DynaVox Series 5, User Manual

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Series 5 v1.07 - User’s Guide 95
Part # 401125-A
Using Slots
Using Slots
One of the rate enhancement features supported by the DynaVox Series 5 software is the
concept slot (also called “slot”). A slot is a variable placeholder that can be included in button
text, button labels and phrases. This section of the
User’s Guide
introduces slots and offers
step-by-step instructions for creating a phrase with slots, adding slots to buttons and working
with slots in the Message Window.
Slots are designed to provide a variety of vocabulary options while reducing the number of
selections that you must make to create a whole message. Slots also help to conserve space
on the touch screen. Slots provide you with easy access to all of the words associated with a
particular vocabulary concept (or category). When you select a slot, you can choose to replace
the word that is currently filling the slot with another word from the same concept.
Rather than build a dynamic message one word at a time, you can create sentences that
contain slots in key locations. When the phrase is added to the Message Window, you can
then select the slots (displayed as blue underlined words) and replace the current words with
different options. Refer to the following example:
In the picture on the left, the message in the Message Window is the label text for a button.
The first slot is associated with the “breakfast” concept and the second slot is associated with
the “fruit” concept. The slots allow you to create dynamic messages with a reduced number of
selections. By selecting the slots and changing the filler text, the example phrase can quickly
and easily be changed to the picture on the right.
Most Series 5 device users will work with slots as either part of a phrase in the
My Phrases
menu, or as part of a button’s label or text message. When the text with the slot is selected
and sent to the Message Window, the user will be able to select the slot and replace it with an
array of similar vocabulary.
Adding Slots to Phrases
Adding slots to phrases is one way to maximize the potential of both rate enhancement
features. This technique provides you with rapid access to complete statements, while still
enabling you to vary what you are going to say. For example, if you tell an assistant what you
want to wear every morning, then you may want to create a phrase to say “I want to wear my
jeans today.” Then, simply turn the word “jeans” into a slot that accesses the “clothing”
concept. Every morning you can quickly access the same phrase, no matter what page or
popup is active, and say “I want to wear my sweater today.” or “I want to wear my boots today.”
You could even add more slots, such as one that accesses the “colors” concept or the
“textures” concept to add more description to your statements.
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