Needs First: AugCom System Search Tool Description of Needs First Specifically, Needs First is an interactive database program designed to facilitate the "search" process. Over 150 commercially available augmentative communication systems have been included in Needs First 2001. Each system has been categorized according to 48 distinguishing features in the areas of access (input and output), selection choice and process, rate enhancement options, size and price. The user simply indicates the needs of the non-verbal individual by answering simple questions or by filling out a checklist. The program then offers a compilation of augmentative communication systems with features which match those needs. The user is provided with manufacturer information, a digitized photograph and a detailed list of matching features. The program also provides print-outs of search results, ideal for augcom assessment reports. You can save "searches" for later recall and modification. It also has an on-line glossary of over 50 augmentative communication terms. It is important to note that Needs First is a TOOL in the assessment process. It is NOT prescriptive. It makes no claims that one system is better than another. Rather, it objectively lists which systems might be appropriate according to the information you provide. Let's walk through the process involved in 'Conducting a Search:' At the Title page, select the Conduct a Search button. Fill in the Identifying Information page with the name and date of birth of the individual for whom you are conducting the search. Select either the Long Form button or the Short Form button. The Long Form search will present you with a series of 48 easy-to-understand questions which are designed to help you identify the needs of your client. You simply answer each question by clicking on the appropriate answer (usually yes or no). The Long Form is ideal for individuals unfamiliar with all the related augmentative communication terms. See sample questions. The Short Form search will present you with an on-screen checklist form. It allows you to quickly indicate which features your client needs. The Short Form is designed for people already familiar with the available features of augmentative communication systems. See layout of Short Form checklist. After you've either answered all the Long Form questions or filled out the Short Form checklist, the program compiles a list of all the augmentative communication systems which have features which meets the identified needs of your client. The search results provide the following information on each appropriate system: name of the augmentative communication system; manufacturer's name, address and phone number; listing of features that match your client's needs. With a click of the mouse, you can generate a printout of this information, ideal for assessment reports. After the Needs First search, you are to review the results, refer to corresponding catalogs for more specific information, then contact the vendors of the systems for which you'd like to see a demonstration or arrange a trial period. Needs First also has features to save 'searches' for later recall and modification. There is also a way to update the database of systems. You can easily add, delete or modify systems as the market changes. BACK Long Form Search Questions Here are several samples of questions from the Long Form Search: Does the individual have the manual dexterity and literacy skills necessary to use a standard keyboard? Does this individual need a membrane keyboard device which provides larger or smaller key selection areas and definable keys? Does this individual need a single switch(es) to access a system because of severe physical limitations? Does this individual need digitized speech for pre-recorded communication phrases using a realistic voice? Does this individual need text-to-speech which allow unlimited, flexible speech output in the form of type and talk capabilities? Does this individual need to have his selection choices presented as auditory prompts? Does this individual need a system with abbreviation/expansion which would speed up text entry by recognizing abbreviations and expanding them into full sentences or phrases (i.e. MNB=my name is Barb)? Go Back Short Form Checklist Here is the layout of the Short Form along with a few sample items (NOTE: This is a sample listing of the items included in the Short Form. It does NOT represent the form, in its entirety as it appears in the Needs First program). ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS Input Options standard keyboard touch screen switch Output Options digitized speech LCD display paper printout SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS Choice Options photographs symbols letters Method Options direct selection scanning Speech Output Capabilities unlimited less than 20 phrases Rate Enhancement Features word prediction abbreviation/expansion SIZE CONSIDERATIONS PRICE CONSIDERATIONS BACK