PASS (PRC Application and Support Software) demo software for NuVoice allows you to create, modify, and save vocabularies, then load them into your communication device. You can also use PASS to create support materials, such as smart charts, manual boards, and vocabulary lists. With PASS, AAC support professionals and family members can practice or work on a client’s device contents without needing to have the device present.
Note: This is a desktop application and will not run on Windows RT or in the "Tiles" on Windows 8 or Windows 8.1.
Most operations and programming in the PASS software are exactly the same as in NuVoice on an Accent device. However, there are a few differences and some other features. This article includes PASS-related topics that are not covered in other support materials.
To learn how to add words, activities, and pages to a vocabulary, refer to your software manual or vocabulary-specific quick reference guide.
Download NuVoice PASS software at: prc-saltillo.com/software-downloads
System Requirements: Windows Vista®, Windows® 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11.
This information applies to NuVoice® software version 2.09 or higher.
Tools Key
This key provides access to the user keys, such as the Toolbox and Setup key.
In PASS, the Tools Key can be accessed from the blue button, as in NuVoice, or from the Special Keys option along the top menu ribbon.
Load your LAMP Words for Life® or Unity® Vocabulary File
If you are in the Exploration Wizard, follow the prompts on the screen to load your desired vocabulary. If not:
Select the Tools key and then Toolbox.
Select User Area Menu.
Select Replace User Area.
Select a User Area (1-6) that you want to replace with a version of LAMP WFL or Unity.
Select Pre-Defined Vocabularies.
Select English.
Select the desired vocabulary folder.
Select the desired vocabulary version (1-Hit, Transition, or Full).
By selecting Yes, the current user area will be erased and replaced with your desired vocabulary. Type the word “replace.” Select OK.
Once complete, answer Yes or No to “Switch to this user area now?” Select OK and then Go to Home.
Configure PASS to CoreScanner™, Unidad®, Essence®, or WordPower®
Select the Tools key, select the Toolbox, and then select Maint Menu.
Select Change Product Configuration.
Select your desired product configuration. All six current user areas will be erased and replaced.
Select Yes to confirm the replacement.
Select OK twice.
Save a Vocabulary in PASS or Device
Insert your flash drive into the USB port on the back of the device or computer (for PASS).
Select the Tools key and then Toolbox.
Select Transfer Memory Menu.
Select Save One User Area and touch the user area you want to back up or Save Entire Device Contents.
Make sure the pre-set folder is a USB drive. If so, select OK. If not, select Choose Different Folder and Up Folder to navigate to the USB drive. It may be marked “Removable media”.
Select OK. Type the file name and date (xx-xx-xx).
Select OK and wait for the memory transfer to take place. Once complete, select OK twice, and then Go to Home.
Load a Vocabulary into PASS or Device
Insert your flash drive into the USB port on your device or computer (for PASS).
If loading into PASS, open the PASS software. If loading into a device, go to step 3.
Select the Tools key and then Toolbox.
Select Transfer Memory Menu.
Select Load One User Area and touch the user area (1-6) you want to load the vocabulary into. Please note, the existing user area will be erased/replaced with the new one.
Select Load Entire Device Contents, if you are loading a file that contains the entire contents of a device.
If you see the file you want to load already on the screen, select it. Otherwise use Up Folder to navigate to the USB flash drive. Select the file you want to load.
Wait for the memory transfer to take place. Once complete, select OK. Answer Yes or No to “Switch to this user area now?”
Select OK twice, and then Go to Home.
Take a Screen Capture
Use the Screen Capture tool to take a snapshot of any screen and print it so you can use it as a low-tech communication board.
To use the Screen Capture Tool:
Navigate to the screen you want to print.
Select the Tools menu along the top menu ribbon.
Select Screen Capture.
Name your file and designate where you want the file saved on your computer.
Select Save.
You will now see a Paint Program or equivalent editing software open with your page displayed.
Format and print.
Write with Icons
For Unity and LAMP Words for Life only
Write with Icons (WWI) allows you to type words and see them displayed as icon sequences. For example, if your PASS is in a user area with Unity 84 Sequenced, WWI will display icon sequences for words in Unity 84 Sequenced. People use Write with Icons to make support materials such as flash cards, target vocabulary lists, and adapted classroom materials.
To use Write with Icons:
Select the Vocabulary tab.
Select Vocabulary Display Options.
Select Write with Icons (F11).
Note: If this is your first time using PASS, you will see a WWI setup screen. You can use this to change how WWI works (see WWI Preferences).
Now whatever you type will show up on the display with icon sequences. You must type a word and then add a space, tab, return, or punctuation after it to display the icon sequences.
To format and print your words and icon sequences, select File, then Save and Open. Name your file and designate where you want the file saved on your computer. Then select Save. Your words and icon sequences will open in a text document. Format and print. To stop using WWI, select Vocabulary and then Return to Emulator.
Write with Icons Preferences
To change WWI options, go to the File Menu and select Preferences.
Select Instructions on Page if you want to see instructions listed on the page.
Select Icon on Key Background if you want the icon to appear like a key with rounded edges.
Select Icons Only (no typed words) if you only need to see the icons.
With Icon Sequence Choices selected, you will be given choices if there is more than one way to say a word. Click on the sequence you want, and then select OK. If Icon Sequence Choices is not selected, you will get the first choice on the list.
With Automatic Phrase Handling unselected, each word will show its sequence. If Automatic Phrase Handling is selected, the shortcut phrases will be displayed.
Create a Smart Chart
A “Smart Chart” is a support material created from a set of words using Vocabulary Builder. Vocabulary Builder is a therapeutic tool that allows you to temporarily limit the amount of vocabulary visible.
To learn more about Vocabulary Builder in NuVoice, see Using Vocabulary Builder.
For LAMP Word for Life, visit our YouTube channel.
To create a Smart Chart:
Have Vocabulary Builder turned on with your desired set of words visible.
Select the Vocabulary menu at the top of PASS.
Select Vocabulary Display Options.
Select Create Smart Chart.
Your Vocabulary Builder set of words will be displayed as a list of words and icon sequences in Write with Icons.
Select File, then Save and Open. Name your file and designate where you want the file saved on your computer. Then select Save. Your words and icon sequences will open in a text document.
To turn your list into a chart, in Word, highlight all text and icons.
Select Insert.
Select Table.
Select Convert Text to Table.
Select OK and a chart will be automatically created.
Look Up Icon Rationales
Select the Vocabulary menu at the top of PASS.
Select Vocabulary Display Options.
Select Core Key Assignments.
Hover over an icon with your mouse or scroll down the page to view icon rationales.