How do I get started with Avaz on my ProSlate?

Avaz is a robust language system with a wide range of features, customization options, and supported languages. The how-to articles linked in this article are created by Avaz Inc, which is the company who developed the Avaz Software.  

If you have follow-up questions about any Avaz features on your ProSlate, please reach out to the Forbes AAC Tech Support Team and/or your local Forbes AAC Assistive Technology Specialist.

Please Note:  If you have one of our ProSlate loan devices, Avaz will be one of the loaded software systems.  If you have a funded ProSlate, the loaded software will be the one that your speech-language pathologist recommended following an evaluation. This software may or may not be Avaz.

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Setting up Avaz for the First Time

Initial Customizations to Consider

• It can feel overwhelming when getting started with AAC!  This article has some customizations that you may want to consider when you're first getting started:  What items do I add to Avaz to personalize / customize it for my child?

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Customization Options

Side Navigation Panel

By default, the "Side Navigation Panel" is available on the vocabulary file (see image below).  That said, there are many ways to customize it to the AAC User's preferences.

• The "Favorite" button in the side navigation panel can be linked to any frequently used page!  Here's how:  How to customize the Favorite button on the side navigation panel?
• Change which buttons are available in the "Side Navigation Panel:" How to change/customize the side Navigation bar buttons?
• Change the position of the Panel on the screen:  How to customize Side Navigation bar position?
• Removing the "Side Navigation Panel" from the page:  How can I remove the side menu/navigation bar?

Changing the Grid Size & Vocabulary Level

"Grid Size" refers to the number of button locations on each page.  "Vocabulary Level" refers to the type, complexity, and size of the language available within the vocabulary file.

Note:  Maintaining a consistent motor plan (not changing button locations/grid sizes) is important, but there may be legitimate reasons for adjusting the grid size (number of buttons per page).  The appropriate grid size will be determined by the AAC User and the SLP.

• What are available grid sizes (pictures per screen) and how do I set it up?
  • How to set up different grid sizes for different folders?
• What are the different types of vocabularies in Avaz?

Adding/Editing Content

Customizing program content and the speaking voice are essential part of getting started with a communication system.

• Customizing Icons
  • Content
    • How do I edit an icon or change Avaz vocabulary (text, image, audio)?
    • How do I change the image or add / upload photos from camera / gallery?
    • Note:  The device must be "unlocked" to access the following features:
      • How can I add photos from the web (internet)?
      • How do I add a GIF to a button?
      • How to add YouTube Videos in Avaz?
  • Button Actions
    • How to make a word / button jump to another page or folder?
    • How can I turn off the enlargement (Zoom) of the icon or alphabet keys?
  • Design
    • How do I change the background color (color code) of an icon?
    • How do I move icons around within the page (free positioning)?
    • How do I hide and unhide a word / folder, without permanently deleting it?
• Pages/Folders
  • How do I add a new page / folder /category?
  • What is a linked folder and how to link a folder?
  • What happens when you edit / delete a linked folder?

Voice/Pronunciation

• How to change the Voice?

• "Expressive Tones" is a feature unique to Avaz that allows users to choose a tone for the phrase they have in their message window (i.e. angry, sad, excited, etc.).  Here is how to use this tool:  How to use Expressive Voices or Tones while communicating?

  Note:  You must be connected to the internet to use "Expressive Tones."  "Expressive Tones" are currently only available when using English language voices.

• How do I change the pronunciation of words that are mis-pronounced by Avaz?

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Setting Up Avaz for Multi-Language Use

• Use this reference guide to see which languages are currently supported within Avaz on iOS devices:  Languages supported by Avaz iOS app
• Avaz allow users to toggle between English and a second language.  Here is how to use this feature:  How to set up or change to a different language in the app?
• Note:  Certain features, such as "Expressive Tones," are currently only available when using English language voices.

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Other Helpful Tools

• Searching for words allows you to quickly find the location of words when needed.  Here is how to use the search feature:  How do I find or search for words in the vocabulary?
• Sometimes you may want to add multiple words to the same page at one time (i.e. you have multiple items you want to add to the "food" page).  Here is how to do so:  How do I add many items (multiple words) at one go?
• Printing pages:  How do I print a page (screen) or print Avaz book (low tech board) as PDF?
• Quick Reference Guide:  Customizing Avaz - Cheat Sheet

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Backing Up Avaz

Backing up your language software regularly is highly recommended.  This ensures that you will always have a saved copy of your custom language file should anything happen to your communication device.  

Many communication apps recommend that you back up custom vocabulary files via Dropbox or Google Drive.  Forbes AAC does load Dropbox and Google Drive apps onto all ProSlate devices before they ship, but we do NOT set up any associated accounts, so these are accounts that you would need to create yourself.  More about the account set-up process can be found in the following articles:

• Dropbox
• Google Drive 

Managing Backups on Avaz

• Backup of Avaz content
• How do I set up Avaz to take backups automatically?
• How do I delete a backup from the app?

Transferring Content

• How do I copy the backup from my device to Dropbox in the Cloud?
• How to transfer/sync content between two devices using Google Drive?
• How do I copy (transfer) Avaz content from one iPad to another using AirDrop?
• How do I sync/copy/transfer Avaz data (vocabulary/backup) between two devices?

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Would you or your team benefit from AAC training?  You are more than welcome to reach out to your local Assistive Technology Specialist:  Find a Specialist | Forbes AAC | Augmentative Communication