DynaVox
Dynavox Mayer-Johnson (NASDAQ: DVOX) is a Pittsburgh-based developer of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. They have become the leading provider of communicative devices and symbol-adapted special education software used to assist individuals in overcoming their speech, language and learning challenges. Their overarching mission is to enable their customers to reach their educational potential and quality of life by maximizing each person’s ability to communicate.
History
The company began in 1983 when an undergraduate engineering student at Carnegie-Mellon University, Gary Killiany, invented the "EyeTyper" that made it possible for people with cerebral palsy to communicate effectively. Killiany formed Sentient Systems Technology, Inc. along with his professor Mark Friedman and business partner Tilden Bennett. The technology first sold to the US Navy and all revenue went back into further development of their application. In 1991 the first "Dynavox" branded products were released and were the first AAC equipment to feature touchscreen technology. The company changed its name to DynaVox Systems Inc. in 1998 after merging with Sunrise Medical. In 2004 Dynavox ended its relationship with Sunrise Medical after acquiring Mayer-Johnson and Enkidu Research Inc. In 2009 DynaVox Mayer-Johnson continued growing and acquired "BlinkTwice", the maker of the Tango AAC device.
Recent financial success
Since 2007 the company’s sales and profits have steadily risen. For the year ending June 29, 2007 the company had net sales of $66.2 million, which rose to $81.4 million in 2008 and to $91.2 million in 2009. Also in 2009 they recorded profit of $8.8 million, up from $7.3 million in 2008 and $4.9 million in 2007. With the recent success the privately held company announced on January 5, 2010 that they were entering the IPO queue, filling to raise $125 million in common stock as part of their planned initial public offering. Currently their major private shareholders include Vestar Capital Partners and Park Equity Partners.
Product scope
Dynavox devices assist individuals who are unable to communicate reliably with their own voices due to cognitive, language and physical impairments. According to the 2005 US disability census, cognitive illnesses alone affect over 16 million people over the age of 15, while 35 million American’s were described as having a severe disability. Dynavox’s most popular products cater to those who cannot use speech to communicate.That is 2,000,000 people that could benefit from Dynavox’s software and technology. When designing AAC devices, it is useful to break down the impairments into their sub-categories:
There are many causes for all of these impairments, some of the most common ones are: Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injury, ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Autism, Dementia, spinal cord injury, and Multiple Sclerosis. When designing their devices it is important for Dynavox to facilitate functionality for people with multiple problems.
Technology
The devices produced by Dynavox are computers that closely resemble the new touch screen tablet computers. These devices are similar to computers in their structure and learning curve. They can be used to help people with disabilities learn, play, and communicate with the world. Dynavox uses a Microsoft Windows based configuration as a platform to run their own software whose most recent release is called Series5 Speaking Software.
InterAACT
The Series5 Speaking Software houses InterAACT, a communication content framework that is the heart and soul of their devices. It is a tool that can be accessed depending on severity of the person’s disability using touch screen, voice, and eye tracking technology. Based on the concept that language and literacy should be supported by a solid framework, structure, vocabulary and appropriate symbol set. InterAACT is specific to three factors: communicator’s age, communication ability, and the context of the interaction. Based on these three factors, InterAACT will change the design of the devices’ sounds, icons, and choice selections.
Devices
Many people with disabilities have different levels of motor skills and usefulness of different parts of their bodies. Dynavox is such a flexible technology; the devices produced are adaptable to every person and their physical and cognitive needs. For example, someone with limited motor skills in their arms and hands, can attach “buttons” to the device to scan through and select items to communicate instead of using the touch screen. They can use one button to scan through the options on the screen, when they arrive on the option they would like to choose, they push the other button to select. In the event that the user is unable to read or see the screen, the Dynavox can be set to read the options and selections aloud as they scan through using advance voice technology as part of InterAACT.
V & VMax
V and Vmax are the most successful devices produced by Dynavox today; they are customizable communication devices that provide options for multiple platforms and situations, including face-to-face conversations, cell phone, text messaging and e-mail. The larger Vmax is typically selected for those using wheelchairs (the device can be mounted) or for individuals with visual impairments. Both devices can be accessed in a variety ways to compensate for limited physical abilities. They are able to suit almost all needs to help individuals communicate. It is very adaptable to all age groups, abilities, and contexts in which an individual needs to communicate. Individuals can customize page sets and "buttons" contained on the page to include symbols, words, pictures, or a combination of these things. In addition, it has a very easy learning curve so all individuals, their families, and caregivers are able to use and communicate with users. The user can also select the device color to further individualize it for the user.
EyeMax
One of the newest devices is called EyeMax, it is an accessory which allows someone with no hand movement to be able to use their eyes to control the device and communicate. For example, the former "king of fitness", Augie Nieto, who was diagnosed with ALS, has slowly lost movement in most of his body and as a result, the ability to speak. Nieto has been able to continue communicating with his family, friends, and the world through using the EyeMax technology. The program tracks the person’s eye movements on the screen as if they were touching it and can make their selection by blinking once or twice. As Nieto explains, “I can type up to 20 words per minute with the Dynavox” using only his eyes.
Xpress
A handheld device that is very powerful, but provides the user with the ability to take it anywhere. It is easy to use and small enough to fit in most bags or purses. This device allows the user to communicate no matter where they are at any time: school, work, family gatherings, and other social settings. This device is perfect for people that have full functionality outside of communication. As technology develops, competition in the field is becoming tougher, software designers can now make similar applications for devices like the Iphone.
Tango
Tango is also a handheld device, but is directed toward children with its easy to use structure and interface. Even though they are communicating through a device, children want their interactions to be as natural as possible They want to be able to express their personality and play with kids on the playground just like everyone else, and this is what Tango can provide for young children. It allows them to communicate, play, express their personality, and share experiences with others.
M3
M3 is used for all ages and abilities. Although M3 is similar to V and Vmax, it is the large amount of access choices (vocabulary, scenes, and page settings) that set M3 apart from other devices.
DynaWrite
DynaWrite is the only device with a normal keyboard style which can be very useful for adult users that may be accustomed to a normal computer. “Superior word prediction features, multiple voices, and optional scanning methods combine to make the DynaWrite suitable for individuals with a wide range of motor skills,” according Dynavox Company website. The DynaWrite can connect to your phone and even manage common household devices. Many users find it one of the most functional devices.
References
Retrieved from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DynaVox
