avaz aac app

Feature spotlight: How Avaz makes communication faster and easier

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With Avaz now part of our AAC app offering on Via®, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the features which make it such a powerful and flexible communication tool🔦  

What is Avaz? 

Avaz is a symbol-based app designed to support communicators who benefit from visual communication systems. With an extensive vocabulary and a brilliant array of smart features, it’s built to support quicker, more personalised everyday communication. 

So, what does that look like in practice? Let’s explore some of the features that help make it happen. 

Smarter navigation creates quicker conversations 

Avaz includes several features designed to reduce the number of taps it takes to find the right word or phrase. This helps communicators express themselves faster – and stay engaged in the moment. 

Auto Back 

What it is: The Auto Back feature automatically returns the user to the previous folder after selecting a word. 

What it means for communicators: Fewer navigation steps and a smoother communication flow – especially helpful during fast-paced conversations. 

Jump to Page 

What it is: Jump to Page allows a button to take you directly to another folder. 
For example, selecting “Go” could instantly open the Places folder, or “Happy Birthday” could jump straight to People

What it means for communicators: Faster, more efficient communication. 

Linked Folders 

What it is: Linked Folders allow you to bring relevant vocabulary into a pageset without duplicating it. You can also hide words that aren’t needed in that context, making the page more focused and easier to navigate. 

What it means for communicators: Less scrolling, fewer taps and reduced cognitive load. 

Keep important words within reach 

Communication often relies on a core set of frequently used words – and Avaz makes sure they’re always accessible. 

Frozen Row 

What it is: The Frozen Row is available on every page, providing quick access to commonly used words and categories. Because it stays consistent across the app, users always know where to find key vocabulary. It can also be customised for each pageset, so only the most relevant words appear. 

What it means for communicators: Less visual clutter and easier to find what you need. 

Personalise communication around interests and phrases 

The beauty of Avaz is that it recognises every communicator is different – and that the most meaningful interactions happen when they reflect someone’s personality, interests and natural way of speaking. 

Special Interest Folder 

What it is: This folder (located in the Frozen Row) can be filled with words, phrases and topics the communicator loves – such as hobbies, favourite shows or personal passions. 

What it means for communicators: A more personalised setup, which can boost motivation and engagement with AAC.  

My Gestalts Folder 

What it is: A folder designed for storing commonly used phrases, scripts or ‘gestalts’ – chunks of language that are meaningful to the communicator. 

What it means for communicators: More natural, fluent communication. 
 

Improve access with touch options 

For communicators with fine motor challenges, Avaz includes a range of touch settings which help improve accuracy and control. 

These include: 

  • Select on Release – choose whether a selection is made when the screen is first touched or when the finger is lifted 
  • Hold Duration – set how long a touch must be held to register as a selection 
  • Ignore Repeat – prevent accidental repeated taps 
  • Border settings – add visual feedback through adjustable colour, thickness and shape 

All these help create a more accessible and comfortable experience for users with different physical needs. 

Designed for real-life communication 

Together, these features make Avaz an incredibly powerful app. Whether it’s reducing navigation steps, keeping key words visible or tailoring the vocabulary to each person, the focus is on smoother, more independent communication. 

And, like all apps available on Via®, you can adapt Avaz to your evolving needs to ensure it continues supporting meaningful communication – wherever you’re at.  

Want to learn more? 

If you’d like to explore Avaz or see how these features could work in practice, we’re here to help. 

📞Tel: 02 9124 9945 
📧 Email: support@liberator.net.au 
💬 Or book a 1:1 chat with your local Liberator consultant 

Your AAC device is an important part of everyday life, supporting conversations, learning, and connection with others. And, just like any piece of technology you rely on, it performs best when it’s well looked after! In this blog, we’ll share our top AAC device maintenance tips – including practical care, maintenance, and tech advice to help ensure your device stays reliable, responsive, and ready when you need it!

Here are our top tips for your AAC device maintenance.

#1: Clean Your Device Regularly

Let’s face it – devices get dirty. Whether you’re at school, work, or just having dinner, your device comes along for the ride. Give it some cleaning attention regularly to keep it working well.

For light cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth on the touchscreen. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, then dry the screen with another soft cloth. You can find more detailed cleaning tips in your device manual.

Good to know: Keyguards can go in the dishwasher!

#2: Look After Your Battery

Your device comes with a specific charger – always use that one. Try to charge your battery before it drops to 0%. Charging when your battery is above 10% can extend its life significantly. For best results, charge your device upright at room temperature on a hard surface.

Tip: Turn off your device for faster charging.

#3: Use Sleep Mode and Shut Down Wisely

We encourage keeping your device with you and ready to use for conversations throughout the day. However, there are smart times to use sleep mode or shut down completely.

Set your auto-sleep to five minutes or less. Use sleep mode when you won’t be using your device for short periods, like during swimming.

Remember that sleep mode uses about 2% of battery per hour. Consider turning off your device completely during longer breaks, like overnight.

#4: Avoid Overheating

Like most technology, your device works best when it’s not too hot. Take breaks from heat and avoid charging if your device feels warm. Move to shade or air conditioning rather than trying to cool it with water.

Tip: Keep a low-tech communication board handy for water activities.

#5: Keep Your Software Updated

Software updates bring new features and vocabulary to improve your communication experience. Connect to WiFi and follow the prompts in your settings menu to get these improvements. Updates also help your device run more smoothly overall.

Tip: Plug in your device during updates to protect your battery.

#6: Protect Your Screen

Your screen is essential for accessing all your communication options. Protect it from scratches, moisture, and spills with a screen protector. This also reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to see your buttons.

Visit our online store to see screen protector options for your device.

#7: Consider a Protective Case

Your device is built to be durable and handle daily life. (If you haven’t already), you might try an extra protective case designed specifically for your device model. These cases provide additional security for active use at home and out in the community.

#8: Review Your Access Needs

People change, and your needs change too. It might be time to check that you’re still accessing your device in the most comfortable and efficient way possible.

Connect with your support team (or ours!) to consider adjustments like:

  • Repositioning your device
  • Adjusting your wheelchair setup
  • Trying new vocabulary settings
  • Recalibrating eye gaze (if applicable)
  • Using a keyguard for more accurate selection

Our local consultants are happy to discuss access questions to help you communicate at your best.

#9: When Technical Issues Arise

If you’re experiencing glitches, try restarting your device first – this solves most technical problems.

If you’re still having trouble after a restart, our support team is here to help. Contact us by phone, email, or through our website, and we’ll work together to get your AAC device maintenance issue resolved – and your device running smoothly again.


Need a little support with your AAC device maintenance?

Our team is here to help you make the most of your communication device. Whether you need help with AAC device maintenance or want to explore new ways to optimise your AAC setup, we’re just a call or click away.

Contact us:

 

 

What's Next?

Connect with your local consultant to discover your AAC options!

AAC Consultant Lilla
AAC Consultant Delara
AAC Consultant Morgan