Tango - Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device

Richard Ellenson - Creator of Tango

(Click on link to view a brief video about the birth of the Tango AAC Device)

Potential Clients...

• Non - Verbal
• Austistic
• Cerebral Palsy
• Verbal clients who need to communicate with more meaning vs. repetition of phrases
• Those who have communication-related impairments
• Those who need communication technology to keep up with them

Meeting Client's Needs

The Tango is designed to complement natural interaction. It is small and light. This means that there are no physical barriers between communicators.  Users can devote their attention to the message they need to share, and not to the speech device being used to share it.  The Tango’s six-button structure supports fast communication.

 The Tango...

• Organizes language into sets of six buttons
• Simplifies navigation and speeds up composition
• Encourages focus for individuals with learning challenges
• Guides fingers over a contoured surface as they make selections
• The Tango connects to a PC and allows the user full use of the PC.
• Totally portable - Small enough to take anywhere!

This Blog speaks to the features and durability of the Tango.

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Tara's Blogspot

Accessibility

Direct Selection - Selection is made upon contact with the touch screen. Choose from: 

• Instant activation or Press and hold

• Plug-and-Play Scanning: Includes seven patterns for diverse needs, and automatically starts when the switch plugs in.

• Scanning: Scanning Highlighting is used in a specific pattern so individuals can use a switch (or other device) to make a selection when the desired object is highlighted

Cost Analysis

Online I found a price tag of $8299.  I also found an “accessories” page for Tango...which were quite pricy

Tango Accessories 

Tango versus Proloquo2go

Of the brief experience I had with Proloquo2go on January 12th, as a parent I would be more willing to shell out the $500 for an iPad and the $200 for the Proloquo2go app and still be in the money.  The Tango allows the user to connect to a PC, but an iPad has all the functions of a PC and more.  So if you consider purchasing Tango and a PC, and any of the accessories...you are looking at close to 10 Grand, whereas if you went with the iPad, Proloquo2go, and an Otterbox, you are under $800!