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What's new at PRC
Good Housekeeping, February 2008 Issue's Good Reads: "Is she making any effort to speak?" was the question from the pediatrician. Click here to read the story of a father's journey with his wordless daughter. Read the full article (200KB .PDF).
Learn more about Schuyler in PRC newsletter - http://www.prentrom.com/newsletter/february2008/profile
Order the book, Schuyler's Monster - http://www.schuylersmonster.com/Book.html
When his daughter, Schuyler, was 18 months old, a simple question from a pediatrician (“Is she making any effort to speak?”) transformed Robert Rummel-Hudson from befuddled new dad into the last thing any father or mother ever expects or desires to become: a special-needs parent. Eventually Schuyler was diagnosed, at age 3, with polymicrogyria—a rare brain malformation that can result in symptoms ranging from problems swallowing to grand mal seizures and varying levels of retardation. In Schuyler’s case, it has affected her ability to articulate words. For several years, Rummel-Hudson has blogged about his journey with his daughter, who now attends school and communicates with the help of a computerized box she carries with her. “When the doctor gave us the diagnosis, it was as if the bushes parted and out stepped a monster,” he recalls. “The dreadful thing in Schuyler’s head had a name.” While fighting his own depression and the nagging sense that he was not the right person for the job, he became an advocate to help his child cope with her disability. Here are posts from Rummel-Hudson’s ongoing blog (www.schuylersmonsterblog.com).
Introducing SpringBoard Lite!
Smaller. Lighter. Portable.
And ready to communicate!
PRC is proud to introduce the new SpringBoard Lite, a smaller, lighter, and simplified version of our popular SpringBoard speech output device.
Designed for children and other entry-level AAC communicators, SpringBoard Lite measures just 7.3" square... weighs just 2.5 lbs.... is available in five bold colors... and features a built-in handle for maximum portability.
Its simplified operating system makes the dedicated SpringBoard Lite easy-to-use right out of the box. And, with 4-, 8-, 15-, and 32-location display options, its communication capacity can grow along with the user's capabilities.
Hardware changes
- Built-in handle for portability
- Improved graphics quality
- Lighter in weight: 2.8lbs
- New widescreen display
- Screw-on battery door - easier to remove/replace
Software changes
- Assignable "home" location
- Simplified Toolbox
- Step-by-step programming
- Unity changes
- Visual Scenes
Options
- Bluetooth for computer access with BTA and BT switch input: BTSBM
- Colors: Midnight Black; Seafoam Green; Vineyard Grape; Sunset Orange; Cotton White
- IntelliTools Classroom Suite: ICS
- PCS Symbols: PCS
Accessories
- Battery Door with Mounting Plate: SB-WCMP
- BlueTooth Adapter: BTA
- Carry case: CC-SBL
- Cover: COV-SBL
- Keyguard Set 8/15/32
- Shoulder strap: SS-SK
- Wire stand: SWS-SBL
Click here to download a Comparison of SpringBoard and SpringBoard Lite.
Break the Silence Online Magazine
Please check out our new online magazine specifically for AAC device users to post their original writings. http://www.breakthesilencespeaknow.com/
This publication is designed for young adults and kids who use communication devices to assist them with speaking. The site editors believe that everyone’s thoughts deserve to be heard, even when the rest of the world is too busy to listen while they type.
There will be a new story topic posted every few weeks with sample writing from the Editors of Break the Silence. Readers are encouraged to submit their own stories for any topic that interests them. There is also a Poetry page for those with the gift of stanza and verse.
Do you have other writing to share? Submit your work for the Write On! page. They’ll take anything from an article you wrote for your school newspaper, your thoughts on today’s current events to reflections on your life-changing experiences.
The About Us page is the place to pass along all your useful tidbits; websites, cool upcoming events, you name it!
All “topic related” stories and poetry should be sent to Editor Brooke Brown for review by the posted deadline at: BrookieBru@cox.net , all other writing and items for publication may be e-mailed to Jane Odom at jmo.cons@prentrom.com , also by the posted deadline please.
It takes courage to write that first word, but without it we may never be heard. This is your chance to be brave and break the silence!
Enjoy!
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