 SLPs, OTs, AT specialists, special educators identified from

Proloquo2go website3 and from our state association directory4

• Limitations of each device• iPad: summed up in several surveyors responses: "limited

syntactic ability, poor morphologic ability, less ability to modify array, less ability to modify function buttons (back button), smaller lexicon, etc", "small screen requires good vision, eye-hand coordination, and multiple apps can be confusing to some who are intellectually challenged", and "durability, warranty, customer service, training, quality of communications apps, and access.“

• Dynavox: cost, bulk, weight, portability, programming time/difficulty

• Most effective in working with specific client:• 50% did not know or could not choose• 50% split between the iPad and the Dynavox

• Device choice ultimately dependent upon the specific needs and capabilities of each individual client.

• "Each would be appropriate for different patients and populations", "each device has strengths and device selection is made based on the individual", and "it's ultimately what tool is going to best meet the needs of the individual.“

Introduction

Results

Future Directions

Sent to: 1064Replied: 99

Response Rate: 9.3%

• Frequency of use: Both devices used, but 87.9% have used a Dynavox in therapy as compared to only 66.7% using the iPad.

• Results showed a longer history of the Dynavox; iPad is still a relatively new technology.

• Effectiveness and usefulness: both received similar high scores on a 1-6 scale(1 being the lowest and 6 being the highest)

• Scores peaked at a 5 for both devices • Indicates that both the devices are very good at facilitating

communication.• Most common populations: Pervasive Developmental Disorder at 71.9%

and Aphasia at 43.9%• Most popular age group: 5-20 years of age• Main reason for choosing device (refer to graph):

• iPad: 38.30% for cost• Dynavox: 90.10% for capabilities• Not unexpected: Dynavox cost ranges $2000-$7500 just for the

device, while the iPad can be purchased for as little as $500• Not expected- Only 1.70% chose the iPad based on the look

• Financial assistance in purchasing the device• Dynavox: up to 86% could be covered by insurance companies and

up to 50% covered by schools• iPad: insurance companies are not yet willing to cover much of the

iPad (9%) and families are left paying for them on their own• Willingness and comfort of patients in using device: 82% of people

reported feeling more comfortable using the iPad than the Dynavox. May be due to the light weight, modernistic look of the iPad, as well as its other capabilities.

• The two devices share many similarities, including the type and age of clients, and effectiveness and usefulness for facilitating communication.

• The main areas of difference are cost and coverage. • Both devices have value when considering use as an AAC. • While all of these factors are important to consider when

choosing a device, the biggest factor is the needs of each specific client.

• Explore the different types of speech applications for the iPad. • Examine device preferences for specific types of

clients/disorders. • Repeat study in one year secondary to possible changes in:

• Capabilities of both devices• General familiarity with both devices

1. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson. “DynaVox Mayer-Johnson Vmax –A New Era in Augmentative Communication.” Communication Devices –Speech Devices DynaVox. 2010. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. http://dynavoxtech.com/products/vmaxplus/

2. Apple Inc. “iPad – All-new Design. Video Calls. HD Video. And More.” Apple. 2011. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. <http://apple.com/ipad/>

3. Proloquo2Go US Resources <http://www.proloquo2go.com/resources/article/us-resource-centers>

4. Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (year), Membership Directory.

38.30%

26.70%33.30%

1.70%1.40%

8.50%

90.10%

0%

Cos

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Use

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ines

s

Cap

abili

ties

Look

Main Reason for Choosing the Device

iPadDynavox

iPad1 2 3 4 5 6

Overall Effectiveness and Usefulness

iPadDynavox

82%

18%

Willingness/comfort of the Patient

iPadDynavox

9.50%

41.30%

7.90%

23.80%

60.30%

15.90%

87%

50.60%

5.20%

15.60%

39%

2.60%

Assistance in Purchasing the Device

iPadDynavox

Results Cont.