Independent Living Centres Australia Inc
infoline: 1300 885 886
web: www.ilcaustralia.org


DISCLAIMER:
The Independent Living Centres Australia Inc does not sell this equipment, but provides this information as a community service. Details and prices are provided by the equipment supplier and are subject to change without notice. The provision of this information does not constitute a recommendation. Responsibility for final selection of any item rests with the individual.

Windbag

ILC Reference NO 62:54:009
Item sourced from ILC VIC database

Windbag

Short Description
Windbag is a software package that provides text based dynamic display from a PC with Windows. Messages can be spoken as they are typed or selected from pre stored messages. The main methods for selecting messages are Instant Messages, Conversation and Clipboard Mode. Messages can be delivered in synthesised or recorded speech. Access is via mouse, trackball, joystick or keyboard.


More Details
Main Methods of Selecting Messages
Instant messages
Over 1500 messages can be stored, then retrieved and spoken with a maximum of 3 key strokes.
In this mode messages are assigned a certain key or series of keystrokes.
Messages can be stored under separate keys on the keyboard.
Messages can be selected by pressing three function keys in a row.
A visual prompt of the messages stored is shown on the screen.

Conversation
In this mode messages are typed in the document window and spoken when requested.
Speak as you type or replay a sentence, paragraph or highlighted section of text.
It is possible to save a complete conversation to disk so it can re reloaded for later use. This is particularly useful for giving talks.

Clipboard mode
Windbag will speak out any text copied into the clipboard from other Windows applications.

Finding messages
Pre-stored messages can be located by typing in some of the letters required in the message.
The word jumper could be typed to bring up all messages containing the word jumper, eg can you get my jumper, I'm hot, can you take off my jumper.

Visual Display
This program uses a word processing page and a simple tool bar.
The toolbar has icons to represent the main features (Message, Instant, Find, Conversation, Clipboard, Quit).
The screens are dynamic display and can be changed by selecting relevant function keys.
The font size and layout of different screens can be adjusted.

Other specialised Features.
Windbag can be used with the Prog system for environmental control.

Minimum System Requirements.
PC with 486 or higher processor.
Win 95 or more recent WIN with 16-32 MB RAM.
Soundblaster compatible soundcard.
256 colour monitor.


Factors to Consider
Accesses a range of speech synthesizers, hardware and software.
Requires good literacy and cognitive skills.
Switch and scanning access not available.


Place of Manufacture
Zygo


Maintenance
Refer to the supplier and manufacturer manual for maintenance instructions and safety warnings.


Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For a fact sheet about standards contact us or visit www.ilcaustralia.org/home/standards.asp.



Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing




Supplier Information
Name:  Alto Computers
Price:  POA
Address:
  58 O'Connell Parade
  Wellington Point
  QLD  4160

Postal Address:
  PO Box 2164
    

Phone:   (07) 3207 2555
FAX:  (07) 3207 2666

Name:  Novitatech
Price:  POA
Address:
  Novitatech
  Days Road
  Regency Park
  SA  5942

Postal Address:
  PO Box 2438
  Regency Park
  SA  5942

Phone:   (08) 8243 8348
FAX:  (08) 8243 8337
Toll Free:  1300 855 585
Email:   assistivetech@novita.org.au
Website:  www.novitatech.org.au/at

Name:  Spectronics
Price:  POA
Address:
  Unit E1 Commercial Court
  130 Kingston Road
  Underwood
  QLD  4119

Postal Address:
  PO Box 88
  Rochedale
  QLD  4123

Phone:   (07) 3808 6833
FAX:  (07) 3808 6108
Email:   mail@spectronicsinoz.com
Website:  www.spectronicsinoz.com

Name:  Technability
Price:  POA
Address:
  The Spastic Centre of NSW
  189 Allambie Road
  Allambie Heights
  NSW  2100

Postal Address:
  PO Box 184
  Brookvale
  NSW  2100

Phone:   (02) 9975 8419/8
FAX:  (02) 9975 5932
Email:   technability@tscnsw.org.au
Website:  www.technability.com.au

Name:  Technical Solutions
Price:  POA
Address:
  109 Ferndale Road
  Silvan
  VIC  3795

Phone:   03 9737 9000
FAX:  03 9737 9111
Email:   sales@tecsol.com.au
Website:  www.tecsol.com.au

Name:  Zyteq Pty Ltd.
Price:  $275.00
Date:  14/05/2009
Address:
  PO Box 190
  South Melbourne
  VIC  3205

Postal Address:
  PO Box 190
  South Melbourne
  VIC  3205

Phone:   (03) 9696 2944
FAX:  (03) 9696 1755
Toll Free:  1800 818 353
Email:   info@zyteq.com.au
Website:  www.zyteq.com.au


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