Alt-Chat+

Liberator's Alt-Chat+ can loosely be described as a larger version of their handheld ChatPC communication aids, ie for users of their various vocabulary sets who prefer a larger screen or switch access. It's suitable for communicators at all learning levels who use symbols or words.

Software and vocabularies

The included ChatPC Software runs a number of vocabularies: Sampler, PalmChat, VocabPC, 16 Basic and 16 Primary, QuickChat, MultiChat 15, MyCore and Essence Adult Alt.

The Alt-Chat+ screen has room for 20% more buttons than the ChatPC, and a QWERTY keyboard has been added to improve spelling and word prediction capabilities.

4,000 SymbolStix symbols are included on the Alt-Chat+, but you will probably do most of the vocabulary grid creation on the included DesktopChat software, which runs on a PC and contains about 10,000 SymbolStix symbols (for an extra charge you can opt for PCS symbols). You can upload your grids to the Alt-Chat+ via a cable, and you can also use photographs and other images as symbols.

Speech

You can record up to 90 minutes of your own recorded speech into the aid via the built-in microphone, and the artificial speech is provided by the Neo-Speech voice. DECtalk, Loquendo or Acapela voices are other voice options which can be specified at the time of purchase.

Access

Access is through touching the 18cm colour touchscreen, by switch, or by mouse/USB joystick. There are a large range of switch options for one or two switches (detailed on the ChatPC Software page) including auditory scanning. The size of the buttons on the screen can be made varied.

Features

Physically, it's identical to a SpringBoard Lite, but the similarity is only skin deep. Optional extras include a 32-location keyguard or custom keyguards, a waterproof cover, a shoulder strap and a wheelchair mounting plate. There's no bluetooth, mobile phone/texting or environmental control.

All the Plus models in the Liberator range include abbreviation expansion, a feature that allows you to recall a word, phrase or sentence using a short sequence of letters. The Plus models also provide the capability to load and save text fies.

You can run other PocketPC applications on the Plus range of devices.

Links

Liberator's webpage for the Alt-Chat+:

http://www.liberator.co.uk/products/communication-aids/alt-chat/alt-chat-plus.html