Buying Guide
What do I need to run LAMP: Words For Life®?
Minimum System Requirements
- iOS 9.0
- iPad® 4 running iOS 9
- iPad mini™ 4 iOS 9
Recommended Requirements
- iOS 12.0
- iPad mini™ 4 running iOS 12
- iPad 6th generation running iOS 12
- iPad (Flat-out Fun) running iOS 12
- iPad Pro® 10.5-inch running iOS 12
- iPad Pro® 11-inch or 12.90-inch running iOS 12
Please Note: LAMP Words for Life is NOT compatible with iPhones or iPods.
Will my LAMP Words for Life vocabulary work in a PRC device?
iSharePRC offers a tool that will convert your personalized LAMP™ vocabulary from a PRC device to a format that can be used in the LAMP Words For Life app on the iPad. Currently, there is not a way to convert personalized vocabulary from the LAMP Words for Life app back to a format for a PRC device.
What funding is available for the LAMP app?
Funding for speech-generating devices, tablet computers and communication apps vary significantly by state. Very few states have Medicaid coverage for iPads at this time.
Can I try the app before I buy it?
The Center for AAC & Autism is developing a network of partners who have been trained in the LAMP approach and use of the LAMP Words for Life app. Click here for a list of places where you may be able to try the LAMP Words for Life app, borrow it from a lending library and/or get an assessment before you buy it. Please note that some of these organizations may charge a fee for their services and may not offer all of the previously mentioned services.
How do I purchase?
LAMP Words for Life is only available for iPad and therefore can only be purchased in the App Store on an iPad. If you do not own an iPad yet, you may sign into your iTunes account on someone else’s iPad, purchase the app, then log out of your iTunes account. As of iTunes update 12.7, apps can no longer be purchased on a PC.
What is the difference between LAMP Words For Life and a PRC communication device?
A common question people ask is, “Why would I buy a communication device?” Here are the main reasons:
| LAMP Words for Life on iPad App | LAMP Vocabulary on PRC Communication Devices | |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Yes | Yes |
| Direct access | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative access methods (i.e. scanning, auditory prompts, head pointing, eye-gaze) | No | Yes |
| Computer keyboard and mouse emulation | No | Yes |
| Direct interface with other programs for word processing and academics | No | Yes |
| Medicaid funding | Some states | Yes |
| Medicare funding | No | Yes |
| Durable | No Commercially available protective casing required for most users |
Yes |
| Warranty for accidental damage | Available for additional fee through Apple and third party insurers |
Yes Included with purchase of device |
| Ability to limit access to games and videos | Coming with iOS 6 but a setting that can be turned off |
Yes |
| Infrared environmental controls | No (there are apps that communicate with a local IR unit through WiFi but the iPad must be near the IR unit limiting universal access) |
Yes |
My child has severe motor impairments. Can they use the LAMP app?
A student who is able to isolate a finger and accurately touch .5”×.5” keys may be a candidate for the LAMP app. If the child has motor impairments that prevent them from accessing a screen directly or needs to use switches or eye gaze to make selections, they may better benefit from a PRC communication device.
How will other apps affect my child’s use of his/her communication app?
Consumer tablet computers have a wide variety of functions and features. Some children may easily switch between email, web browsing and word processing applications and their communication software. Other children may prefer to engage in game play and watch videos on their tablet and react negatively to their communication software if they are being asked to discontinue fun activities. It may be helpful to disable video and game features.
Can I use my AAC app to create text that I can use in other application such a Word document or academic software?
Yes, but not directly. Currently, Apple apps do not have the ability to interface and function together. You have the ability to copy the text in the text box then paste that into another application. This limits the device user to copying just a couple lines of text at a time. If the AAC user needs the ability to create text using their AAC software while working within other programs, then a PRC communication device is a better option.
Can I use my AAC app to talk while making phone calls or using Skype?
Yes, but you can only make a voice call. You must first use your Skype app to make the call and then switch to your AAC app. Then you can generate messages that your call partner will hear. You will also hear them from your iPad speakers. You cannot use Skype’s IM using your Words For Life app as the input, nor can you use video.
Cases and Keyguards
 |
ChatWrap Case & Keyguard
|
Silver Kite ChatWrap™ www.silver-kite.com |
|
 |
Keyguard Assistive Technology
|
Visit Keyguard Assistive Technology for more information: www.keyguardat.com/lamp-words-for-life-keyguard/ |
|
 |
LAMP Words for Life Keyguard |
|
For more information on products and services offered by PRC visit www.prentrom.com
For more information on LAMP training and certification visit The Center for AAC & Autism at www.aacandautism.com