PRC's ECO-14 versus DynaVox's VMax

[mary key]

I have an individual who has only mild cognitive impairment, digital acess, can read and write, in his 30's with no speech 15 years post TBI. I am highly familiar with PRC's devices and have always been so satisfied with the devices that i have not recommended DynaVox. Would like to know if anyone is familiar with both devices/companies and how they compare.

[Judy Nelson]

What is it that you want to know? Why are you looking now? I, too, used to be primarily PRC in my classrooms. However, we now are mostly DynaVox. Their hardware is more durable, the computer features more robust, and the sound much better. However, the main reasons are the wonderful support and the very in-depth and appropriate content. There is much less work in learning the communication skills and supporting the device due to these factors. Does this individual have any signs of Aphasia? You may want to look especially closely as the DynaVox Aphasia User for that. That was what first caught my eye with DynaVox - not the actual Aphasia pages - but that they collaborate with outside researchers to develop their devices; they don't treat themselves as a one-answer-for-all ivory tower.

PRC remains a wonderful company with good support; but my direct experience and just about all of the (not enough) research in AAC that I have read recently points to the DynaVox communication strategies (in their interact) a being the most relevant. My experience is with children, but we have used their Young Adult content as well.

Judy