WinSlate devices from Forbes AAC (hardware) are compatible Spark, powered by Mind Express.
Spark, powered by MindExpress, represents Forbes AAC’s proprietary package of communication systems, accessible toys and games, environmental controls, and accessible applications. This program runs on our WinSlate and WinSlate with Enable eyes devices. The below image is screengrab of the Spark Portal page, which demonstrates all of the powerful programming that is built right into the software!
All of the Spark vocabulary files come included on every WinSlate device, unless specified. This article will share a little more information about some of our most popular pagesets.
Please note: If you are an SLP and would benefit from having access to a desktop version of Spark, please see this article: Can I gain complimentary access to Forbes AAC's Spark Profile on Mind Express as an SLP?
Text Communication
Amego is the standard text-based offering that is loaded into the Spark dashboard.
AlphaCore can be loaded onto loan devices when requested. It must be specified on the order form to be loaded onto funded devices.
CoreWord
The CoreWord Language System provides AAC users with a powerful combination of core language, fringe vocabulary and banks of key phrases. The language system is divided into five distinct grid sizes: CoreWord 6, 12, 20, 40 and 60. We also have pre-programed pagsets with high-contrast PCS symbols for CoreWord 6, 12, and 20.
An example of CoreWord 40 is depicted in the image below:
Please note: High-contrast PCS symbols come pre-loaded on loan devices, but they must be specified on the order form to be loaded onto funded devices.
SymbolLinks
SymbolLinks comes in 5 different grid sizes (4, 8, 12, 20, and 30), and it organizes the programmed vocabulary by category. In these pagesets, the focus is on functional and phrase-based communication without many core words pre-programmed. SymbolLinks may be most appropriate for those with acquired language disorders (i.e. aphasia) rather than developmental language diagnoses.
An example of SymbolStix 30 is depicted in the image below:
Accessible Apps
Accessible apps are applications with custom buttons that are accessible via any access method. More about accessible apps can be found in this article: Which accessible applications are available in Mind Express?
An example of the accessible browser is depicted in the image below:
Please note: Accessible applications can be used on loan devices. A funded device must be "unlocked" to use accessible apps.
Infrared Toys
Infrared toys are toys that can be controlled via the infrared module on the back of our WinSlate devices. The pagesets that are pre-programmed onto Spark represent the toys that come in our "Language Development Kit." That said, you can program custom toys as long as they are infrared-compatible!
An example of the Robot pagset is depicted in the image below:
Interactive Learning Activities
Interactive learning activities contain a variety of simple games. The "WinSlate for Kids" button links to Kinka games, which are activities optimized for eye gaze. All of the other games (i.e. Fart Monster, Knock Down the Can, Tickle the Penguins, etc.) can be used with any access method and are loaded onto every WinSlate device.
Some video demos of these activities are provided below:
Knock the Can:
Fart Monster:
WinSlate for Kids Activities:
Please note: "WinSlate for Kids Activities" (Kinka games) come pre-loaded on loan devices, but on funded devices, they only come loaded onto our "WinSlate for Kids" device.
Entertainment and Games
The games included in this category are more traditional strategy games such as Connect 4, Battleship, and Tic-Tac-Toe. Each game can be used with any access method.
An example of the Battleship game is depicted in the image below:
Additional Vocabulary Options
Additional language systems such as "Steps to Language" and "PODD" are also compatible with Spark! If you have any questions about these pagesets, please don't hesitate to reach out to your local Assistive Technology Specialist!
Solutions for AAC Users who Speak Multiple Languages
CoreWord 6 (standard and high-contrast symbols), CoreWord 20, CoreWord 40, several traditional games, and the interactive toy pagesets all have Spanish versions.
You can also program custom pagesets for several different languages.
If you have any questions about using Spark with multiple languages, please don't hesitate to reach out to your local Assistive Technology Specialist!
Questions? You are more than welcome to reach out to your local Assistive Technology Specialist: Find a Specialist | Forbes AAC | Augmentative Communication
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