By Anthony Arnold, PRC-Saltillo Ambassador and part-time service employee
I’m Anthony Arnold, an augmentative and alternative communicator from San Tan Valley, Arizona. I have been communicating with PRC-Saltillo communication devices for nearly 40 years, so I have extensive experience upgrading and changing devices. Like other communication device users, my insurance pays for a device every five years, which is doable because technological advancements typically occur within a similar schedule.
When my fifth anniversary for device renewal is nearing, I start weighing various factors, such as the service history concerning my present device that both PRC-Saltillo and you should have access to, how well I’m accessing my current device and configurations, and any technological enhancements that might have been introduced within the last five years. I have even considered offerings from other companies to see how they may compare with PRC-Saltillo. This may sound very extensive, but as a rule of thumb, I narrow it to three months, or it gets a bit overwhelming, and you sometimes don’t achieve your end goal as effectively as you would prefer.
Until this recent year, I used Unity 128/144 for decades, an impressive configuration that allows communication and computer access on one overlay. However, I felt like I wasn’t entirely mastering Minspeak in a way that made me comfortable, so I decided to look at Unity 84, which has more excellent visible feedback for learning various sequences. I needed to relearn various motor plans but finally found my sweet spot. I have never been this confident in my language delivery and writing at previous times in my AAC journey. After experiencing this, I have learned how essential it is to include the user in whatever decisions in hardware and software. You want to provide them with something they will be comfortable using 24/7 in all environments doing various activities.
Once I have my new device, I need to ensure the various supports are in place, including support staff to help with various stages throughout the setup process, like ensuring that my wheelchair mounting system works with it and doing any memory transfers between old and new communication devices. These steps are critical to ensure a smooth transition.
Another thing I always make sure is whether or not my device comes with an extended warranty option. Any warranty you can have is a plus because accidents that are out of our control at times do occur.
Change doesn’t have to be problematic if the proper planning is in place and executed. Upgrading and changing devices should be liberating, with endless possibilities that weren’t even on your radar. Go communicate, and be your best self at every stage of life!
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Communicators In Action - changing devices, unity,